Therapy Services

Physical Therapy
Our Physical Therapists treat patients ranging in age from newborns to the elderly. Diagnoses include orthopedic conditions, strokes, neck and back pain, repetitive use syndromes, brain injuries, sports and work-related accidents.

Our Outpatient Rehabilitation Services department is fully equipped with an indoor track, exercise equipment, and modalities for pain control. A pediatric room is equipped specifically for pediatric rehabilitation patients.

Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapists work with patients of all ages to improve their level of independence in all areas of daily living. We treat patients who have suffered a stroke, joint disease or joint replacement, spinal cord injury, burn, developmental delay, arthritis, traumatic hand or arm injury or amputation, pediatric sensory motor deficit, repetitive strain disorder (tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome), neuromuscular disease and cognitive, sensory or perceptual deficits.

Occupational therapists utilize activity, exercise, adaptive equipment, and orthotic and prosthetic devices to increase a patient's level of independence at home, work or in the community. Treatment includes help with motor function, cognitive and perceptual training, sensory-motor stimulation, activities of daily living, splinting, adaptive methods, and other modalities to help patients rebuild skills needed to perform daily activities.

Speech Language Pathology
Speech Language Pathologists provide a diversity of programs to help adults and children with communication (language, articulation) and/or swallowing disorders. Conditions treated in this area include laryngeal pathologies (laryngitis, cancer, etc.), Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurosurgical intervention, and voice disorders.

A private treatment room equipped with computers and specialized testing materials allows our therapists to utilize the latest programs and techniques.

Patients with swallowing problems (dysphagia) have access to VitalStim, a treatment which safely re-educates the pharyngeal muscles through neuromuscular electrical stimulation. This therapy is the first and only electrical stimulation therapy for dysphagia. VitalStim Therapy is FDA cleared to treat the debilitating effects of this condition.

Patients most commonly affected with dysphagia include: stroke survivors, patients with progressive neurological disorders like Parkinson's Disease, and patients suffering from head and neck cancer, tumors or traumatic brain injury. An estimated fifty percent of all rest home patients suffer from difficulty in swallowing. Therapists utilize the procedure to help strengthen the swallowing reflex and improve a patient's ability to swallow liquid and solid food.

Lymphedema Therapy
Kathy McBride, PT, a certified lymphedema therapist, is trained in the treatment and management of lymphedema. This therapy is provided to people who are born with abnormalities in the lymphatic system and those with damage to the lymphatic system from surgery, trauma, radiation, or infection.

Cancer-related surgeries such as surgical resection of melanoma, breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder, or colon cancer may require the removal of lymph nodes. These surgeries put patients at risk of developing lymphedema. Lymphedema can occur after cancer treatment, either immediately or even months to years later.

Recreational Therapy
Recreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients.

In acute healthcare settings, such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities - especially structured group programs-to improve and maintain their clients' general health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the client from suffering further medical problems and complications.

Our Rehabilitation staff has specialized techniques and certifications to offer our patients the best in care. Our certifications include:

McKenzie Training: specialized evaluation techniques for the assessment and treatment of neck and back pain, as well as patient education on health and preventive care of the spine. Visit the McKenzie Training website.

NDT: Neuro-Developmental Treatment is an advanced, hands-on, therapeutic approach used in working with people who have central nervous system insults that create difficulties in controlling movement. NDT trained therapists work closely with patients with neurological challenges (e.g. cerebral palsy, stroke, head injury), helping them to become as independent as possible. Visit the NDT website.

Certified Lymphedema Therapist: Kathy McBride, PT, our certified lymphedema therapist, is trained in the treatment and management of lymphedema. If you would like additional information about the treatment of lymphedema at Scotland Memorial Hospital's Rehabilitation Services, please contact Ms. McBride at 910-291-7899.

SOAR Program: Our Rehabilitation Staff is trained in the latest oncology rehab care and research-based protocols that have been proven to help cancer survivors optimally heal and function.

Kinesio-Taping: The Kinesio Taping® Method is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It is effective in the treatment of patients of all ages ranging from children to adults. It successfully treats a variety of sports injuries, orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.

Dry Needling: Certified in the evaluation and application of dry needling techniques. Dry needling is a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body which produces pain and typically contains a trigger point.