Conditions Treated

Stroke

Following a stroke, a patient will receive acute therapy treatments to help them return to the highest level of function and independence possible. Each patient’s treatment plan is designed specifically for them and with their needs in mind. Most patients’ care plans will include complication prevention; improving physical, emotional and social wellbeing; providing and learning how to use adaptive tools; and caregiver education. Focus areas of stroke rehabilitation often include walking or balance, swallowing, sensory issues, thinking and memory skills, speech, and occupational support.

Traumatic Brain Injury

UPMC provides state-of-the-art rehabilitative care for individuals 13 and up who are recovering from acquired brain injury as a result of traumatic or non-traumatic causes. We have an experienced physiatrist on staff who specializes in brain injury rehabilitation. Together with nurses, therapists and other specialists, the care team will evaluate and treat a patient’s cognitive, perceptual, physical and behavioral consequences of brain injury. We also provide comprehensive medical care to help manage and reduce symptoms.

Spinal Cord Injury

Our specialized Spinal Cord Injury Program has been developed based on best practices of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine) and the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) Project. Following a spinal cord injury, patients receive acute therapy treatments individualized to the severity of their condition. Focus areas or spinal cord injury rehabilitation might include self-care skills, physical care, mobility, respiratory care, communication skills, pain management and education.

Neurological Conditions

Patients with disease, trauma or disorders of the nervous system can receive acute therapy treatments to help improve function, reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. These conditions might include vascular disorders, infections, injury, structural/neuromuscular disorders, functional disoders or degenerative disorders. Each patient will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to their needs, which might include self-care skills, speech therapy, emotional support, bladder/bowel training, mobility, social/behavioral skills, nutrition counseling, cognition, and use of adaptive devices.

Orthopaedic Conditions

Whether a patient is recovering from injury or major orthopaedic surgery such as joint replacement, our therapists can help them recover from musculoskeletal issues. While each patient receives their own personalized treatment plan, most will receive highly specialized, intensive physical or occupational therapy. Comprehensive medical care is available 24/7 to help patients manage and reduce other symptoms.

Amputation

If a patient has incurred an amputation due to injury or illness, our inpatient rehab program can help patients regain mobility and independence. While each patient’s therapy plan will differ based upon their condition, areas of focus might include education of hygiene; use of adaptive technology and prosthetics; community re-entry; and physical, occupational and recreational therapy.

Severe Burns

Patients who have second or third degree burns and burn injuries can receive therapeutic care at our inpatient facility. Each patient’s treatment plan will differ depending upon their condition and will receive specialized physical, occupational and other therapies to help them regain independence and quality of life. In addition to therapeutic care, inpatients receive comprehensive medical support for respiratory issues and wounds.