Stroke Rehabilitation Program

After a stroke, physical rehabilitation is a survivor's best chance for maximum recovery. Studies indicate that 60 percent of stroke survivors can benefit from aggressive rehabilitation intervention, with 80 percent of those treated through rehabilitation services returning to their homes, work, schools or active retirement. *

The HealthSouth Stroke Rehabilitation program offers the expertise to overcome physical and cognitive challenges associated with stroke. The result: improved patient outcomes, lower overall cost of care, and a faster return…to work…to play…to living.

*National Rehabilitation Caucus

Goals

• Enhance the patient's functional abilities
• Reduce complications
• Increase strength and endurance
• Patient and family education and training
• Community re-integration
• Provide follow-up and referral to other resources to support the patient's continued recovery

Program Components
The program includes:

• Comprehensive Medical Management
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services provided by Neuro Developmental Trained and Certified Therapists
• Comprehensive Nursing Services provided by Neuro Developmental Trained and Certified Nurses
• Case Management
• Patient/Family Education and Support
• Comprehensive Outpatient Services/Clinics

Neurological Rehabilitation Technology

AutoAmbulator
Developed by HealthSouth, the AutoAmbulator is a sophisticated, body weight supported treadmill training device that allows patients with conditions that limit walking and balance - common side effects of neurological events - the ability to replicate normal walking patterns.

VitalStim
VitalStim therapy is the first and only FDA-cleared Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation therapy approved for treating swallowing disorders commonly caused by neurological events such as stroke. Through specially designed electrodes placed on the neck, VitalStim painlessly delivers a carefully calibrated electrical current to the muscles that control swallowing function. The current causes muscle contractions that can result in improved swallow function. With repeated therapy, throat muscles are retrained and the patient is progressed to an optimum level of swallow function which allows for modification of the patient's diet, returning them to regular food.

SaeboFlex
SaeboFlex is a custom-fitted, dynamic resting hand orthosis that allows the patient to open their hand for grasp and release activities.

SaeboFlex therapy improves strength, range of motion, motor control, and overall arm function.

Interactive Metronome
IM is a training program that has been found to improve processing abilities controlling attention, motor planning, and sequencing by also relying on the concept of neuroplasticity. IM challenges a patient to match a computer generated beat heard through headphones with repetitive actions such as tapping his or her toes on a floor sensor mat or hand clapping while wearing an IM glove with a palm trigger.

Seamless Transition Home with L.I.F.E.

• The L.I.F.E. (Living Independently in Functional Environments) program focuses on the application of therapeutic techniques in a dynamic, functional environment
• Patient attends individual and/or group therapies from two to five days per week, for two to six hours per day
• The program's objective is to enhance the patient's functional abilities and increase strength and endurance to maximize quality of life, and optimize independence

For more information about stroke rehabilitation, visit the American Stroke Association website.