The Rehabilitation Center
Occupational Therapy Helps Individuals Live Life to Its Fullest
- Customized treatment programs to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities
- Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
- Performance skills assessments and treatment
- Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
- Guidance to family members and caregivers.
For more information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, visit www.apprhs.org or call The Rehabilitation Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone at (828) 268-9043; in Linville at (828) 737-7520; at Watauga Medical Center Inpatient OT (828) 262-4173; or at Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136.
To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Web site, www.aota.org.
October is National Physical Therapy Month
“Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) has PTs and PTAs restoring quality of life all across our healthcare system”, says Jeanne Bradshaw, PT, Executive Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.
If you are one of many people who experience low back pain, for example, a physical therapist can help. If you have had a running injury or want to maintain your ability to run as you age, a physical therapist can help. If you are experiencing impairments from Bell palsy, diabetes, frozen shoulder, stroke, knee replacement or pelvic pain, to name but a few conditions, a physical therapist can help.
“Physical Therapy is crucial to recovery for patients in many settings, including Home Health, Skilled Nursing, the Wellness Center – THRIVE program and Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient care” says Bradshaw. “Losing your ability to move because of pain or problems with balance, strength or range of motion, significantly impact a person’s independence and quality of life.”
ARHS is constantly looking at ways to improve care. Currently, a team of outpatient therapists at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital are working together to implement new evidence-based guidelines for low back pain, in preparation for a new fast-access back pain program.
“We are interested in the ways that early therapy intervention can reduce costs of care,” says Bradshaw.
In many cases, a physical therapist can work to manage or eliminate pain without medication and its side effects. Physical therapy may even be an alternative to surgery, in many cases. A physical therapist will examine you and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote your ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. If you are looking for an evidence-based, cost-effective, conservative approach to health care, then a physical therapist may be right for you.
Physical therapists are required to complete a graduate degree – either a master’s or clinical doctorate – from an accredited education program and pass a state-administered national exam before practicing. By 2015, all physical therapists will graduate with a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree.
To learn more about physical therapy and other rehabilitation therapies available through Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, visit www.apprhs.org/rehab-therapy.
Hawkins Provides Sports Medicine Support to Avery High
 Joe Hawkins |
“Since starting with ARHS in August, he has already screened many injuries on the sidelines, addressed old injuries from last year and sent a few students to the hospital for assessment and treatment,” shared Jeanne Bradshaw, Executive Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness Center for ARHS. “He has had 360+ student visits, not counting taping, and has referred more than 21 students to Cannon Memorial Hospital or local doctors’ offices for x-rays, MRI’s, CTs, ECHOs and ACL reconstruction consultations.”
Hawkins comes to ARHS from Lees McRae College where he was the Head Athletic Trainer. He has over 22 years experience, including 15 years of professional work with the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.
“Joe brings a great deal of experience to our system,” shared Jay Smith, Athletic Director for Avery High School. “Our student athletes now have a full-time person at school, not only to monitor at the games, but to do rehabilitation during lunch and before practice. He is also available on Saturday mornings.”
A well known member of the Linville community, Hawkins received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina -Charlotte. He then earned his master’s degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Alabama. He is certified as an instructor of the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support and is a certified paramedic with the Linville Central Rescue Squad and Avery County EMS.
“Joe’s certifications mean that he can provide pre-hospital care, if a serious injury occurs,” said Bradshaw. “He is a wonderful asset to have at local athletic events.”
ARHS’s vision, to build a healthcare system that results in healthier individuals and enhanced quality of life, is strengthened by Hawkins’ presence. By providing sports medicine support to Avery High School, students athletes have access to strength and conditioning professionals that will work with them to help prevent injuries, as well as receive immediate attention if an injury does occur.
Smith continues, “This partnership gives our kids the best possible care. When an injury occurs, Joe can treat it or ensure that the student gets to the Emergency Room and treated in a timely manner. It is a win win for Avery County athletics.”
Get the Scoop on Women’s Health Care at the Women’s Extravaganza
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System will host the Women’s Extravaganza on Friday, September 7th at the Boone Mall. Ladies, and gentlemen, can drop by anytime between 10 am and 2 pm for Health, Wellness and Fun!
The event will feature more than 40 vendor booths related to local health care, non-profit organizations and businesses such as The Cardiology Center, Earth Fare, OASIS, The Rehabilitation Center, Alzheimers NC, ARHS Home Health, Diabetes Education, Energy Wellness, Stroke Education, ASU Health Sciences, Harmony Center for Women, WAMY, Broyhill Wellness Center and more!
A fashion show, featuring apparel from the stores in the Boone Mall, will take place at 11:30 am. In addition, there will be yoga and Zumba demonstrations at 10:30 am, live entertainment at 12 pm and 1 pm, Women’s Vitality Trail Mix to sample, Westglow Spa passes to win, door prizes and more!
Join us to get the scoop on women’s healthcare at the Women’s Extravaganza on Friday, September 7th at the Boone Mall.
Watson Recieves Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
Day Watson, a physical therapist at Cannon Memorial Hospital, can now be referred to as Dr. Day Watson. Watson recently completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through Arcadia University following 2 1/2 years of study and graduated with honors.
Dr. Day Watson
“It pretty much took up most of my week nights and many weekends to study, read, write and research to achieve the degree,” Watson shared.
Watson’s efforts bring additional skill sets such as medical screening, radiology, pharmacology and teaching methodology to The Rehabilitation Center. It also strengthens the teamwork with the medical staff at the hospital.
“We are so proud of Day’s hard work and success,” added Charlie Hypes, Rehabilitation Manager at Cannon Memorial Hospital. “These new skills assist Day, as well as her co-workers in providing the best care and service to our patients.”
For more information about The Rehabilitation Center, visit visit www.apprhs.org/rehabilitation-center.
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has celebrated Better Hearing and Speech Month each May to raise public awareness of speech and language disorders that affect 14 million Americans. Speech, language, voice and cognitive disorders can take many forms and can limit academic achievement, social adjustment, and career advancement. An individual may be born with a speech, language, swallowing or cognitive disorder, or it may be caused by accidental injury or illness.
“Fortunately, most people with speech and language problems can be helped,” said Jules Roberts, MA, CCC-SLP. “Even if the problem cannot be eliminated, we can teach people with speech, voice, language, cognitive, swallowing problems strategies to help them cope. People may not fully regain their capacity to use speech and language, cogntive or swallowing skills, but a speech-language pathologist can help them live more independently.”
Jules Roberts, MA, CCC-SLP and Helen Wolter, MA, CCC-SLP
“At ARHS, we have a new team of Speech-Language Pathologists who have raised the bar relative to quality and patient-centered care, said Jeanne Bradshaw, ARHS System Director of Rehabilitation Services. “ Through a partnership with Appalachian State University, we have access to top- notch clinicians. Jules Roberts, MA, CCC-SLP and Helen Wolter, MA, CCC-SLP have brought a new focus to our Speech department and provide excellent care at all three hospitals, as well as provide outpatient services, continues Bradshaw.
“We are particularly excited about a new technology arriving soon to evaluate swallowing disorders, called the FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing), “ reports Helen Wolter, MA, CCC-SLP. “This equipment will allow us to examine swallowing function using high definition endoscopy, and is the standard of care at most hospitals.”
Speech-language pathologists are the professionals who treat all types of speech, voice, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. They hold at least a master’s degree and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. [In NC, they also are licensed by the state.] Speech-language pathologists work in schools, private practice, hospitals, clinics, and other health and educational settings.
To learn more about Speech Therapy through Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, click here to visit our website.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific and credentialing association for more than 145,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists.
Occupational Therapy Helps Individuals Live Life to its Fullest
In recognition of the ways which Occupational Therapy aids in making life better, April has been designated as Occupational Therapy Month by the American Occupational Therapy Association. “At Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS), we are fortunate to have a growing and talented team of Occupational Therapists,” shared Jeanne Bradshaw, PT, OCS System Director of Rehabilitation Services.
Occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA) help people across all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
The ARHS team of Occupational therapists:
- Michelle Forrest, OTR/L and Shirley Faw, OTR/L both work full time at The Rehabilitation Center and float to other areas such as Watauga Medical Center Inpatient. They are both certified Lymphadema Therapists and work closely with oncology patients during their recovery
- Kris Welborn, OTR/L covers all locations across the system as the only resource pool OT.
- Kevin Tacheny, OTR/L, OTD works with patients at Blowing Rock Hospital alongside Sabrina Goebeler, OTR/L who also covers ARHS Home Health.
- Renee Brown, COTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) assists at Blowing Rock Hospital and ARHS Home Health.
“The dedication of these professionals to quality care is inspiring and deserves recognition,” continued Bradshaw. “Their work is meaningful not only to their patients, but to our organization, as they are critical members of the ARHS Rehabilitation team.”
When asked what is most rewarding about working as an Occupational Therapist, Kris Welborn, OTR replied “losing one’s independence with everyday activities can be devastating following a serious illness or injury. What once used to be simple becomes frustrating and discouraging. Providing a method of assistance or adaptation can be so rewarding as you see the delight from someone who is regaining their sense of independence.”
Kevin Tacheny, OTR/L says, “Being an OT allows me to fully extend the compassion I have for people in difficult situations and try to help them regain the little things in life we don’t appreciate until they’re gone.”
To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Web site, www.aota.org.
New Therapy Intervention for Stroke Patients at The Rehabilitation Center
Stroke patients and other patients suffering from foot drop have a new treatment option available at The Rehabilitation Center in Boone – the wireless NESS L300™ Foot Drop System from Bioness Inc. of Valencia, CA. The innovative wireless system helps patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and incomplete spinal cord injury walk again with a more-normalized gait, giving them more function, more freedom and more life.
“We are excited to be among a select group of facilities in the country to offer this treatment system,” says Emily Roberts, PT, Clinical Manager of Rehabilitation Services at Watauga Medical Center. “The NESS L300 accelerates and compliments traditional therapy. By adopting the NESS L300 System as a standard of care, we hope to maximize patient rehabilitation.”
The innovative NESS L300 is the first functional electrical stimulation (FES) system that is wireless, low profile, and lightweight. The system has three components: a gait sensor worn in the shoe, a wireless stimulating leg cuff worn below the knee, and a clinician programmed control unit. When the gait sensor detects “heel off,” it sends a message to the leg cuff, which then stimulates the leg muscles to lift the foot accordingly. The advanced Intelli-Sense Gait Sensor™ technology of the NESS L300 Foot Drop System allows patients to achieve a more-normalized gait on changing terrains and at varying speeds.
Katherine Graham, PT, Candace Shelton, DPT, and Kelly Conrad, DPT, are Physical Therapists at The Rehabilitation Center certified in fitting the NESS L300. Graham says that “The NESS L300 is easy for patients and clinicians to use!” “We can actually program the system while the patient is walking.”
The Rehabilitation Center will host a Free Screening Day for the new treatment option on Wednesday, March 14th. To register, please call (828)268-9043 no later than Tuesday, March 13th.
For initial assessments and more-detailed information on the NESS L300, please call The Rehabilitation Center at (828) 268-9043. For more information about The Rehabilitation Center, visit www.apprhs.org/the-rehabilitation-center.
To learn more about Bioness Inc. or the NESS L300, please visit www.bioness.com.
Rehabilitation Center to add Portico for Patients
Please pardon our mess! An improvement project has begun at the Boone location of The Rehabilitation Center. A covered drop-off area, or Portico, is being constructed to provide patients much needed shelter from the elements.
“Our patients have been asking for this new addition,” shared Jeanne Bradshaw, Director of The Rehabilitation Center of ARHS. “We are thrilled that it’s finally coming to fruition.”
The Rehabilitation Center will continue to operate as normal during the construction. Patients will still have access to the main entrance, as well as to the parking lot. Depending on the weather, the project is expected to take 6 weeks, “hopefully prior to any inclement weather,” Bradshaw added.
Patients who have questions or concerns regarding the improvements may call (828) 268-9043.