Stroke - A Comprehensive Rehabilitation
Why is rehabilitation important?
Rehabilitation after stroke is important in the recovery process. Participation in therapy can help promote neuro recovery of the brain. Early and consistent rehabilitation allows the individual to begin regaining their function, improve impairments and assist individuals in attaining their maximum rehabilitation potential as quickly as possible.
Upstate University Hospital is a New York State Designated Stroke Center that offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals who have suffered a stroke. The three levels of care may include:
- Acute Care
- Upstate Medical University is a large academic hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. You will receive excellent medical care at one of our two Campuses (University Hospital and Community Hospital). You may find yourself in need of services from our skilled therapy staff that include the following professionals:
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational Therapists (OT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating your current physical, cognitive (thinking), visual, social, and emotional status as it relates to returning to independence with your daily activities, leisure activities, school or work.
- Speech and Language Pathologists: Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with feeding and swallowing, speech, language, and cognition (thinking).
- Physical Therapists: Physical Therapists (PT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with strength, balance, sensation, and coordination in relation to walking, and return to optimal independence and safe mobility in your home and community.
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.
- Upstate Medical University is a large academic hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. You will receive excellent medical care at one of our two Campuses (University Hospital and Community Hospital). You may find yourself in need of services from our skilled therapy staff that include the following professionals:
- Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation
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Upstate Medical University Hospital has offered expert acute inpatient rehabilitation for over 30 years. The 2 North Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Upstate University Hospital has 30 beds and admits Adult and Pediatric Rehabilitation patients. There is also a 20 bed unit at the Upstate Community Hospital. Our patients receive specialized care by a highly skilled and dedicated team of rehabilitation professionals including nurses, therapists, case managers and board certified physicians.
The goal of the Rehabilitation Team is to help patients become as independent as possible. We assist individuals with overcoming barriers presented by functional limitations in mobility, self care, communication, swallowing and cognition.
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The rehabilitation team may include:
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech language pathologists
- Rehabilitation therapist
- Recreational therapist
- Board certified doctors
- Case management
- Rehabilitation psychologist
- Social work
- Registered Nurses/Nursing staff
What can you expect from your stay?
- A patient is admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit from the acute care setting.
- Within 24 hours of admission to the inpatient rehabilitation unit, the patient will receive a physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy evaluation
- The patient will receive at least 3 hours of therapy a day for a minimum of 5 days a week
- Patients may also receive therapy on the weekend
- Patients are provided with 24 hour nursing care
- Physicians are on call 24 hours a day
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Preparing for your stay:
- Patients can bring the following:
- Loose fitting, washable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Pajamas
- If used: dentures, hearing aids with batteries, glasses
- Cosmetics and toiletries you would like to use
- Photographs of family, friends and pets
- Please leave valuables at home, including jewelry and other items of sentimental value
- Patients can bring the following:
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Family and Friends
- We encourage family and patient caregivers to participate in therapy sessions and learn about your care
- Therapy appointments may start as early as 7am and may not end until 4pm
- Many patients need to rest in between appointments, so we ask that friends come after therapy ends at 4pm
- Visitors are welcome as per the hospital visitor policy.
- Visiting hours end at 9pm
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- Outpatient Therapy Stroke Program
- Our rehabilitation team has years of combined experience working with patients with neurological 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 may include functional mobility training, casting/splinting, therapeutic exercise, modalities, aquatics, cognitive retraining, augmentative communication device training, ADL training, and initiating home and community exercise programs.
- Our rehabilitation team include
- Occupational Therapist: Occupational Therapists (OT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating your current physical, cognitive (thinking), visual, social, and emotional status as it relates to returning to independence with your daily activities, leisure activities, school or work.
- Speech Language Pathologist: Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating difficulties with feeding and swallowing, speech, language, and cognition (thinking).
- Physical Therapist: Physical Therapists (PT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating difficulties with strength, balance, sensation, and coordination in relation to walking, and return to optimal independence and safe mobility in your home and community.
- Rehabilitation Counselor: A rehabilitation counselor assists persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals in the most integrated setting possible through the application of the counseling process.
- A physician’s referral is required for examination and treatment within this program.
- Our rehabilitation team include
How does the Regional Rehabilitation Center treat individuals who have suffered a stroke?
Treatments in therapy may include:
- Activities of daily living and independent living skills
- Recommendations of Assistive or Adaptive equipment
- Vision Testing and Retraining
- Speech and swallowing training
- Ambulation and transfer training
- Balance and coordination training
- Strengthening
- Family Training
- Stroke Education
- Neuropsychology Testing
- Tone Management
- Wheelchair Assessments
- Cognitive retraining
- Vocational services—return to work and school
The Latest Technology for the Best Treatment
The Regional Rehabilitation Center has a variety of state-of-the-art equipment available as part of the treatment following a stroke.
This equipment includes (see video below):
Helpful Links:
Community Supports are available for individuals who have suffered a stroke:
A physician’s referral is required in order to receive therapy services.
To contact the Regional Rehabilitation Center call: 315-464-6543
Fax: 315-464-4753
Providers
315 464-6543
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
LSVT Loud; Brain Injury; Dysphagia; Parkinson's Disease; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: SUNY Buffalo, 2018, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Occupational Therapy - Adult; Stroke; Occupational Therapy315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MA: SUNY College at Cortland, 2009, Therapeutic Recreation
- BA: SUNY Binghamton, 2006, Psychology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Pediatric Brain Trauma; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Burns (Severe); Falls; Hip Fracture; moreClinical Interests
Brain injury. Burns. Stroke.
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- DPT: Russell Sage College, 2015
- BS: SUNY Albany, 2012
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; Trauma; Amputee Rehabilitation; moreClinical Interests
Neurology - stroke, TBI
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- DPT: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2015, Physical Therapy
- BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012, Exercise Science
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Physical Therapy; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Neurology; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; moreResearch Interests
Research Physical Therapist involved in SLeep Effects on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (SLEEPR) Study
Clinical Interests
Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, vestibular rehabilitation
Associations/Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Neurology Section
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- Additional Training: SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 2017, CBIS
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Neuromuscular Disease; moreEducation Interests
Completed Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist course and exam in 2015, Renewed Cerification
Clinical Interests
Neurology, Stroke, TBI, Neurosurgery
315 464-2282
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Physical Therapy; Neurology; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2001, Speech-Language Pathology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Concussion; Dysphagia; moreAssociations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Utica College, 2022, Occupational Therapy
- BS: Utica College, 2019, Health Studies
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Occupational Therapy - Adult; Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Stroke315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Vanderbilt University, 2023, Speech-Language Pathology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; moreAssociations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Amputation; Brain Cancer; Brain Injury; moreEducation Interests
Stroke treatment
Vision treatment
Clinical Interests
neuro rehab, stroke, TBI
315 464-6543
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Adult; Amputation; Blurred Vision; Brachial Plexus Injury; Brain Aneurysm; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2017, Occupational Therapy
- BS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2016, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; All Cancers and Hematological Conditions; moreClinical Interests
Neurology and Pediatrics
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1993, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Common Vision Problems; Concussion; moreResearch Interests
Concussion Management
Visual and Vestibular disorders
Education Interests
Visual dysfunction and low vision services- occupational therapy
Clinical Interests
Concussion Care, Brain Injury
Aquired visual disorders
Low vision
Cognitive dysfunction
315 464-6543
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Inpatient Occupational Therapy; Occupational Therapy315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- PT: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2008, Master's of Physical Therapy
- BS: St. John Fisher College, 2005, Biology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Guillain Barre Syndrome; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); moreResearch Interests
Research Physical Therapist in SLEep Effects on
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (Sleepr) Study.
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2016
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Dizziness and Vertigo; Falls; moreAssociations/Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- BS: Utica College, 1996, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Dementia Practioner; Certified Geriatric Care Professional; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Aging Issues; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Geriatrics; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- DPT: SUNY Buffalo, 2009
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Muscular Dystrophies; Spinal Cord Injury; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Columbia University, 1997, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Concussion; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); more315 464-5820
Education & Fellowships
- PhD: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, 2009
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Brachial Plexus Injury; Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Spasticity; moreResearch Interests
Effectiveness of treatments for children and adults with neurological disorders.
Education Interests
Evidence based practice
Clinical Interests
Spasticity, developmental disabilities, brachial plexus injury, neurological disorders.
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1988, Physical Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Physical Therapy; Dizziness and Vertigo; Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, Physical Therapy; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Chronic Disease Management; moreEducation Interests
Health and wellness, Aging and longevity
Clinical Interests
Burns, SCI, neurological disorders, balance, seating and positioning, TBI
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1992, Occupational Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; more315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- PhD: Syracuse University, 2004, Rehabilitation Counseling
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Vocational Rehabilitation315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- BS: SUNY Brockport, 1988
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Dementia Practioner; DementiaClinical Interests
Animal Assisted Therapy / Activities
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Columbia University, 1979, speech/language pathology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Speech Pathology; Dysphagia; Head and Neck Cancer; Stroke; Fiberopic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES); Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)Associations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Syracuse University, 2009, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders; Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Stroke; Swallowing Difficulty or Dysphagia; moreAssociations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- OTR: Keuka University, 2001
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Stroke; Occupational Therapy315 464-6543
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Ithaca College, 2011
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Dysphagia; moreClinical Interests
Evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, stroke, TBI, cognitive communication disorders, aphasia, apraxia.
Associations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association, Ccc-Slp
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- MS: Syracuse University, 2008, Speech Language Pathology
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; moreClinical Interests
Cognitive Communication Disorders
Dysphagia
Aphasia
Apraxia
Dysarthria
Associations/Memberships
- American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
- Brain Injury Association USA
315 464-2282
Education & Fellowships
- DPT: University Hospital, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 2014, Physical Therapy
- BS: Russell Sage College, 1996, Physical Therapy
Diseases/Specialties/Treatments
Geriatric Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Geriatrics; Inpatient Physical Therapy; moreResearch Interests
Sleeper Study
Clinical Interests
Geriatrics, Stroke Rehab, Neuro and Brain Injury, General Surgery and medicine, Ortho Trauma
Associations/Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)