Claxton-Hepburn

The rehabilitation services team at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center stands at the ready to guide patients along the road to recovery. Smooth Moves When you or someone you love needs orthopedic surgery, take comfort in the fact that the rehabilitation services team at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center will be at your side through all stages of recovery. and post-surgical care to help ensure a successful outcome," says Tom Herzog, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Claxton-Hepburn. "Throughout a patient's recovery, the rehabilitation services professionals consult with me frequently, which helps me address any problems right away." Depending on the type of joint replacement surgery and the patient's Tom Herzog, MD functional ability, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist will work with the patient twice a day for up to 60 minutes at a time. Tough Love CLAXTON-HEPBURN'S CERTIFIED, licensed, and highly skilled rehabilitation therapists show an unparalleled commitment to orthopedic patients before surgery, during therapy, and long after patients return home. "We constantly strive to make things easier for orthopedic patients, both in the hospital and at home" says Cinci Weaver, PT, manager, rehabilitation services at Claxton-Hepburn. "From little things like providing valet parking to discussing complex surgical issues one on one, we do whatever it takes to ensure patients have the best experiences and outcomes possible." The rehabilitation services staff 's work with arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement patients is a perfect example of the continuity of care they provide. "Joint replacement requires more than the latest surgical techniques and equipment; it takes coordinated, pre-operative Water Works Another Recovery Option Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center's Aquatic Physical Therapy Program involves effective, low-impact exercises for people recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, or for those suffering from conditions such as arthritis. In the soothing water of Claxton-Hepburn's on-site pool, physical therapists supervise exercise routines that help increase range of motion in joints, build muscular strength, and improve balance and coordination. Patients can continue to participate on a self-pay basis after prescribed physical therapy regimens are complete. To learn more about the Aquatic Physical Therapy Program, call (888) 908-2462. 5 At first, therapy focuses on the basics: safely rolling over in bed, then sitting up, then standing and walking. As a patient's recovery progresses, the therapist gently but firmly encourages the patient to perform increasingly strenuous activities. "Patients joke that we torture them, but we only push when they need to be pushed," says Weaver. "We can be like drill sergeants, but we primarily act as cheerleaders, coaches, and friends." Part of the patient's rehabilitation journey is working with Claxton-Hepburn's occupational therapists. They help patients regain their independence with activities of daily living to make the transition back to life at home easier. After the patient is well enough to leave the hospital, rehabilitation therapy continues on an outpatient basis. Once physical therapy is complete, patients may choose to participate in a Claxton-Hepburn self-pay exercise program supervised by a physical therapist. "Rehabilitation therapy can be daunting, but our team of caring professionals is here to coach you through it," says Weaver. "We go the extra mile, so you can get back on your feet faster." For more information about rehabilitation services at Claxton-Hepburn, call (315) 713-5660. "Patients recovering from serious illness, injury, or surgery begin their rehabilitation in the Acute Rehab Unit [ARU], which is the only such facility within 50 miles of Ogdensburg," says Cinci Weaver, PT, manager, rehabilitation services at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. "In the ARU, we help patients regain function and ease their transition to home care." Patients may come to the ARU following a stroke, cardiac event, brain injury, or joint replacement, or for the treatment of chronic conditions such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy. An interdisciplinary team evaluates each patient and develops a personalized treatment plan. An ARU patient may work with physical, speech, and occupational therapists, and also has access to counselors, dietitians, nurses, and physicians on staff at Claxton-Hepburn. LIVING WELL www.claxtonhepburn.org

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