Rehabilitation Services

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Outpatient rehabilitation is located on the third floor of the Fort Wayne Neurological Center, 7956 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 310, on the Lutheran Medical Park campus. Park in the north parking garage and enter Door 1F. For additional information about services, call (260) 435-6143.

Lutheran Hospital’s outpatient rehabilitation team is dedicated to helping patients achieve the greatest level of independence possible. The team includes physical and occupational therapists, as well as speech-language pathologists, who provide extensive rehabilitation services to treat:

• Neurological conditions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Strokes
• Acute and chronic orthopedic conditions
• Neck, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee, ankle/foot
• Pediatric conditions
• Congenital or acquired deficits
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Developmental delays
• Feeding/swallowing disorders
• Sensory integration disorders
• Amputations
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• Arthritis
• Cancer-related conditions, specifically head, neck and breast
• Low vision
• Lymphedema
  

  Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system doesn’t drain fluid properly. Extra fluid collects and causes swelling, hardness and pain, usually in an arm or leg. Bacteria in the fluids can multiply and cause widespread infection. Without proper treatment, pain and swelling can increase, making even simple tasks more difficult.

  Causes of Lymphedema

  • Missing lymph vessels/nodes
  • Cancer
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Infection
  • Blood clot
  • Trauma
  • Poorly functioning circulatory system

  Signs of Lymphedema

  • Arm or leg fatigue
  • Tight, hard skin
  • Leg or ankle swelling that doesn’t go away when feet are propped up
  • Decreased flexibility, strength and mobility
  • Difficulty completing daily tasks due to limb fatigue and pain
  • Difficulty finding clothing with large enough pant legs or sleeves
  • Sores in the swollen area that don’t heal

  Lymphedema Precautions

  • Seek medical attention immediately if the swollen area begins to turn red
  • Avoid deep muscle massages
  • Use sunscreen to prevent burns and insect repellent to avoid bites and stings
  • Use moisturizing lotion to keep skin from drying and cracking
  • Elevate legs when seated
  • Have nail fungus treated
  • Do not use compression garments to treat swelling

  Extra Precautions for Breast Surgery Patients

  If you had a mastectomy or other breast surgery, take these added precautions:

  • Do not allow blood draws or blood pressure readings to be taken on that side of your body
  • Pad bra straps to prevent indentions
  • Keep sleeves, socks, watch bands and jewelry loose. Do not wear rings.
  • Wear long oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Use a thimble when sewing to avoid skin punctures
  • Wear a compression garment when traveling by plane
  • Carry a shoulder-strap purse on the shoulder opposite the swollen limb or use a fanny pack

  The certified therapists of Lutheran Hospital’s lymphedema treatment program help reduce limb size and pain, improve function and decrease the chance of lymphedema returning.

• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Osteoporosis
• Post-laryngectomy
• Speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders
• Spinal cord injuries
• Spinal fusion/laminectomy
• Sports-related injuries
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)
• Total joint replacement (hip, knee and shoulder)
• Torticollis
• Vocal cord dysfunction
• Work-related injuries

Specialty Services

• Applied behavioral analysis
• Augmentative communication
• Augmentative soft tissue mobilization (ASTYM)
• Aural rehab following a cochlear implant
• Beckman oral motor technique
• Cognitive retraining
• Concussion management
  

  The Concussion Management Clinic’s certified brain injury specialists provide:

  • follow-up evaluations within 24 hours of concussion diagnosis
  • coordination of treatment and services needed for recovery
  • speech, occupational and physical therapy as needed
  • recommendations for return to school, work or sports
• Ergonomics
• Hand therapy
• Laryngectomy treatment and care
• LSVT (LOUD & BIG)
• Lymphedema and edema management
• Manual therapy
• MIST therapy
• Passy-Muir valve placement
• Post-laryngectomy care
• Pre-driving rehabilitation
• Sensory integration
• Speech generating device analysis
• Splint fabrication
• Sports medicine
• Swallow studies
• Vestibular/balance therapy
  

  Vestibular/balance therapy addresses disorders that affect balance and movement. Balance problems may be caused by:

  • Dizziness/lightheadedness or vertigo
  • Numbness/tingling of feet
  • History of falls
  • Stroke/TIA
  • Diabetes
  • Headache/migraine
  • Vision problems
  • Head injury/concussion

  Vestibular rehabilitation can improve symptoms related to many inner ear or balance disorders, reducing dizziness and risk of falling.

  Lutheran Hospital’s trained vestibular/balance therapist:

  • evaluates each patient’s balance system
  • analyzes contributing factors, including headaches, medication, etc.
  • develops a customized program to reduce symptoms

  To schedule an appointment, call (260) 435-6143.

  All physical therapists receive basic education about balance and vestibular treatments. However, only a limited number receive advanced competency training and have an in-depth understanding of vestibular disorders and rehabilitation. This specialization and experience differentiates these clinicians from their peers.

  To make an informed choice when seeking a physical therapist to treat dizziness or imbalance, ask the following questions:

  • Have you taken any advanced coursework in vestibular rehabilitation?
  • Do you have educational materials available to help patients understand their disorder?
  • How many years of experience do you have treating patients with balance/vestibular disorders?
  • How many patients with balance/dizziness problems do you see in a day/week?
• Voice prosthesis fitting
• Wheelchair fitting
  

  Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic

  Adults and children who have difficulty walking or have impaired strength, endurance or balance may need special equipment. Lutheran Hospital’s Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic therapist helps determine individual needs, which may include manual or power wheelchairs, scooters, patient lifts, shower chairs or tub benches, hospital beds, gait trainers, standing frames or even specialized strollers for young children.

  Getting Started

  A physician’s order is required to perform a patient assessment. The order must state “PT/OT mobility evaluation” and include specific equipment (power, manual, scooter, cushion, etc.), as directed by the physician. The patient’s name, the date and the physician’s signature must also be on the order. Orders can be faxed directly to Lutheran Hospital’s outpatient rehabilitation department or patients may bring orders with them to the first appointment.

  Patients also need to select an equipment supplier in the area. The clinic’s physical therapist then works with the supplier to help the patient achieve his or her goals. Evaluations are coordinated with the supplier to ensure the best outcome possible.

  Questions? Call (260) 435-6143.