Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation and therapy programs can be the difference between simply recovering from an illness, condition, or surgery, and thriving.
Having comprehensive programs right here in Washington also means you’ll save time by not having to drive to Iowa City or Cedar Rapids on a regular basis. Our licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapist are all committed to helping you live your life to the fullest.
The Cardiac Rehabilitation department offers Phase II cardiac rehab—a multi-level individualized program designed to help cardiac patients reach their highest level of health.
Our team performs diagnostic testing ordered by WCHC physicians and cardiac specialists and follows guidelines set forth by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Components of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cardiovascular risk factor counseling
- Education and support to make healthy lifestyle changes
- Aid in the development of a safe and effective personalized exercise plan
- Provide appropriate supervision by a registered nurse
- Cardiac monitoring to detect changes in clinical status
- Provide patient and spouse/partner/family education to optimize secondary prevention (e.g., risk factor modification) through lifestyle management and the use of cardio-protective medication.
- Consultations offered: dietary, diabetes, medication, and financial
Contact Cardiac Rehabilitation
Location: Entrance #9 (319) 863-2031
Occupational therapy guides patients toward regaining, developing, and increasing independence with activities of daily living. We work with people of all ages who need specialized assistance in learning or relearning independent skills.
Occupational therapy services significantly improve rehabilitation for many people with impairments such as:
- Orthopedic, work, or sports-related injuries
- Stroke and other neurological conditions
- Arthritis, cancer, or other debilitating illnesses
- Developmental disabilities
- Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries
- Elbow, wrist, and hand injuries
- Cognitive deficits
- Repetitive stress disorder
- Vision conditions
Through regular sessions, our goals are to help decrease your pain and increase strength, range of motion, and your independence so you’re able to perform everyday activities. Patients are also given home modifications/recommendations to assist them in living a normal life. This unique perspective makes occupational therapy a critical part of any healthcare program.
Occupational Therapy treatments available include:
- Therapeutic exercises/activities
- Manual therapy
- Ultrasound
- Vision therapy
- Iontophoresis
- Mirror therapy
- Graston technique
- Cognitive therapy
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Both upper extremity AROM
- Strengthening
- Fine motor coordination
Occupational Therapists
Contact Occupational Therapy
Location: Entrance #8 (319) 863-3962 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:15 am–5:00 pm
Physical therapists receive more education on exercise and body mechanics than any other health professional. They specialize in the movement system of the body and ensure all exercises are performed with the correct technique to maximize benefits.
Although most people come to physical therapy with a referral, Iowa is a direct access state which means many healthcare insurance policies do not require a referral from a doctor or specialist for therapy services. Medicare/Medicaid and some private insurance plans do require a referral for physical therapy. It is best to contact your insurance carrier if you are unsure. Your insurance carrier will also be able to let you know how much, if any, your out-of-pocket cost should be.
Physical therapy services include:
Dry Needling
This proven, evidence-based treatment option allows the physical therapist to access tissues that would not be easily manipulated with just the hands. A thin, sterile filament needle is inserted into a taut band of muscle to stimulate a release in a trigger point. Trigger points are knots that develop in the muscle when there is injury or fatigue. Dry needling helps to alleviate pain as well as increase blood flow to the area treated, flushing out inflammation and jump-starting the healing process.
Neurological Rehabilitation
WCHC’s physical, occupational, and speech therapists are trained to specifically address the physical and functional needs of those with neurological conditions, including:
- Central nervous system disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke/CVA
- Traumatic brain injury
Orthopedic and Sports Rehabilitation
For many, participating in an organized sport and/or maintaining an active lifestyle is an important part of their life. Following an injury, our therapists can help guide and educate these individuals as they work to return to their desired activities. Some common conditions that are treated include:
- Post-surgical care
- Shoulder and elbow pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Ankle and Foot pain
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches
- Postural impairments
Pediatric Therapy
WCHC’s therapists work with those suffering from childhood-onset conditions. These children who experience illnesses, injuries, or conditions are limited in their ability to move or function. We provide services aimed to improve mobility, develop or restore function, alleviate pain, prevent or decrease permanent physical disabilities, and promote overall health and wellness. Pediatric therapy promotes independence, increases participation, facilitates motor development and function, improves strength and endurance, enhances learning opportunities, and eases challenges with daily caregiving.
Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation
Vestibular disorders may take on many forms such as dizziness, vertigo, problems standing, and loss of balance. In order to correct these disorders, your physical therapist may prescribe general exercises, such as targeted vestibular exercises, based on your condition. Some exercises are geared toward improving balance; others may help the brain resolve differences in the inner ear signals; and some may be intended to improve visual focus.
Work-related injury rehabilitation
From acute injury management and injury prevention evaluations to pre-work screens and comprehensive return-to-work process testing, our experienced physical therapists have a full slate of tools to help guide you back to wellness.
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistant
Brenna Gray
Contact Physical Therapy
Location: Entrance #8 (319) 863-3962 Hours: Monday & Wednesday, 7:00 am–4:30 pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7:00 am–4:00 pm
Our respiratory therapy team performs a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients of all ages. From working with physicians to developing a care plan through follow-up, the WCHC respiratory therapists play a key role in the path to wellness.
Diagnostic Services We Provide
Managing various lung conditions begins with thorough diagnostic testing. Our team works with patients both on an outpatient basis and with those who are hospitalized.
- Pulmonary function testing
- Spirometry
- Diffusion capacity
- Volumes/nitrogen washout
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Oximetry testing
- Lung saturation test to determine the need for home oxygen
- Overnight oximetry testing in the hospital setting
Respiratory Therapy Referral
A referral is needed for a diagnostic test. Contact your family physician for an appointment if you’re having trouble breathing.
Therapeutic Services Available
- Oxygen therapy
- Bronchopulmonary hygiene/chest percussion
- Administration of aerosol medications
- Non-invasive ventilation
Our therapeutic services are administered during hospitalization. During your hospital stay, our therapists will evaluate your breathing to determine if additional treatment, such as using a bi-pap, oxygen, respiratory medications, or airway clearance techniques, is needed.
Contact Respiratory Therapy
Location: Hospital (319) 863-2000 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–4:00 pm
Speech-language pathologists work to identify, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, functional communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. At WCHC, we specifically treat:
- Speech/articulation disorders to improve intelligibility.
- Expressive/receptive language difficulty to improve one’s ability to read, write, and effectively communicate.
- Cognitive deficits, including working with caregivers and adapting the environment to improve safety and work toward one’s highest level of independence.
- Swallowing disorders to ensure safety with intake and minimize nutritional risks.
These specialists serve as members of the health care team, which may include doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists, radiologists, and educators…all committed to improving the patient’s overall ability to function as independently as possible in their current environment.
Speech Therapy Referral
You may be referred to speech therapy by a doctor while you are in the hospital or as an outpatient. If you think you may be a candidate for the services offered by a speech-language pathologist, contact your family physician.
Parkinson Therapy Group
Join us every Wednesday for the SPEAK OUT!® Parkinson Therapy Group.
SPEAK OUT!® is a fun and supportive program for people with Parkinson’s that helps strengthen the voice and improve communication. Led by WCHC Speech Therapist and certified SPEAK OUT!® provider, Stephen Loew, MA, CCC-SLP, CDP the group encourages members to “speak with intent” through simple speech exercises, conversation, and shared support.
Join us to build confidence, connect with others, and keep your voice strong!
Referral required to participate.
Contact Speech Therapy
You may be referred to speech therapy by a doctor while you are in the hospital or as an outpatient. If you think you may be a candidate for the services offered by a speech-language pathologist, contact your family physician.
Location: Entrance #8 (319) 863-3962 Hours: Monday & Wednesday 7:00 am–4:30 pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 7:00 am–4:00 pm