At our Kids First department, our therapists and staff create a fun and welcoming environment for our younger patients. Our therapists have extensive experience working with all levels of pediatric orthopedic injuries, including ankle/knee sprains, growth plate fractures, low back pain, sports injuries and traumatic injuries.
Our Therapists keep in mind the child’s future growth and development. We work to enhance core stability, lower extremity function, gross motor skills and relieving pain while promoting overall fitness and health in children of all ages.
Physical Therapy can help patients who have a disruption to systems other than musculoskeletal, return to normal activities. Physical Therapy will challenge these patients through safe, fun, and functional tasks. Some of the common non-orthopedic disorders that can benefit from Physical and Occupational therapy are, CVA (Stroke), Pinched Nerve, Multiple Sclerosis, and Vertigo or dizziness.
Balance training benefits patients by decreasing fall risk, developing confidence in daily activity, increasing energy efficiency, reducing likelihood of injury and helping to increase speed, strength and power.
Kinesio taping is a specific rehabilitation taping technique that is designed to help the body’s healing process through providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. Additionally taping provides extended soft tissue manipulation which will prolong the benefits of manual therapy that the therapist provides during the course of therapy.
Although Kinesio taping became popular from athletes, it can be used on anyone suffering from tension or soreness caused by a strain or overused muscles. Kinesio Taping can also reduce inflammation by reducing pressure on the lymphatic system. It can also reduce inflammation and swelling post-surgery.
Kinesio Taping is most commonly used on shoulder, back, knees, ankle and feet, to help patients return to normal function in their everyday life.
People who suffer from sporadic or chronic pain in their hands can benefit from splinting. A splint is a custom-made device that is designed and created by an Occupational Therapist or Certified Hand Therapist. The art and science of a proper splint construction lies in the understanding and knowledge of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the human hand and arm. An experienced Therapist will design and fit a splint based on the condition and individual needs of the patient.
No one would deny the importance of their hands. Day in and day out, our hands touch, feel and carry many objects. When your hands and arms are not functioning to their ‘normal functioning level’ you will feel a big difference. A simple task becomes challenging.
Splinting, when properly designed and fitted, has been proven to increase hand function, reduce pain and helps patients’ return to their normal level of function.
There are many different types of splints; which are:
For maximum effectiveness, hand splinting is often combined with other treatment techniques such as stretching, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and strengthening exercises. Splints can be prescribed to be worn during the day, night, at all times or for a specific activity to assist hand function. Patients are instructed in the correct way to wear, use and care for the splints.
Upon evaluation, your therapists will determine which splint will best suite your needs.
First Rehab teamed up with Sparks of Life, a non-for-profit organization for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s and other chronical neurological conditional. First Rehab of Lakewood hosts a weekly specialized exercise class to help its participants suffering from these conditions to regain strength and quality of life.
Research has shown that regular exercise, significantly benefits patients with Parkinson’s disease. Exercising will help to reduce stiffness and improve mobility, posture, balance and gait. Some studies have even suggested that exercise may also reduce depression.
Our therapists have designed a specialized exercise program to empower those with Parkinson’s disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms.
This exercise program can help patients move about with greater ease, and confidence. It can help with getting out of bed, rising from a chair and enable patients to dress independently and regain a sense of moving with normality.
Patients who have undergone a total joint replacment (hip, knee or other joint) will be guided through a safe and effective rehabilitatoin program. Patients will receive one-on-one hands on treatment from a therapist who is knowledgeable in treating joint replacements. The therapist will also be able to instruct you post-surgery regarding wound care, precautions, rehabilitation guidelines and your return to activity.
People who have a joint replacement have long term pain and mobility issues and as a result have become deconditioned. Having therapy prior to surgery can have an impact on a faster and easier recovery. Our therapist will work on improving muscle strength and range of motion as well as, building cardiovascular endurance so that you will go in surgery in the best shape possible. Following surgery beginning therapy as soon as possible is a proven method for effective rehabilitation following their joint replacement.
Many times patients complete their Physical or Occupational therapy and want to continue the exercises the benefit their recovery. Our Step Down Program allows patient the opportunity to “Step Down” after completing therapy by doing specific supervised movements and exercises designed to continue their path to good health.