Therapies
Please call 815.786.3767 for more information about the therapies we offer.
Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech/Language Pathology (SLP), offer treatment options for patients with a wide variety of diagnoses including:
- Arthritis
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders
- Laryngectomy
- Neurological Diseases & Injuries
- Orthopedic & Sports Injuries
- Speech & Voice Disorders
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Upper Extremity Orthopedic & Soft Tissue Injuries
- Work Conditioning
- Wounds, Burns & Diabetic Ulcers
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy works with evidence-based clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance and promotion of optimal physical function. Physical Therapy can:
- Evaluate and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
- Restore and maintain physical function; promote optimal wellness and fitness that may result from illness and injury.
- Prevent the onset, symptoms and progression of impairments that may result from illness and injury.
Physical Therapy Services:
- Evaluation & Treatment
- Modalities
- Joint Mobilization
- Open & Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise
- Proprioceptive Training
- Gait Training
- Muscle Re-Education
- Lymphedema Therapy
- Wound Care
- Women’s Health Issues/Pelvic Pain
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Rehabilitation is an effective treatment technique that results in comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning for a wide variety of patients and conditions.
Immersed in chest-high water, patients bear only about 20% of their body weight on their legs. The buoyancy of the water supports the remaining 80%. The buoyancy helps relax muscle, decreased stress on joints, and can make the exercises easier and more effective. These benefits can promote a more rapid recovery following surgery or injury.
Aquatic Therapy is available through Valley West Rehabilitation Services at the Fox Valley Family YMCA in Plano. Aquatic therapy is ideal for patients with: arthritis,
cardiac diseases, circulatory problems, hip replacement, knee replacement, ankle/leg fractures, sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, osteoporosis, respiratory diseases and rotator cuff injuriesHow does aquatic therapy help?
Water can be the best environment to pursue full function
Patients start therapy earlier and recover more quicklyWater can be effectively utilized in the progressions of: strengthening, weight bearing, functional land activities, conditioning and endurance, sport specific activities, range of motion, gait/ambulation and balance.
A physician’s order is required to schedule rehabilitation services. For more information about aquatic therapy, other rehabilitation services, or to schedule an appointment, please call 815.786.8550.
Occupational Therapy
Valley West Occupational Therapy is rehabilitation that helps adults and children achieve independence in their lives despite a limitation due to illness or injury.
- Customized treatment programs aimed at improving abilities to carry out activities of daily living
- Evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological injuries to the upper extremity and hand
- Comprehensive evaluation of activities in the home and job environments with recommendations on necessary adaptations
- Assessment of and treatment for work performance skills
- Recommendations and training I the use of adaptive equipment to replace loss of function
Which problems respond to Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is often recommended for adults or children with the following conditions:
- Strokes
- Tendonitis
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Joint Replacement
- Nerve Injuries
- Arthritis
- Wounds
- Burns
- Sports Injuries
- Learning Disabilities
- Sensory Motor Dysfunction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Developmental Disabilities
- Neurological Diseases
- Conditions that involve the nerves, tendons and muscles of the arm or hand
- Cognitive-Perceptual Dysfunction
Speech / Language Pathology
Speech/Language Pathology is the application of non-medical methods and procedures for the identification, measurement testing, appraisal, rehabilitation and modification related to communication development, and disorders or disabilities of language, voice, swallowing and other speech, language and voice related disorders. SLP offers:
- Video Fluoroscopy to evaluate swallowing disorders
- Ongoing treatment for articulation disorders
- Language disorders resulting from traumatic brain injury and cognitive or neurological dysfunction
Services Include:
- Evaluation & Treatment
- Video Fluoroscopy
- Dysphagia Training
- Cognitive Re-training
- Patient & Family Education
Hand Therapy
Valley West Rehab offers comprehensive rehabilitation for hands. Hand therapy following surgery or a trauma has become an important area of specialization. The surgical procedures and therapeutic techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. The hand is an essential and complex tool of accomplishment in our every day domestic, work and leisure activities.
- Customized treatment programs aimed at improving abilities to carry out activities of daily living
- Comprehensive evaluation of home and job environments and recommendation on necessary adaptations
- Assessment of and treatment for work performance skills
- Recommendations and training in the use of adaptive equipment to replace loss of function
Therapeutic Approach
The evaluation and assessment of the hand includes:
- Completion of an extensive history
Evaluation of pain
Physical examination
Assessing wounds scar assessment
Vascular assessment
Edema
Range of motion
Grip and pinch
Manual muscle testing
Sensation
Dexterity and hand function
Splinting needs
Once the assessment is complete, isolated exercise, purposeful activity and therapeutic application related to the individuals occupation and daily living activities are applied to achieve positive functional outcomes.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Therapy
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a neurological disorder that is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
Symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Pain
- Decreased hand strength
- Difficulty manipulating objects
Early diagnosis is important. It facilitates getting relief sooner, minimizing the possibility of permanent nerve damage, discomfort and disability.
What is a non-surgical approach?
After diagnosis, non-surgical therapy can often significantly benefit those with CTS. Your physician may choose to treat CTS conservatively.
A referral to Occupational Therapy can provide:
- Ergonomics education
- Splinting
- Specific modalities related to your symptoms
- Therapeutic exercise
- Pain & edema management
What if surgery is recommended?
The Occupational Therapist at Valley West provides a comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation program that includes:
- Wound care
- Edema management
- Education—including ergonomics
- Sensory re-education
- Therapeutic exercise:
- Range of motion
- Tendon & nerve gliding
- Strengthening
- Return to work programs
- Modalities specific to your post-surgical needs
Specialized Hand Therapy Services
Valley West offers comprehensive rehabilitation for hands. Hand therapy following surgery or a trauma has become an important area of specialization. The surgical procedures and therapeutic techniques have become increasingly sophisticated. The hand is an essential and complex tool of accomplishment in our every day domestic, work and leisure activities.
Certified Hand Therapists have advanced skills and have passed an examination for certification in hand therapy. A minimum of five years of clinical experience and additional training are prerequisites to taking the examination. They provide:
- Customized treatment programs aimed at improving abilities to carry out activities of daily living
- Comprehensive evaluation of home and job environments and recommendation on necessary adaptations
- Assessment of and treatment for work performance skills
- Recommendations and training in the use of adaptive equipment to replace loss of function
Therapeutic Approach
The evaluation and assessment of the hand includes:
- Completion of an extensive history
- Evaluation of pain
- Physical examination
- Assessing wounds scar assessment
- Vascular assessment
- Edema
- Range of motion
- Grip and pinch
- Manual muscle testing
- Sensation
- Dexterity and hand function
- Splinting needs
Once the assessment is complete, isolated exercise, purposeful activity and therapeutic application related to the individuals occupation and daily living activities are applied to achieve positive functional outcomes.
Pediatric Specialty Services
Valley West Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech/Language Pathology (SLP), offer treatment options for children of all ages, who because of their conditions , need specialized assistance in learning, motor or physical development to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.
Our therapists work closely with the educational and school programs prescribed for the children and can supplement these programs where appropriate.
In the case of an injury or trauma, our pediatric specialty team can work with the family directly to reduce the time a child is out of school and/or work directly with school personnel to integrate the child back into school as quickly as possible. We also provide special accommodations, if appropriate or necessary.
