LIVING WELL Magazine

Courtesy of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs, for SENIOR Magazine (Colorado Springs edition)

Aggressive inpatient rehabilitation makes a big difference in a patient’s recovery. By being placed in an acute rehabilitation hospital, patients are provided a much more intense approach to rehabilitation. Not only does a more aggressive routine boost patient recovery to optimum levels, but it also offers beneficial advantages to patients and families in less time.

That aggressive approach includes patient evaluation by board-certified physiatrists daily and 24-hour supervision from certified rehabilitation registered nurses. Each day patients should have three hours of therapy provided by physical, occupational and speech therapists, at least five days a week. And each patient’s physician, therapists, case manager and nurses should meet bi-weekly to consult on progress

HealthSouth monitors the technology industry for new designs that enhance the rehabilitation process, and has even contributed its own breakthrough with the engineering and development of the AutoAmbulator. The AutoAmbulator is a treadmill device using the therapeutic concept of body weight-supported ambulation and robotics to help patients with gait disorders.

Other technology that’s available at HealthSouth include VitalStim to improve swallowing function and the Interactive Metronome which promotes neuromuscular education by performing tasks to a beat. Then there’s the Bioness NESS H200 and NESS L300 which uses functional electrical stimulation to improve walking and upper extremity function. The SmartStep is a computerized biofeedback device used to effectively analyze gait and weight bearing. And Visi-Pitch IV uses high-fidelity hardware to assess and treat voice and communication disorders.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs also has an outpatient clinic that offers physical, occupational and speech therapy for a variety of disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis Clinic. A team of HealthSouth home care professionals work with the physician and family to develop a comprehensive treatment plan in order to provide physical, occupational and speech therapy, skilled nursing, and home health aides.

HealthSouth also offers a Sleep Disorders Center, which treats a variety of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Through proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can improve their sleep patterns and quality of life.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs may be reached at 719-630-2308.