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Upstate Physical Therapy, A physical therapist helps a patient with stairs

Upstate Rehabilitative Therapies

When the unexpected happens from an injury or illness, and physical therapy or cognitive assistance is needed, you can continue to recover at our state-of the-art facility.

At the University Hospital Rehabilitation Center, you will receive the best of both Inpatient Rehabilitation and Outpatient therapy right here in Central New York. There is no need to travel to facilities that are far away and inconvenient for family to visit. Upstate offers these therapy disciplines:

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Acute Care Therapy in Hospital

Upstate Medical University is a large academic hospital spanning over two campuses - University Hospital and Community Hospital. Our therapy department is committed to providing excellent care to every patient that is admitted to the hospital, starting with early mobility, which can help prevent potential negative effects of decreased activity while being in the hospital. There are highly skilled rehabilitation specialists available 7 days per week for consultation, evaluation and treatment, that will work with you through any rehabilitation needs that you may require during your hospital stay.

We are a team of Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Physical Therapists who specialize in inpatient hospital-based therapy for a multitude of patient populations. These can include, but are not limited to: intensive care early mobility, generalized weakness, post-op surgery, trauma, burns, cardiac care, pulmonary disease, neurologic impairment, stroke, neurosurgery, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and oncology. You may find yourself in need of services from our skilled therapy staff that include the following professionals:

Occupational Therapists (OT): Medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating your current physical, cognitive (thinking), visual, social, and emotional status as it relates to your daily activities, leisure activities, school or work.
Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP): Medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with feeding and swallowing, speech, language, and cognition (thinking).
Physical Therapists (PT): Medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with strength, balance, sensation, and coordination in relation to overall mobility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can you expect from your stay?

The above therapy providers can/may be consulted by your medical provider (MD, NP, PA) during your stay in the hospital.

There are therapy providers from all three disciplines here 7 days a week to provide evaluation and treatment as needed.

You may receive all of the above services, or only require 1 or 2 services during your stay.

Therapists are focused on evaluating and treating you during your stay, making patient centered goals, and making appropriate discharge recommendations with you and your family.

Therapists can also make recommendations regarding equipment needs for discharge home.

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation

At University Hospital you will receive therapy in the hospital while you are recovering from your injury or procedure. If you need additional rehabilitation services and need to remain in the hospital, you may qualify to come to the 30 bed Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at the downtown campus or our 20 bed Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at the Community campus.

The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation team will provide a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, and vocational rehabilitation therapy 3 hours a day, 5 days a week to help the patient be the best they are able to be. We admit patients from 12 months of age and up. The staff is a dedicated team of professionals who are experts at treating those with brain injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, amputation, major multiple trauma or suffered from other various illnesses. Family members or caregivers are encouraged to participate in your recovery and they are considered part of the rehabilitation team.

If you have further questions we encourage you to visit our facilities in person and take a tour.

Transitional Care Unit (TCU)

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at University Hospital Community Campus is a 20 bed hospital based short-term sub-acute skilled nursing unit. The unit opened in July 2014 and is located on the completely renovated 5E unit on the Upstate Community Campus. The TCU admits only Medicare patients directly from an Upstate University Hospital acute care unit.

The TCU provides services to inpatients that no longer require acute care, but continue to need specialized medical, nursing and other hospital ancillary services and are not yet ready for discharge. It will be necessary for the patient or family to participate in the care on the TCU and to effectively address the post-discharge needs.

It is expected that patients admitted to the TCU will remain on the unit between five and 21 days. During their stay, care will be delivered by a comprehensive interdisciplinary team, including:

  • Registered Nurses
  • Licensed Practical Nurses
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Recreational Therapists
  • Case Management
  • Social Work

In addition, staff members from ancillary areas of the hospital (for example, laboratory, radiology, food and nutrition, respiratory services, social services, chaplaincy services) also assist patients and their families as appropriate.

Outpatient Therapy

Our rehabilitation team has years of combined experience working with patients with a variety of conditions. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and collaborative care for every patient. We utilize best practice, evidence, and your goals to guide your treatment.

Treatments are individualized to optimize your independence, function and safety. This may include:

  • Functional mobility training
  • Balance Training
  • Self care, home and community retraining
  • Casting/splinting/orthotics
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Modalities
  • Aquatics
  • Cognitive retraining-to address your thinking
  • Alternative communication, such as speech generating device training
  • Treatment for swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
  • Providing education on home and community exercise programs
  • Post-Operative repairs
  • Total Joint Replacements
  • Vestibular diagnoses
  • Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
  • Lymphedema

We also provide therapy to help individuals to return to work, recreational activities and sports.

  • Our rehabilitation team include:
    • Occupational Therapists
    • Speech and Language Pathologists
    • Physical Therapists
    • Rehabilitation counselor
  • A physician’s referral is required for examination and treatment within this program

Outpatient Therapy is offered at a variety of locations:

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