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Rehabilitation and Post-Acute Care
Rehabilitation Services at AVH
At Allegheny Valley Hospital our skilled therapists strive to provide the highest level of individualized care to our patients to return them to their highest level of function. We work closely with physicians to make sure our patients receive the best possible service and outcomes. With full-time therapists and physical therapy assistants, we are dedicated to helping you regain your independence. Learn more about our wide range of services which include physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as low vision rehabiliation and vestibular and balance programs.
OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION
About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is a dynamic profession with an established scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance and promotion of optimal physical function.
Common Problems Seen
- Fractures, dislocations and joint instability
- Joint replacement
- Inflammatory and degenerative arthritis
- Chronic pain syndromes/fibromyalgia
- Central nervous system disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis)
- Athletic and sports related injuries
- Diabetes
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Lymphedema
- Tendonitis, bursitis and plantar fasciitis
- Balance and vestibular dysfunction
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) and head pain
Treatment Techniques and Available Tools
- Gait, balance and mobility training
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Strengthening
- Patient and family education
- Comprehensive home exercise programs
- Vestibular retraining and positioning
- Lymphatic drainage and compression garments
- Aerobic conditioning
- Post-surgical rehab
- Pain control using modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound)
- Manual therapies including trigger point therapy, myofascial release and joint mobilization
- Bracing and adaptive equipment fittings
VESTIBULAR & BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION
About Vestibular and Balance Physical Therapy
Vestibular and balance physical therapy is a specific specialty area of physical therapy that deals with the evaluation and treatment of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance caused by a wide array of medical conditions. The main goal of this therapy is to treat the symptoms of dizziness and imbalance and return the patient to an optimal level of functioning.
We work closely with local physicians to ensure our patients receive the best possible services and outcomes that relate to their problems of dizziness and imbalance.
Common Problem and Conditions Treated
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – a balance and dizziness disorder caused by detached crystals from the inner ear that can result in vertigo (a spinning sensation) that can last for several seconds or longer after specific movement (getting in and out of bed, rolling over in bed, looking up or down quickly, etc.)
- Central or Neurological Vertigo Imbalance – caused by problems in balance centers such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, etc.
- Vestibular Neuritis – an infection of the vestibular nerve of the inner ear.
- Meniere’s disease – an inner ear condition causing vertigo, severe dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ear that is caused by a change of fluid volume within the inner ear).
Assessment and Treatment Techniques
- Comprehensive evaluation including testing of overall range of motion, strength, balance and visual movements
- Video lenses for precise testing of vertigo dizziness and associated issues
- Gait, balance and mobility training
- Patient and family education
- Clinic and home exercise programs for balance and symptoms of dizziness
LOW VISION REHABILITATION CENTER
- Falls and other physical injuries
- Poor nutritional habits and medical non-compliance
- Depression and disengagement from once enjoyed activities
- Dependence on others to complete daily activities
- The need to be placed in a more supervised or restricted living environment
Common diagnoses of clients who might benefit from low vision rehabilitation include:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Head Injury and Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cataracts
- Reading and writing
- Money management
- Medication management
- Home safety
- Self-care
- Leisure activities
- Home management tasks
- In-home mobility
Examples of therapy activities may include:
- Improving visual skills by learning to use healthy parts of the eye for viewing a street signs or family photos
- Learning to use an optical device (prescribed by your eye care professional) to improve reading ability
- Training to use adaptive equipment to reduce the need for vision to complete tasks, such as using an automatic needle threader to sew a button on a shirt
- Home evaluations where factors such as lighting and safety are evaluated and recommendations made
The costs of therapy are covered by most insurance for clients meeting certain criteria. It is strongly recommended that a client’s vision be evaluated by a specialist prior to initiating therapy to ensure they are using their best corrected vision.
For more information about the Low Vision Rehabilitation Center please call: 724.224.2166.
Regain Your Independence
Find out how we can help you achieve normal function by contacting our facility:
Allegheny Valley Hospital
Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
Heights Plaza Shopping Center
1620 Pacific Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724.224.2166
724.224.3732 fax
