SVMC Marks National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Across the country, the third week of September is heralded as National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. This week provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the types of rehabilitation that can improve and transform the lives of individuals recovering from disabling injuries and illnesses, such as stroke, broken bones, muscle sprains, respiratory disease, cancer, joint replacement, and many others.

SVMC’s rehabilitation team consists of 40 therapists located at the hospital as well as the Northshire, Deerfield Valley, Twin Rivers, and SVMC Orthopedic offices. The available therapists (differs by location) include:

• Occupational therapists who generally helps individuals perform daily activities and improve their quality of life

• Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who focus on improving movement and physical function

• Speech-language pathologists who specialize in communication and swallowing disorders

These practitioners provide a range of specialized therapies (see below) that play a critical role in promoting independence, enhancing quality of life, and restoring overall well-being. 

Services offered by SVMC’s rehabilitation team include:

• Inpatient rehabilitation

• Outpatient rehabilitation

• Pediatric rehabilitation

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Pulmonary rehabilitation

• Certified lymphedema services

• Certified hand therapy

• LSVT Loud therapy

• LSVT Big therapy

• Vertigo and vestibular therapy

• Post-concussion therapy

• Video fluoroscopies (swallowing studies)

If you’d like to learn more about how rehabilitation may benefit you or a loved one, speak to yours or the individual’s primary care provider or specialist. They can provide a referral to SVMC’s Rehabilitation.

Michaelia St. Jacques, MSOT, OTR/L, CHT is the Assistant Director of Rehabilitation at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.