If you've been injured or experienced an illness, you may need help getting back to full strength again.
The rehabilitation specialists at University Health are here for you.
Our team is dedicated to helping patients regain the highest possible level of function after a health problem. We offer inpatient and outpatient care for people of all ages and have expertise in helping people recover from a wide range of issues, including:
- Accidents or injuries like concussion, spinal cord trauma, sports injuries and workplace injuries.
- Medical conditions like stroke, arthritis, cerebral palsy and hearing loss.
- Surgeries like total joint replacement and amputation.
Our rehabilitation team
Our rehabilitation team includes many specialized healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.
Each member of the team is highly trained in their field. They also understand the importance of giving you care that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
All of our rehabilitation specialists collaborate closely with one another and with the other University Health providers who are on your healthcare team. We work together to make sure you get the best care possible.
Reviewed 2/3/2023
PHYSICAL THERAPY QUIZ
TRUE OR FALSE?
Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in movement. They can help people reach their fitness goals and maintain independent, active lives. How much do you know about the many ways PTs can help you?
START THE QUIZ
True or false? PTs mostly treat people who are recovering from orthopedic surgery.
False. Orthopedic care is only one part of physical therapy. PTs may also help with a wide range of other issues, such as:
- Chronic pain.
- Developmental disabilities.
- Heart or lung problems.
- Cancer and lymphedema.
- Neurological issues, like multiple sclerosis.
- Pelvic pain.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Wounds.
True or false? Increasing the use of physical therapy could help alleviate the opioid epidemic.
True. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says physical therapy can be a safe and effective alternative to opioids for chronic pain. Opioids come with the risk of addiction and overdose.
True or false? Your doctor might refer you to a PT to help you avoid surgery.
True. Physical therapy has been found to work just as well as surgery for some conditions. These include:
- Knee osteoarthritis.
- Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Degenerative disk disease.
True or false? PTs work almost exclusively in hospitals.
False. Many do work in hospitals. But you can also find PTs providing care in:
- Outpatient clinics.
- Homes.
- Schools.
- Sports and fitness clubs.
- Workplaces.
- Nursing homes.
True or false? Physical therapy can include many types of treatment.
True. PTs may use a variety of techniques depending on your health needs. Examples include hands-on manipulation, patient education, working with exercise equipment, stretching maneuvers, dry needling, exercise and aquatic therapy.
Occupational therapy can also be helpful for many people. Test your knowledge of occupational therapy by taking this quiz.
Sources: American Physical Therapy Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Rehabilitation services we offer
We provide rehabilitation services at two locations: University Health Truman Medical Center in downtown Kansas City and University Health Lakewood Medical Center in eastern Jackson County.
Here are a few of the special programs and advanced treatments we offer at one or both of our locations:
Our team includes specialists who are certified in lymphedema massage and wrapping. A key part of the care we provide is education and information that helps patients and their families manage lymphedema at home.
Dizziness is one of the most common medical problems reported to doctors. We have a physical therapist who is certified in treating the problem. VBRT helps decrease the risk of falling and improve balance and vision. It can even eliminate dizziness.
Our certified hand therapists help patients regain maximum use of their hands after injury, surgery or the onset of disease. Treatments our therapists offer include hand-strengthening exercises and custom splints that help the hand heal and avoid additional injury.
Our therapists work with our physicians to treat pelvic floor disorders and the problems they can cause, such as urinary or fecal incontinence. Rehabilitation treatments may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle and abdominal strengthening.
- Bladder training.
- Education about bladder irritants and urge suppression techniques.
- Biofeedback.
Our team includes therapists who are trained and certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) programs, which provide intensive exercise and sensory retraining for people who have Parkinson's disease. The LSVT programs include specific exercises and protocols that are delivered by our therapists in individual treatment sessions. The LSVT LOUD program is designed to improve speech, and the LSVT BIG program helps improve limb function.
Wounds that don't heal can become infected, spread and become painful. Our certified wound care specialists offer treatment for minor burns, pressure ulcers, diabetic and venous stasis ulcers, and other wounds.
Low vision rehabilitation is provided by one of our occupational therapists. The therapist will start by assessing your vision and seeing how low vision affects your ability to perform everyday tasks. Then they'll provide training and recommendations that are customized to your needs. This may include:
- Home safety recommendations.
- Lighting recommendations.
- Visual skills training.
- Cooking safety suggestions.
- Financial management adaptations.
- Scotoma awareness training.
- Preferred retinal loci training.
- Handwriting training.
- Optical and other low vision equipment training.
Our therapists work with children who are living with challenges like autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Down syndrome. Partnering with families, we develop healthy strategies that help children be successful at home, in school and in the community.
Our team includes physical and occupational therapists who have extensive experience in treating neuropathy. They will perform a complete evaluation and develop a plan that will treat symptoms, like pain and numbness, and also work on improving strength, balance and overall function.
Our team includes speech pathologists who are trained in VitalStim® therapy. This treatment retrains the muscles that are needed to complete the swallowing process. During treatment, a small current runs through electrodes attached to the neck, causing muscles to contract. Repeated treatments can retrain the muscles to complete the swallowing process.
Our physiatrists work with surgeons, therapists and prosthetists to provide long-term care for people who've lost a limb. We help our patients with mobility, self-care, prosthetics and other needs.
Inpatient rehabilitation
Inpatients at our hospitals have access to rehabilitation specialists (physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists) who help them regain function and prepare to leave the hospital. Inpatient rehabilitation is prescribed by the patient's physician.
At University Health Lakewood Medical Center, we have a dedicated, 16-bed medical rehabilitation unit. A physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) oversees the care. Therapists in the unit work with the patient and family members to develop individualized treatment programs, unique to the needs and of each patient and supportive of the patient achieving an optimal level of functioning. Family members participate in therapy and training to make the transition to home a successful event.
How to get outpatient rehabilitation care
You need a referral from your provider to get rehabilitation care. Since services at our locations vary, your doctor can give one of our locations a call before writing the referral.
No matter which location you visit, you won't wait long for an appointment. We know you want to see progress, and we're here to help make that happen. We look forward to helping you meet your goals.