Physical therapy primarily addresses functional activities such as bed mobility, transfers, ambulation (and associated adaptive equipment), patient/family education, and wound care.

Speech-language pathologists address communication, cognitive and swallowing concerns.  Speech-language pathologists have been instrumental in reducing the incidences of aspiration pneumonia for patients receiving services from the stroke team to zero for the previous year.  Like occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists offer varying techniques to address the deficit, as well as adaptive devices such as electrolarnynx, an alphabet board or picture board.

Occupational therapy addresses ADLs (activities of daily living) such as donning/doffing clothes (in a proper, safe manner to avoid compromise of procedures as well as contribute to the patient's independence and self-esteem), hygiene and food preparation.  Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive issues.  In addition to technique, occupational therapists can offer adaptive equipment to assist in performing tasks.

At times, especially for those patients receiving services from the stroke team, a transdisciplinary approach involving all three services is taken to address the patient's needs.

Wound Care
Acute Care Rehabilitation Services offers a comprehensive wound program that often is multidisciplinary in nature. Each treatment is tailored for the specific needs and associated pathologies for each individual patient. Treatment options include traditional whirlpool treatments with various additives as ordered by physicians, specialized bandaging options, depending on type of wound; debridement and use of pulsed lavage for cleansing; and in some cases administering of medications directly to the wound.

Depending on wound location, size and type, pulsed lavage is sometimes used along with whirlpools. Pulsed lavage is a system for cleansing wounds by passing saline through a device with pressure adjustments and removing dead tissue by suction. The physician may have the cleansing solution prepared by the NMMC Pharmacy to address specific patient needs. Pulsed lavage is site-specific, lowers the risk of cross contamination in the event of multiple wounds, and can be less disruptive to the wound. When indicated, the Acute Rehabilitation Services staff utilizes sharp debridement to remove dead and contaminated tissue or foreign matter from the wound. Specific bandages are available to meet specific needs of the wound as the status changes.

The Acute Rehabilitation Services staff works closely with physicians, enterostomal therapy staff and dietitians to address multi-faceted issues and improve patient outcomes.

Referring Physician
Our group of professionals keep physicians up-to-date throughout the course of treatment through phone calls, evaluation reports and progress notes regarding their patients.

An Osteoporosis Support Group is an available option and meets monthly in our educational center.

For additional information about this program or related services, call (662) 377-3048 or 1-800-843-3375.

Location
   North Mississippi Medical Center
   Longtown Medical Park
   Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
   4381 South Eason Boulevard
   Tupelo, MS 38801