February 4, 2012 8:43pm

Physical Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy
Appointment Request

Outpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy
Inpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy

Outpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy (914) 366-3700

Our Program: The Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages 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. Wheelchair fitting, assessments, and trainiing are performed, and splinting and adaptive devices are designed and fabricated as needed.

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

Aquatics: Phelps is proud to offer therapy in our state-of-the-art, 20' x 40' therapeutic, warm water pool, which features an underwater treadmill. The goal of aquatic therapy is to improve strength and mobility while reducing pain in order to improve function and progress to a land-based exercise program. Some diagnoses treated with Aquatic Therapy include:

  • Arthritis
  • Total Joint Replacements
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Post spinal surgeries
  • Fibromyalgia

Orthopedics: Phelps' Outpatient Department provides Occupational and Physical Therapy to a diverse population from pediatrics to geriatrics, treating a wide range of orthopedic diagnoses including:

  • Post total joint replacements
  • Low back and neck pain/disorders
  • Hand and upper extremity post-surgeries and disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Post-surgical bone and tendon repairs
  • Fractures, Sprains, and Strains
  • Post-Polio Syndrome

Hand & Upper Extremity Rehab: Our Occupational Therapists are trained to treat upper extremity conditions using the most current equipment and techniques. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with advanced knowledge and skills is on staff. Some diagnoses treated are:

  • Tendon injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures/dislocations
  • Tendonitis/nerve compressions
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow
  • Tumors/Cysts

Treatments may include:

  • Pain and Edema control
  • Wound care/scar tissue management
  • Sensory re-education and desensitization
  • Splint fabrication and fitting - static and dynamic
  • Strengthening and Joint Protection
  • Ergonomic assessment and training

Lymphedema: A build up of lymphatic fluid in tissues under the skin causing swelling and potential dysfunction of any body part, Lymphedema has been found to respond to therapy. Some causes include:

  • Surgeries
  • Radiation and Chemotherapy
  • Repeated and post-operative infections
  • Trauma
  • Congenital conditions
  • Chronic venous insufficiency

Treatment may include:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (A specialized massage technique)
  • Exercise to increase re-absorption through muscle-pumping
  • Compressive, low stretch bandaging to aid in re-absorption and prevent refilling of the area
  • Education regarding risk factors, prevention strategies, skin care, and long-term compression garment purchase and use

Neurology: Phelps' Therapy department provides rehabilitation for patients with nervous system injuries and disorders including:

  • Stroke/TIA
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Spinal Cord Injuries

To assist in neurological treatment, Phelps offers:

  • Therapists trained in Neurodevelopmental, Neuromuscular
  • Re-education, and Balance Retraining techniques
  • An apartment for activity of daily living training
  • Dynavision
  • Splint fabrication
  • Saebo Flex Orthosis

Vestibular Therapy: The vestibular system (located in the inner ear) is a critical component of the balance system. It tells our body where we are in space to maintain balance and prevent falls. Some common diagnoses treated are:

  • Vertigo/dizziness
  • Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuritis

Treatments may include:

  • Low to high level functional balance exercises
  • Improving bed mobility and transfers
  • Visual exercises and exercises to reduce vertigo
  • Fall reduction, safety and gait training

Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the inability to control voiding. This disorder is often due to muscle weakness and decreased muscular control which may be treatable with Physical Therapy intervention. A treatment program includes:

  • Exercises with auditory/visual Biofeedback
  • Patient education and training one-on-one, in a private room with a trained Physical Therapist
  • A home exercise program

Low Vision Training: Occupational Therapy is available to help individuals with visual/perceptual impairments and related sensory, physical, and age-related limitations become as independent as possible. Some diagnoses appropriate for low vision training include:

  • Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Neurological deficits (i.e. hemianopsia/visual field cut)
  • Diagnoses not correctable with prescription glasses.

Treatments may include:

  • Safety and lighting recommendations
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training
  • Compensatory adaptation/equipment training
  • Therapeutic activities and use of Dynavision training equipment

A prescription for Occupational Therapy is required from your MD/Ophthalmologist to participate in low vision training.

Pediatrics: Services are offered for newborn to 18 years of age and may be in addition to school-based therapies. Diagnoses treated may include:

  • Developmental delays in reaching typical milestones
  • Torticollis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Dystrophies

Our Therapists concentrate on areas including:

  • Balance and Coordination
  • Fine and Gross Motor Skills
  • Neuromuscular Re-education
  • Handwriting
  • Activities of Daily Living

Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A gentle manual therapy accessing the body's connective and related nervous system tissues, Craniosacral Therapy treats subtle restrictions and imbalances within the body, enhancing inherent healing mechanisms. Conditions treated with "CST" include:

  • Spinal pain and disorders
  • Migraines/Chronic headaches
  • Hyperactivity
  • Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia
  • Tension Myositis

Our Facility: The new Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, located on the first floor of the recently constructed 755 North Broadway Medical Services Building, is a 20,000 square-foot facility with a therapeutic pool and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment. Attractive, spacious surroundings are enhanced by a caring staff who support the rehabilitative needs of the patients.

Ample free parking is conveniently available in our new, 5-story parking garage.

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.

Physical Therapists

Matt Landfield, PT, Manager, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Graduating in PT from CUNY/SUNY Hunter College, Summa Cum Laude, 1997, Matt returns to Phelps as Rehabilitation Manager from over 3 years as Director of Rehab Services (PT, OT, and Speech Therapy) at Kendal on Hudson, the new continuing care retirement community located on the Phelps campus. Additional professional training: Geriatrics and Fall Prevention, Craniosacral, Myofascial Release, and Visceral Manipulation Manual Therapies.

Puja Agarwal, PT, Supervisor: A 1994 Physical Therapy graduate from Delhi University, India, Puja has been employed at PMHC since July of 2007. She recently earned her transitional doctorate in PT and is a multilingual therapist (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Spanish). Additional professional training: Pediatrics (NY State certified for early intervention), Vestibular Therapy, Manual Orthopedic techniques, Neurology (NDT-NeuroDevelopmental Training), Yoga, and aerobics.

Jennifer Teyfel-Freestone, PT, Supervisor: Jennifer left New York Presbyterian Hospital at Columbia to join Phelps in May 2011. She received her DPT from NYU in 2005. She has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings specializing in geriatric and pediatric care. Jennifer received her geriatric certification from the APTA in 2010, her LANA lymphedema certification in 2009, and is a certified Early Intervention provider for Phelps' new EI program. She is fluent in English and German. Additional professional training: geriatrics, pediatrics/early intervention, and lymphedema.

Joanne Gelsi, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: A member of the Phelps Rehab team since 1994, Joanne has since become Chief PT, specializing in general Outpatient Physical Therapy treatment. She graduated in PT from The University of Connecticut, 1982. Additional professional training: Lymphedema, Incontinence, Aquatic Therapy, and Sports Medicine.

Deborah McCallion, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Deborah has been employed at Phelps since 1993, specializing in and leading the Acute and Orthopedic In-Patient Physical Therapy team. She is a graduate of Ithaca College, 1973. Additional professional training: NDT certification, Dementia specialist, PT intervention in NICU, Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Pediatrics.

Michelle Imperato, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Graduating with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2003, Michelle has been employed at PMHC since 2004. She has been a vital part of building and implementing the hospital-wide computer documentation system, and is a multilingual therapist (Spanish, Portuguese and English). Additional professional training: Vestibular Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine.

Leslie Sims, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Graduating from the University of Miami in December 1998 with a Master's Degree in PT, she started her career working in the PMHC outpatient department for 8 years. After temporarily practicing in New York City, Leslie recently rejoined Phelps and feels as though she has returned to family. Additional professional training: Orthopedics, Manual Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy.

Julie Lee, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Julie graduated from New York University with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy in 1991and earned an advanced Masters in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in 1997. Julie joined the Phelps Rehab team in 2009. Additional professional training: Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA), Incontinence, Manual Orthopedic Therapy.

Christina Ronco, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Graduating with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy from of Hunter College in 2005, Christina's previous experience includes working in private out-patient clinics with orthopedic and sports medicine patients. Employed at Phelps since February 2008, Christina is fluent in Spanish and English, and recently became a Senior Therapist. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, pursuing Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification, Kinesio-taping.

Kara Haughney, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Kara graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Master's degree in PT in 2007 and was hired at PMHC recently thereafter. She enjoys working with a diverse caseload of patients. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Orthopedics.

Alfred Banan, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Alfred graduated in Physical Therapy from EAC Manila, Philippines, 1992.
He has been employed at Phelps since 2008 and works extensively with acute care patients requiring aggressive rehabilitation from post-surgical procedures. Additional professional training: Geriatrics, Manual Therapy, Wound Care, Lymphedema.

Aaron Frasier, PT, Senior Physical Therapist, Level I: Aaron earned his Master's degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2002. He is experienced in working with children with multiple handicaps and developing adaptive seating and positioning equipment. Aaron has also worked with a broad spectrum of adult patients with neurological conditions including Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Stroke. Additional professional training: Army Master's Fitness Trainer for developing soldier readiness, Orthopedics.

Mercedes Eagleson, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Mercedes earned her Master's degree of Physical Therapy in 1999 at Boston University, and rejoined the Phelps Rehab team in 2009. She has extensive experience working in acute care, lymphedema, and wound care on the west and east coasts. Mercedes speaks Italian, Spanish and English. Additional professional training: Lymphedema, Wound care, Orthopedics.

Anna Santos, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Ana earned her Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from PLM in Manila, Philippines in 2003. She went on to receive her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2010. She has previous supervisory experience and in working with patients in sub-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings. Additional professional training: Geriatrics and Orthopedics.


Kyung Hee Jung, PT: Kyung graduated from Catholic University of Pusan in South Korea in 2004 and joined Phelps Hospital Physical Therapy team in 2010. Kyunghee has worked at private out-patient facilities with orthopedic and sports medicine populations. Kyunghee is fluent in Korean and English. Additional professional training: Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF).

Jimmy Nunez, PT: Jimmy is a 2011 graduate of the DPT program at New York Medical College, and joined Phelps in September 2011. He previously worked in Neuroscience research at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and
joins the Acute Care Rehab Team on our 2 Center unit.

Rachel Friedman, Senior Therapist, Level II: A graduate of Russell Sage College 1991 in Physical Therapy, Rachel joined Phelps in October 2011, and has worked as a traveling therapist throughout the country in sub-acute, homecare, and in-patient rehabilitation settings, most recently in out-patient orthopedics. Additional professional training: Alexander Technique (popular among artists to improve posture, prevent overuse injuries), 200-hour Certified Kripalu-style Yoga instructor.

Ava Loresca Dela Cruz, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Ava received her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2011, her Bachelor's degree in PT from the University of the Philippines, Manila in 2000. She has experience internationally in Dubai and Pakistan as well as the Philippines and New York. Ava has worked in acute hospital, homecare, and out-patient settings, and as Team Therapist for Rugby Teams in Dubai and Pakistan over the last 11 years. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Sports Rehab, and Aquatherapy.

George Eastmond, PTA: Receiving an AAS at Laguardia community college in 1992, George carries 17 years of experience in multiple settings including long-term care, hospice, home care, and hospitals. He has been employed at Phelps since 1993, working in Acute Care, the Outpatient department, and Aquatic Therapy. Additional professional training: Kinesio and McConnell Taping, Myofascial Release, Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Biofeedback, Aquatics.

Occupational Therapists

Anjum Lone OTR/L, CHT, Chief Occupational Therapist: After graduation from OT school in Wales, Great Britain in 1979, Anjum worked in London and then in the U.S. She has been employed at PMHC since 1996, specializing in the field of Hand Therapy, and heads the Occupational Therapy department at PMHC. Additional professional training: Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Kinesio-taping, Graston Techniques.

Gloria J. Hudson OTR/L, Supervisor, Occupational Therapy: Gloria has been a dedicated employee of PMHC since 1992 just after graduating from the Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy program. Additional professional training: Neurological (CVA), functional tone management with Saeboflex orthosis, orthopedics, Hand Therapy, Graston techniques, low vision; AMPS assessment of motor and process skills, hippotherapy (using horses in therapy with patients) in pet-facilitated therapy outside of PMHC.

Susan O'Reilly OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level II: Susan has been employed at PMHC since January 1997. She is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy program in 1985. Additional professional training: Certified Lymphedema Therapist, orthopedics, hand rehabilitation, neurology, Kinesio-taping, Graston techniques.

Laura Corbelli OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level I: Graduating from the University of Hartford in Occupational Therapy, 2002, Laura joined the rehab team in August of that year. She is currently a Senior Therapist Level I, and Team leader on the orthopedic/acute rehab unit. Additional professional training: Aquatic Therapy, Stroke Rehabilitation, OT intervention in NICU.

Sheetal Shenoy OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level I: Sheetal has been an employee of PMHC since January 2008. She is a Graduate of G.S. Medical College, Bombay University, India, bringing over 10 years of clinical experience to the Phelps community. Additional professional training: Orthopedics (hand, shoulder, modalities), Neurology (NDT for CVA, Saeboflex Orthosis, Vestibular Rehabilitation)

Shannon Scott OTR/L: Shannon received her Master's Degree in OT from Dominican College, NY in 2007 and is currently working on her Doctorate in OT through the University of St. Augustine, FL. She has been employed at PMHC since September 2007. Additional professional training: Aquatic therapy and aqua aerobics/fitness, outpatient orthopedic, inpatient orthopedic, ergonomics, injuries in musicians.

Pooa Bloomberg OTR/L: Graduating in Occupational Therapy from the SUNY Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY, 2000, Pooa joined the PMHC rehab team in July, 2007. She is credited with setting up and implementing hospital-based OT programs in Vietnam and the Republic of Congo. Additional professional training: Hand and Shoulder Rehabilitation, Kinesio-taping.

Kathleen Gibbs OTR/L: Kathy joined the Inpatient Rehabilitation team in May 2008 after graduating with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Additional professional training/experience: Vestibular Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Aquatherapy; Teaching Assistant, Mercy College Occupational Therapy Masters Program.

Marlo White, OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level I: A graduate of Quinnipiac College 1996, Marlo has experience in acute care adult Rehab and 12 years of pediatric treatment experience in multiple settings. Marlo joined the Phelps Memorial Rehab team in April 2011, and currently works in Acute Rehab and as Pediatric Specialist, expanding the pediatric and Early Intervention program here at Phelps. Additional professional training: Sensory Integration, Early Intervention Provider and CPSE Provider.

Dawn Borrero, OTR/L: Graduating with a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Mercy College in 2009, Dawn joined the PMHC rehab team in May working in Acute Rehab. Dawn worked as a consultant in enhanced ergonomic design for classrooms for a NYC public school. Additional professional training: Stroke Rehabilitation, Pediatrics and Sensory Integration.

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

Inpatient Rehabilitation (914) 366-3702

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: Outpatient Rehabilitation (914) 366-3700; Inpatient Rehabilitation (914) 366-3702

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