Therapy & Rehabilitation Services

After an illness, injury or surgery, your doctor might recommend therapy or rehabilitation services to address any loss in strength, mobility, or communication. SSM Health therapists work closely with your primary care provider and specialists to help you return to living life to it's fullest.

Why would I need therapy or rehabilitation services?

Therapy and rehabilitation programs are designed to help you:

• Recover from injury or surgery (like joint replacement)
• Manage a disability
• Regain mobility or function
• Relearn important skills to help you thrive

What therapy services does SSM Health provide?

SSM Health's therapy and rehabilitation services are designed to help patients overcome the physical and psychological challenges associated with illness and injury. Services offered vary by location, but can include:

• Cancer rehabilitation
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Hand and upper extremity therapy
• Industrial rehabilitation
• Joint replacement rehabilitation  
• Lymphedema care
• Neurological rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy
• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Pelvic floor / pelvic health

• Physical therapy
• Speech pathology
• Sports rehabilitation
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Swallowing rehabilitation
• Urinary incontinence therapy
• Vestibular rehabilitation (for dizziness)
• Voice rehabilitation
• Wheelchair assessment

Note: Some services may not be offered at all locations. Contact your nearest SSM Health therapy location for a list of services available near you.

Do you offer pediatric therapy and rehabilitation services?

We offer pediatric occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech pathology as well as specialized clinics at some locations. Talk to your SSM Health provider to set your child up for success with the correct therapy services.

What can I expect from a therapy or rehabilitation program?

• A comprehensive evaluation within 1-2 weeks of referral unless otherwise designated.
• An individualized program based on physician recommendations and specific diagnoses with one-to-one treatment session.
• A professional staff of licensed therapists who conduct treatment, emphasizing continuity of care.
• Written progress reports sent to referring physicians in a timely manner.
• Open communication among therapists, physicians and other healthcare professionals.

What is physical therapy?

SSM Health offers accredited physical therapy services to treat health problems resulting from injury or illness. Physical therapy is centered on patients whose medical conditions have limited their abilities to move and function in their daily routine. Our licensed physical therapists work to design a treatment plan that helps each patient recover their function and relieve their pain, as well as teach movements to prevent future problems.

Why did my doctor refer me to physical therapy?

Physical therapy often is referred for patients dealing with:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries
• Dizziness and balance disorders

Talk to your primary care physician or orthopedic specialist to learn how physical therapy could benefit you.

What is occupational therapy?

SSM Health occupational therapists work individually with each patient to address their physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems with the goals of achieving or regaining a higher level of function and independent living. We offer creative solutions and adaptive living when skill and strength cannot be developed or improved.

Why did my doctor refer me to occupational therapy?

Common conditions treated with occupational therapy may include:

• Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• Orthopedic problems
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Arthritis, tendonitis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
• Neurological conditions of the hand and upper extremity
• Birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
• Behavioral or mental health problems including Alzheimer's, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress
• Vision or cognitive problems, spinal cord injuries, or amputations that impair independent living
• Problems with drug and alcohol abuse

What is speech pathology?

SSM Health's speech and language pathologists provide treatment for adults and children with speech, language and/or swallowing problems resulting from a medical event or condition. Our therapists will work closely with you to improve your ability to communicate and to provide you the tools you need to compensate for your language difficulties.

What can a speech and language pathologist help me with?

SSM Health's certified and licensed speech and language pathologists provide evaluation and treatment services to children and adults with:

• Speech or language delays
• Chewing and swallowing problems
• Stuttering
• Cleft palate
• Voice disorders
• Cognitive dysfunction, including learning disabilities
• Tongue thrust
• Aphasia (loss of language) and other communicative disorders
• Difficulties with memory, attention, executive function, problem-solving and reasoning
• Speech and language problems resulting from stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions, including Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Your SSM Health team will customize a therapy program to meet your specific needs. Specific diagnostic services may include videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, videostroboscopic laryngeal evaluations, instrumental analysis of vocal function and standardized cognitive-linguistic testing.

Evaluation and therapy programs may be coordinated with other disciplines within the system and with community agencies, school systems and family members to assure continuity of care.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema develops when the lymphatic system is impaired, damaged or removed and cannot drain properly, often as a result of cancer treatment or an infection. This can cause an abnormal buildup of fluid that leads to swelling, especially in the arms and legs. At SSM Health, we offer specialized services to help relieve the symptoms of lymphedema and to keep the condition from getting worse.

What causes lymphedema?

You may need lymphedema services if you have had a:

• Mastectomy
• Lumpectomy
• Cancer surgery
• Radiation therapy to a lymph node region

Most of these procedures require removal of lymph nodes, which results in a change in the flow of lymph fluid to a particular part of the body. The remaining lymph vessels may be unable to drain enough fluid, causing excess fluid to build up.

What kind of therapy services are used for lymphedema?

Outpatient physical therapy services for lymphedema often include:

• Lymph drainage massage
• Exercise
• Compression bandaging

Our specially trained physical therapists provide education and treatment for patients with primary or secondary lymphedema. The rehabilitation program incorporates skin care and therapeutic exercise as well as manual lymph drainage techniques and the use of bandaging and compressive garments. The overall goal is for patients to achieve self management of chronic and/or progressive lymphedema.

Lymphedema services require a physician referral and an evaluation of cardiac and venous insufficiency problems before the start of therapy. Although most insurances cover this service, we will discuss the costs and commitments with you before beginning treatment, so you can be confident and committed from the beginning of the program.