Pawnee Valley Community Hospital - Physical Therapy & Advanced Rehabilitation

Rehabilitative Services

Physical Therapy

The inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Physical Therapy and Advanced Rehabilitation, are committed to giving patients the best, personalized care possible.

Our caring staff consists of experienced therapists who provide comprehensive one-on-one care to patients with many types of pain, disorders or illnesses that limit their daily activities.

Our program includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This allows patients the opportunity to work with clinicians with specific knowledge and skills to best treat their individual injuries.

Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
Pain of Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand, Back, Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot
Mobility Improvement
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Headaches & Dizziness
Muscle Weakness
Splinting/Bracing of Wrist and Hand
Foot orthotics
Stroke
Arthritis Pain
Astym
Lymphedema Therapy
Swallowing Disorders
Speech Impairments/Communication
Cognitive Impairments

Occupational Therapy

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Physical Therapy and Advanced Rehabilitation offers Occupational Therapy to help patients achieve a level of independence in their lives despite their disability.

Services provided include Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for pain relief of the:

shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand
arthritis, tendonitis, tendon injuries
rotator cuff injuries
chronic pain conditions
sports related injuries such as fractures and dislocations, strains and sprains
carpal tunnel
elbow rehabilitation
post operative rehab of any shoulder
wrist or hand surgery
splinting and bracing of the wrist and hand

Speech Therapy

Our caring staff consists of experienced therapists who provide comprehensive one-on-one care for patients with many types of pain, disorders or illnesses that limit their daily activities.

Our Speech Language Pathologist works with patients who are experiencing problems with:

Speech Impairments/Communication
Cognitive Impairments
Swallowing Disorders

Lymphedema Therapy

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling of a body part (face, neck, trunk, genitals, arms, legs, etc.) caused by an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid. Lymphedema is caused by an imbalance between the normal amount of lymph fluid and reduced capacity that the vessels are able to transport. This results in an accumulation of protein-rich fluid.

Types of Lymphedema:

Primary Lymphedema

- Result of imperfect development of the lymph vascular system.
- Edema may be present at birth or develop later in life.
- Occurs more in females than in males.

Secondary Lymphedema maybe the result of:

- - Surgery and/or radiation for cancer, filariasis, trauma, infection, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or obesity.

Are you at risk?

Lymphedema most commonly follows a surgical procedure in which there has been removal of or damage to the lymph nodes or vessels. If you have been exposed to any of the following procedures or situations, you may be at risk for developing lymphedema.

Surgery and/or radiation for cancer
Trauma/Injury
Tumoral blockage
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Severe infection
Obesity

Symptoms of Lymphedema

At the beginning, you may notice swelling in your hand or foot. A ring may seem tighter or shoes may fit more snugly. Sometimes you may sense a feeling of “pins and needles” or “heaviness” in the affected arm or leg, which may be accompanied by arching pain.

Unusual or persistent swelling in an extremity should always be evaluated by a physician.

Full sensation of the limb
Skin feeling tight
Decreased flexibility
Swelling in a specific area

Severe cases:

Thickening /hardening of skin
Infections
Leakage of lymph
Massive swelling

Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema offers the best chance for reversing and/or controlling the condition. When lymphedema goes untreated, the lymph vessels and surrounding tissue become harder and less elastic. Substantial and painful swelling may result. Lymphedema itself can cause infection. When lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues of a limb, the protein-rich fluid creates a favorable environment for growth of bacteria.

Treatment

A prescription from your Physician is required for insurance payment of lymphedema treatment.

Treatment for lymphedema is CDT—Complete Decongestive Therapy which includes five components MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage) Compression Therapy, Exercise, Skin & Nail Care and instructions on Self Care.

CDT is the most successful for chronic lymphedema. Primary and secondary lymphedema and other related conditions respond extremely well to this gentle non-invasive and highly effective therapy.

Precautions:

Avoid blood draws or blood pressure cuffs on an affected limb.
Lead a healthy lifestyle including heart healthy diet and exercise.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures both hot and cold.
Use care with rings, watches, bracelets, which can be constrictive.
Use sunscreen to minimize dangerous skin exposure.
Be aware that infections can result from insect bites, manicures, pedicures, skin punctures, cuts, pet scratches, gardening, etc.
When traveling, always wear compression garment or bandages. On plane trips over one hour, it is suggested that you get up and move around in the aisles as much as possible. In a car, stop and walk around for a few minutes every hour.

Is there a cure?

Presently there is no cure for lymphedema. Effective management is possible through clinical treatment, education and individual efforts at home.

Is there anything I can do to ease the swelling?

Fortunately the answer is YES!

This is a comprehensive and effective treatment for people suffering from lymphedema. Feel good again. Our staff of caring professionals can help you get back on track.

What do we provide?

We provide the most up-to-date treatment available called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). It consists of:

Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
Compression Therapy
Exercises
Skin and nail care
Instructions on self care