RehabCare

"Smart" Idea from RehabCare

Since RehabCare is a leading provider in physical rehabilitation services, we are always trying to stay ahead of the game.  This year we are doing just that with the roll out of Smart Mobile to our Skilled Nursing Rehabiliation Services division.  The Smart Mobile technology is efficient, comprehensive and just plain amazing!  For instance, it provides RehabCare therapists the ability to track their patients and complete daily therapy notes at point-of-service, all through their company provided iPod touch.  To see what I am talking about, check out this video. 

So, what do you think?  The Smart Mobile technology is pretty cutting edge, right?  I like the idea of the built in alerts and filters that remind therapists of coverage policies and missing data.  That could be very helpful, especially for new therapists.  Wouldn't you like to have this technology at your fingertips?

 

The Wii Isn't Just Your Normal Video Game System

Needless to say, the Nintendo Wii System has been the craze amongst not only children but adults for the last couple years.This system simulates the activity therefore requiring the player to perform coordinated dynamic movements. Not only is this a great way to enjoy interactive games with friends, or do a work out but it may also improve your balance! A recent Case Report in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy suggests just that. The Wii Bowling game was used as the sole treatment for a 89 year old female patient with an unspecified balance disorder and a history of multiple falls. The patient participated in 6 bowling sessions for 60 minutes each over a 2 week period. The outcomes proved to be positive. The patient's clinical measures included the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Timed Up and Go Test and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale; improvements were noted in all measurements.  Although this was a case report involving only one patient and a single examining physical therapist, it is great start in determining the effects of using the Wii in physical therapy treatments. Next time you are looking for an new and fun treatment approach to improve balance, take a look at the Wii!

Virtual Therapy at UAB

The Department of mechanical engineering at University of Alabama-Birmingham is working on a 3D virtual lab that will simulate everything from skiing to surgery and physical therapy.  The program is still in the design stages but the engineers hope that the program will soon be able to depict a patients height and weight and give the ability to "touch" and "treat" the patients.  Physical Therapy is a strong focus for the program.  A student will be able to step into the simulation and practice patient interaction, as well as, the patient will be able to receive virtual therapy.  While health care is the primary focus right now, engineers hope to expand it by creating programs for education and engineers.  Click here to read more about it!

Man's Best Friend

I love my dogs.  They keep me active, they give me love, and they make me laugh!  But, never did I think that they could help with my rehabilitation if I ever needed it.  That was, however, until I read Therapeutic Animals, an article on ADVANCE.com. 

As is told in the article, physical therapist, Jennifer Trecaso, has helped to develop a therapy program for her patients with dogs, specifically her dog Rudy!   Rudy comes with Jennifer to work one day a week and interacts with her patients.  Patients pet Rudy, play ball with Rudy, walk Rudy, groom Rudy, and even chat with Rudy.  All of this being fun, as well as, "working on their endurance, strength, range of motion, and flexibility which pretty much encompasses all of therapy".  Therapy in the rehab gym is very functional and beneficial but this program adds another element. 

"Studies show interaction between humans and animals can provide a variety of benefits to adults during the rehabilitation process, Stillion said. The physiological benefits include relaxation in the presence of a dog or other animal. Tests have shown the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure... Animals also help to boost the mood of a resident, prompting them to work harder to accomplish their goals."

Dogs have long been known as man's greatest companion and this is just another example of why they have that title.   Take a moment to read the full article, it is a great showcase for creative therapy treatment.

Grad Student Uses Karaoke In Therapy Session

This is truly something unique and exciting to watch.  Teresa Bularz, who is a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater speech pathology graduate student, has posted a video on YouTube of a therapy session she conducted using karaoke for a patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury several years ago.  I find it so interesting to see all the new and innovative ways that therapists are coming up with to get patients more involved in therapy.  Plus it's fun! (See article on Wii-habiliation here.)

Teresa's video is posted below.  If you have a creative, new approach to conducting a therapy session with your patients, we would love to hear about it!

From Ohio To Mexico

Every once in a while I like to highlight some of the great things going on in our nation's collegiate therapy programs.  Previously we have spotlighted the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky for their student-run free healthcare clinics.  Today's spotlight is shinning on the Ohio State University PT program.  Last December they embarked on a volunteering trip to Merida, Mexico as the "first-of-its-kind elective course for PT students". While in Merida, students volunteered their time in clinics, schools and nursing homes.  Through their trip they "worked with children and elderly people with disabilities, led group exercise sessions, repaired wheelchairs--and remembered what had drawn them to the profession in the first place." 

Students Get Firsthand Experience With NDT Session

Campus Relations recently visited with the graduating PT class of 2008 at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC.  With the help of instructor Nancy Cornette and PT student Amber Henry, we assisted each student with a mock interview session.  We set it up just like a real interview and asked questions that a potential employer might throw their way.  Everyone we interviewed was very impressive and all were well prepared.  This class is a great group of future therapists and will make a great addition to the clinical world.

In addition, we held a clinical session with them after wards on NDT (neuro-development treatment).  To learn more on NDT, you can check out the website of the NDT Association.

Sushi Playing A Part In SNF Rehab

Therapists are always trying to come up with new and exciting ways to engage patients in therapy.  Here is a great example of one therapist, Jacqueline Thrash OTR, bringing her patients "purposeful, client-centered and culturally appropriate occupation-based treatment".

While working in a SNF rehab setting Jacqueline began treating Japanese and Japanese-American patients.   In order to bring their cultural background into their rehabilitation she came up with the idea of integrating SUSHI into their therapy sessions.

"We all had a turn to make our own sushi rolls, and I helped Kay-san(the patient) learn to manage what are normally two-handed tasks with one hand. She was able to open the soy sauce bottle, manipulate the prepared sushi with chop sticks, and instruct Mila (the SLP) how to make her sushi. Mila worked on chewing and swallowing with Kay-san, as well as memory skills to remember the process of sushi making and communication in being able to give instructions."

Click here and read the full article posted on ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Do you have a creative way of engaging patients in their process of rehab? Leave a comment.

Introducing the First RehabCare Podcast - Wiihabilitation

No matter where you are-- on the bus, riding the subway, walking to class, or working out at the gym you can't help but be bombarded by twenty-somethings with those little white headphones blaring in their ears.

It's the age of the ipod. You can't deny it...you can't ignore it...they're everywhere.  Knowing that students are eternally mobile RehabCare has gotten on the technical bandwagon and published it's first podcast!

Our first venture into the world of podcasting is somewhat entertaining.  Why?  Because not only does it deal with physical therapy, as one might expect, but it's an outline of clinical practice guidelines for using the Nintendo Wii. Coupling the ipod and the Wii what more could any college student want? It's every wired students dream!

Listen here, and stay tuned for more podcasting!

Wiihabilitation Podcast.mp3

Benefits To Having A Little Rascal Around

There is  nothing like the unconditional love of an animal.  With just a lick to your face or a plop on your lap, they fill your heart with warmth and love.  So, it is not hard for me to believe that animal assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted activities (AAA) are very beneficial to patients in the therapy world.