Outpatient physical rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based program that helps improve your balance and reduce your dizziness. This may be especially useful if you have recently experienced a stroke, brain injury or fall. Positive outcomes of outpatient vestibular rehabilitation can include:

• Decreased dizziness
• Decreased fall-risk
• Improved ability to stabilize vision
• Improved balance
• Improved neck motion
• Increased body strength
• Increased confidence in maintaining balance
• Increased movement and functionality

Lymphedema occurs when an abnormal buildup of fluid and cellular waste accumulates in a certain area of the body, most commonly in the arms and legs. If you have had lymph nodes removed, followed by radiation therapy, you have the highest risk of developing lymphedema.

Our outpatient lymphedema program is designed for anyone with a compromised lymphatic system. We use techniques to help reduce the size of an extremity by moving lymph fluid back into the circulatory system. We also educate you so you can successfully manage your lymphedema independently following treatment.

Our lymphedema management services include:

• Compression bandages
• Education on the lymph system
• Exercises
• Manual lymph drainage (a specialized type of massage)
• Skincare

To participate in our lymphedema program, you need a referral from a Florida-licensed physician or physician assistant.

Our physical therapists have extensive experience rehabilitating patients following orthopedic procedures. To expedite your recovery process, we offer:

• Back and spine injury rehabilitation
• Bone and joint rehabilitation
• Manual therapy
• Sports injury rehabilitation

The sooner you begin moving after orthopedic surgery, the faster you will recover. We offer the Gym Joint — a space where you can begin your outpatient rehabilitation. Here we help you gain confidence in your ability to make a full recovery. If you meet specific criteria, you can begin working with our physical therapists in the Gym Joint using low-impact equipment, light stretching and mat exercises.

The outpatient speech therapy program at our hospital is one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind in the region. Our speech pathologists are state-licensed and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). We provide a range of treatments if you have conditions affecting your speech, communication and swallowing abilities. Our program offers speech therapy to patients of all ages.

Our animal therapy program is a specialized treatment in which you can visit with therapy dogs to improve your mental and physical health. The goal of our animal therapy program is to shift your focus from discomfort to happiness and hopefulness. Visiting therapy dogs can lower your blood pressure, heart rate and stress.

With a physician's approval, you can request an animal therapy visit. If appropriate, animal-assisted therapy can be incorporated into your care plan. If approved for animal therapy, you have control over the length of the visit and the activities performed during the visit. You can enjoy the therapy dog from a distance, sit next to the dog or even pet or brush them.

Stroke rehabilitation is an important phase of recovery for stroke survivors. Our outpatient stroke rehabilitation program helps you relearn skills that were lost and learn new skills to compensate for any abilities that have been permanently changed. Some of these skills include walking and self-propelling a wheelchair. We also offer individualized treatment programs for stroke survivors. These programs are designed to increase functional independence and improve your overall quality of life.