July 4, 2008 4:25pm

Physical Rehabilitation

Outpatient Services | Inpatient Services

Outpatient Services

Our Program: The Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive services for patients with disabilities, injuries or pain. Using a variety of treatments, exercise and activities, our goal is to relieve pain, promote healing and help restore the patient's lost function. Patient education is a vital part of treatment and home exercise programs are always taught. Patients may be treated at our Outpatient Physical Medicine Department based on a referral by their physician.

Diagnostic Categories: Care at the Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department can be provided to, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

  • Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
  • Fractures and Multiple Trauma
  • Total Joint Replacements
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Amputations
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Neurological Disorders & Injuries
  • Strokes
  • Lymphedema
  • Incontinence
  • Hand Therapy
  • Vestibular (Dizziness/Balance)

Our Department: The Outpatient Physical Medicine Department, using state-of-the-art equipment, is designed to create an upbeat and interactive atmosphere.

Physical Therapy: The physical therapist evaluates joint range of motion, muscle strength and tone, coordination, sensation, balance, mobility, posture, and gait. Following the evaluation, the physical therapist is able to establish a treatment plan incorporating various forms of therapeutic exercise, muscle re-education techniques, balance activities, including proper use of prosthetics (artificial limbs) and orthotic devices (braces).

Occupational Therapy: The occupational therapist evaluates and treats patients' disabilities with the goal of gaining independence with Activities of Day Living. Assessments may include range of motion, strength, fine and gross motor skills, sensation, cognitive and perceptual abilities, safety and environmental barriers within the home and/or work. Splinting and adaptive devices are designed as needed.

At Phelps we have therapists with specialized training in hand therapy, incontinence treatment, lymphedema management, and vestibular rehabilitation.

Hand Therapy: Hand Therapy helps rehabilitate patients following any injury, surgery, or medical condition of the upper extremity. A hand therapist treats cumulative trauma disorders such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic problem such as arthritis. Other problems managed by hand therapists include fractures, tendon injuries, tendonitis, amputations, nerve injuries or compressions, tumors and cysts, burns, rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, sprains and strains. Hand therapists also specialize in ergonomics. We are fortunate to have Anjum Lone, OTR/L, CHT, CLT at Phelps. She is one of only a few certified hand therapists in Westchester (914-366-3700)

Incontinence: Incontinence, affecting men and women of all ages, is most often due to muscle weakness, and this is good news — because muscles can be strengthened. The treatment offered at Phelps addresses the problem by teaching patients to strengthen muscles of the trunk and those that control the flow of urine. For information, contact Ann Toffel, PT, MBA (914-366-3703) or Joanne Gelsi, MS, PT (914-366-3700).

Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition that can develop shortly after surgery or even years later. It most commonly occurs following a mastectomy or other surgery involving the removal of lymph nodes. The condition can involve upper or lower extremities; and while it more commonly occurs in women, it can affect men. Symptoms of lymphedema caused by removal of nodes under the arm include puffiness below the armpit, pain, a feeling of heaviness in the arm, skin feeling tight or hard, and jewelry leaving indentations in the skin. These symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. Phelps has 4 certified lymphedema therapists. Please call Joanne Gelsi, MS, PT, CLT (914-366-3719) or Anjum Lone, OTR/L, CHT, CLT (914-366-3700) for further information or to schedule an appointment.

Vestibular Therapy: The vestibular system is the fluid-filled tubes and chambers that comprise part of the inner ear. People with vestibular disease are often plagued with dizziness, unsteadiness or imbalance when walking, vertigo, and nausea. Vestibular rehabilitation involves exercises designed to promote central nervous system compensation for the inner ear deficits, which decrease dizziness and increase balance function. Phelps therapists specialize in vestibular therapy. Joanne Gelsi, MS, PT can be reached at 914-366-3700.

Our Facility: The Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center is a 6,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment. Attractive, spacious surroundings are enhanced by a caring staff who support the rehabilitative needs of the patients.

Free parking is conveniently located near the Outpatient Rehabilitation facility.Free valet parking is also available.

Our Staff: The friendly staff provides individual patient care designing a therapeutic program specific to each patient's capabilities and needs. Each of our licensed therapists is an experienced and committed professional who takes pride in rehabilitating and educating each and every patient. We deliver comprehensive quality patient care. At the Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, we build successful recovery one patient at a time.

Appointments/Questions: Please call the Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine Department: (914) 366-3700.


Inpatient Services

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center: The setting and ambiance of the Rehab Center are important features. Located within the Phelps complex, which is on beautiful wooded land along the Hudson River, the Center offers accommodations  for eighteen patients.

Private rooms are available upon request. The well-equipped physical and occupational therapy treatment areas are convenient to patient rooms.

Treatment: Twice a day, patients receive physical and occupational therapy and, if indicated, one session daily of speech-language therapy. Patients are requested to play an active role in their rehabilitation program.

Family members and/or support persons are encouraged to participate when appropriate. Our belief is that only through continued practice, therapeutic exercises, and performing activities of daily living will our patients reach their maximum potential.

Discharge: Our discharge planning nurses and social workers provide guidance and support to assure a safe transition back to the community with all the appropriate equipment and services that patients need.

Post-hospital physical and occupational therapy can be conveniently scheduled in Phelps’ Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, a beautiful modern facility with the latest equipment. Outpatient speech-language therapy is available at the Donald R. Reed Speech & Hearing Center, also located on the Phelps Campus.

Eligibility: The Phelps Rehabilitation Center welcomes patients who have had surgery or have been treated for their medical conditions in other hospitals, as well as those who have been cared for at Phelps. Individuals appropriate for admission may include those who have had surgery for joint replacements or fractures; spinal, vascular or neurosurgery; limb amputation; trauma; stroke; or other conditions.

Admission: To be considered for admission to our Rehab Unit, the treating physician, social worker, or case manager at Phelps or from the referring hospital should contact our Admissions Coordinator Nurse, Judith Sewell, RN, at 914-366-3702.

On the day of admission, the Phelps rehab team evaluates the patient’s current status and future needs. A rehab plan is then specifically tailored for each patient. A comprehensive treatment program is developed and begun immediately. 

Our Rehab Team: Our highly qualified team of experts consists of board certified rehabilitation physicians; physical, occupational, recreational, and speech-language therapists; rehabilitation nurses; case managers; social workers; and dietitians. Our full-time nurse liaison works closely with physicians, social workers, and case managers who wish to refer patients.

Features of Phelps’ Rehab Center:

  • Recognized for Outstanding Quality
  • Located in a Full-Service Community Hospital
  • State and Federal Certification
  • Highly Professional and Caring Staff
  • Board Certified Rehabilitation Physicians
  • 18 Physical Medicine Beds
  • Private Rooms Available

Tours of the Center: Tours of the Center are available for prospective patients and family members. Please call Judith Sewell, RN at 914-366-3702 to arrange an appointment.

For Referrals and More Information: Telephone (914) 366-3702 and Fax (914) 366-1312.

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