Backus offers rehabilitation services in a convenient, modern environment
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The Backus Hospital Rehabilitation Department is now available for orthopedic patients following joint replacement surgery, as well as continuing to provide many services for those recovering from neurological or developmental injuries.
Physical Therapist Joan Pinney, Director of Rehabilitation Services, said patients can get a referral from their doctor for the services offered.
"This allows us to follow through with care for our patients who have recently undergone joint replacement surgery, such as knee, hip or shoulder surgery, or patients with repetitive injuries," Ms. Pinney said.
Nona Allen, 68, of Norwich recently used the physical therapy services at the newly built Backus Outpatient Care Center location. "It was a really good experience and I would highly recommend it to others," Mrs. Allen said.
Mrs. Allen was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and had surgery. Following her surgery, she went to the Backus Hospital Rehabilitation Department at the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich. She needed therapy to retrain her left leg, and it included strength training, weight training, gait training and balance.
"The people were fabulous and my therapist, Suzanne Plante, was very patient with me," Mrs. Allen said. "I loved that it was right off the highway and parking was not a problem."
She had 14 sessions at the center and is still continuing to do her exercises at home. "I have definitely come a long way. It was an amazing amount of improvement for me," she said.
She originally needed to use a walker, then a cane. Now she uses a leg brace when she expects to be walking a lot, but is able to walk unassisted.
"They had a lot of really good equipment and taught me which exercise would strengthen which muscle," she said.
The Rehabilitation Department offers Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy. Physical therapists offer special services for those who have dizziness or vertigo and lymphedema, which is swelling of the limbs.
The Occupational Therapy department has an Activities of Daily Living kitchen, where patients re-learn everyday skills in their house or community by using adaptive equipment or modified strategies. Patients who have undergone joint replacement therapy or who have cognitive dysfunctions may use these services. There also is a certified hand therapist on staff.
Speech Therapists treat people with difficulty communicating and swallowing that may have been the result of developmental problems or an injury. They are proficient in a new procedure using electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles of the throat to assist in swallowing called "Vital Stim," said Michele Fava, a speech therapist.
"If you do have difficulties with swallowing, this new technique has been incredibly effective," Ms. Pinney said. "It helps strengthen the muscles, and patients have been able to go from having a pureed diet to eating normally."
The Rehabilitation Department also offers an amputee clinic monthly as well as various support groups. Joseph O'Keefe, MD, is the clinical medical advisor for the department and runs amputee clinic.
For more information
Call the department at 860-823-6317. Treatment is available to all ages and requires a referral from a doctor, APRN, or Physician's Assistant.