REHAB: OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPIES
REHAB: OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPIES
Healing takes a team—and at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), you have a skilled team working together to support your recovery. Our dedicated therapists take the time to get to know you and your needs, beginning with a thorough evaluation, then, creating a customized therapy plan just for you. Our Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists provide care for patients of all ages and a wide range of conditions.
The three main types of rehabilitation therapy are occupational, physical and speech. Each form of rehabilitation serves a unique purpose in helping a person reach full recovery, but all share the ultimate goal of helping patients return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Rehabilitation is defined as “a set of interventions designed to optimize functioning and reduce disability in individuals with health conditions in interaction with their environment”. The ARH Rehabilitation team is made up of highly skilled certified Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists with specialized knowledge and experience in treating a broad spectrum of injuries and conditions.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
- Aquatic Therapy (Pool Therapy)
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Certified Autism Specialist – Therapists trained specifically for services for individuals on the autism spectrum – Learn More
- Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (Dysphagia-Swallowing Therapy)
- Dry Needling – Uses Specialized Needles to Treat Pain and Movement Issues – Learn More
- Evidence in Motion Manual Therapy (Therapeutic Massage)
- Exercise Expert for Aging Adults
- Functional Capacity Evaluation (Physical Performance Evaluation Pre & Post Work Evaluation) – A comprehensive evaluation measuring strength, endurance, positional tolerance and physical demands of work level
- Hand Therapy – Evaluation and treatment of injuries and conditions of the hand and arm – Learn More
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Rock Blade – For treating acute and chronic muscular injuries
- Kinesiotaping – Therapeutic taping for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, often used by athletes – Learn More
- Lymphedema Management – Strategies focusing on controlling or reducing swelling in the extremities – Learn More
- LSVT Big Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease and Similar Conditions
- Maitland Manual Therapy (Manual Therapy Treatment)
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Specialty Service)
- Orthopedic Certified Specialist (for People with Orthopedic Conditions)
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation – Treatment techniques focusing on improving pelvic muscle function – Learn More
- Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Treatment
- Vestibular Rehabilitation – Techniques to improve balance and reduce dizziness due to inner ear issues – Learn More
- VitalStim Therapy – Non-invasive therapy for patients with difficulty swallowing
- Vivistim® Therapy – Vivistim®: FDA-approved therapy for improving recovery after stroke, using gentle vagus nerve stimulation to help your brain relearn movement – Learn More
- Women’s Health (Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist)
- Wound Care (Treatment for Wounds)
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
ARH Occupational therapy helps people of all ages build strength, movement, and independence. Our services support children, adults, and seniors to overcome challenges and participate more fully in everyday life.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Our goal is to make it easier for kids to play, participate in school activities, and day-to-day activities. We support children with conditions or illnesses, such as:
- ADHD
- Birth Injuries
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Delay
- Down Syndrome
- Feeding Disorders
- Spina Bifida
Therapies include:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training
- Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment
- Education and Training for Patients and Caregivers
- Cognitive Development
- Feeding Therapy
- Motor Skill Development
- Self-Help Skill Development
- Sensory Play
- Social-Emotional Development
Adult/Elderly Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help adults and seniors stay safe and independent, improving daily living and quality of life, supporting people with conditions, injuries, or illnesses, such as:
- Amputations
- Brain & Spinal Injury (Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury)
- Debility (Weakness due to Illness or Injury)
- Neuromuscular Disorders (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Multiple Sclerosis)
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Post-surgical Conditions such as Knee and Hip Replacement, Shoulder, Neck and Back Surgery
- Post-Stroke
- Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
- Sports Injuries
- Upper Extremity Orthopedic Conditions, Injuries, or Surgery
- Work-related Injuries such as Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel, Cubital Outlet Syndrome
Therapies include:
- Activities of Daily Living Training
- Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment
- Education and Training for Patients and Caregivers
- Evaluation and Treatment
- Falls Prevention, Home Safety, and Accessibility Modifications
- Splinting
- Therapeutic Activities and Exercises to Improve Balance, Coordination, Range of Motion and Strength
PHYSICAL THERAPY
ARH Physical Therapy helps people move better and live more independently. Our therapists work with you to improve strength, mobility, and confidence—so you can get back to doing the things you love.
PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists help children move, play, and participate in school activities. We work with kids who have challenges with movement or coordination, with conditions and illnesses, such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Birth Injuries
- Burns & Wounds
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental Delay
- Down Syndrome and Genetic Disorders
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Neuromuscular Disorders (Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy)
- Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Injuries
- Spina Bifida
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Therapies include:
- Developing Self-Help Skills
- Education and Training for Patients and Caregivers
- Enhancing Learning Opportunities
- Evaluation and Treatment for Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment (Wheelchair, etc.)
- Facilitating Motor Development and Function
- Improving Activity Tolerance, Strength, and Range of Motion
- Promoting Independence in Everyday Routines
- Supporting Children to Reach Developmental Milestones and Promote Mobility
ADULT/ELDERLY PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists provide evaluations and treatments for adults and elderly with conditions such as:
- Amputations
- Brain & Spinal Injury (Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury)
- Burns & Wounds
- Debility (Weakness due to Illness or Injury)
- Joint Pain (Knee, Hip, Ankle, Neck and Back)
- Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
- Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy)
- Orthopedic Conditions, Injuries, or Surgery
- Post-surgical Conditions such as Knee and Hip Replacement, Neck and Back Surgery, Shoulder Surgery
- Post-Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Sports Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Work-related Injuries such as Back Pain, Disc Herniation, Knee and Ankle sprain
Therapies include:
- Education/Training for Patients and Caregivers · Electric Stimulation
- Evaluation and Treatment with Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment
- Falls Prevention, Home Safety, and Accessibility Assessments
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Gait and Mobility Evaluation and Training
- Hand Therapy
- Lumbar and Cervical Traction
- Manual Therapy
- Massage
- Therapeutic Activities and Exercises to Improve Balance, Coordination, Range of Motion and Strength
- Training in Activities of Daily Living
- Ultrasound
- Whirlpool
- Work Hardening & Conditioning for Job Related Injuries
SPEECH THERAPY
Speech Therapy, also known as Speech-Language Pathology, is dedicated to helping individuals improve their communication skills and overcome speech or language disorders. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) at ARH work with people of all ages, addressing difficulties in articulation, language comprehension, fluency, voice, and social communication. Through tailored exercises and techniques, Speech Therapy aims to enhance communication abilities, foster clarity, and support individuals to express themselves effectively.
DRY NEEDLING
Functional Dry Needling is inserting a monofilament needle directly into a muscle or trigger point with an end goal of decreasing pain, increasing motion and improving daily function.
Common Diagnoses Treated with FDN include but are not limited to:
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Tendonitis
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive motion disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome
FDN assists in reducing inflammation and localized tension in the muscle and increases blood flow to the affected area, thus decreasing muscle pain, improving range of motion, and restoring your performance in daily tasks.
HAND THERAPY
Certified Hand Therapists, licensed Occupational or Physical Therapists who have been credentialed as a certified hand therapist (CHT), are experts in the evaluation and treatment of a wide array of conditions that affect the function of the hand and arm. CHTs work closely with surgeons and other providers to ensure high-quality outcomes for patients. CHTs have met rigid standards set by the Hand Therapy Commission in upper extremity rehabilitation and have passed the national examination.
What does Hand Therapy Provide?
- Preventative, non-operative, or conservative treatment
- Post-operative therapy after tendon injuries, trauma, or fractures of the upper extremity
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Design and implementation of home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
- Splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury/illness
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
- Work conditioning prior to returning back to work
Who Needs Hand Therapy?
Hand Therapy patients may have been affected by an accident or trauma leaving them with wounds, scars, burns, injured tendons or nerves, fractures, or even amputations of the fingers, hands, or arms. Patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist injuries, elbow & shoulder injuries, as well as arthritis, strokes, or peripheral nerve injuries also benefit from hand therapy.
LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY
Lymphedema is swelling in areas of the body when something happens to the lymphatic system. There are two classifications of lymphedema. Primary Lymphedema occurs when there is a genetic abnormality which causes a problem in the development of the lymphatic system. Secondary Lymphedema may occur due to injury, surgery or radiation therapy.
CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMA
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency with or Without Wounds
- Dysplasia (Primary Lymphedema)
- Infection or Trauma to the Lymphatic System
- Lipo-Lymphedema
- Radiation for Cancer Like Breast Cancer Aftercare
- Sports Injuries, Fractures, Sprains, and Blunt, Soft Tissue Trauma
- Surgical/Post-Surgical Joint Replacement
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Assessment of Pneumatic Devices for Home Use
- Compression Wrapping
- Evaluation and Treatment Plan
- Fitting for Custom Compression Garments
- Home Exercise Program
- Manual Lymph Drainage (Massage-Like Technique)
PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY
Pain in your joints? Limited tolerance in “normal” activities such as household chores, work, or exercise? Discomfort with basic baby care, like lifting, carrying baby, or pushing a stroller?
Who Can Benefit?
- Women (e.g., Prenatal and Postpartum Issues, and Post Gynecological Surgery)
- Men (e.g., Post-Prostatectomy Surgery, Erectile Dysfunction)
- Children (e.g., Bedwetting, Daytime Leakage, Constipation, and Fecal Incontinence)
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is a specialized non-surgical treatment technique that focuses on improving the function of the muscles at the base of the pelvis, commonly used to treat dysfunctions in the pelvis that contribute to bowel, bladder, sexual health, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery.
Pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles and tissues that support organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum, help control urination and bowel movements, play a role in sexual function and stabilize your core. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation is a specially trained physical therapist works with you to:
- Improve Muscle Coordination
- Reduce Pain and Dysfunction
- Relax Overly Tight Muscles
- Strengthen Weak Muscles
Common Conditions Treated
- Constipation or Difficulty with Bowel Movements
- Diastasis Recti
- Frequent Urination or Urgency
- Painful Intercourse
- Pelvic Pain During Exercise or Daily Activities
- Postpartum Recovery
- Prolapse
- Recovery after Pelvic Surgery
- Urinary Incontinence
Therapies Include
- Biofeedback (Using Sensors to Help You Learn Control)
- Breathing and Postural Training
- Education on Habits (Like Bathroom Posture or Lifting Technique)
- Guided Exercises
- Manual Therapy (Internal or External Muscle Work)
PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY
Muscles of the pelvic floor control the urine flow and support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. All the muscles of your pelvic floor must work together to have good bladder control. When the muscles and nervous system don’t coordinate, it can result in pelvic floor dysfunction with symptoms like:
- Constipation
- Discomfort Caring for Your New Baby
- Inability to Urinate
- Loss of Urine with Lifting, Laughing, Sneezing, Running or Jumping
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pelvic Pain During Exercise, Daily Activities or Intercourse
- Sudden Urges to Urinate, Urinating More Than 8 Times a Day
Pelvic Floor Therapy helps
- Positioning for Labor
- Prevention & Treatment of Abdominal Muscle Separation
- Reduce Low Back, Hip, Leg and other Pregnancy Pains
- Safe Exercises During Pregnancy
- Tips for Childbirth Preparation
- Training to Prevent
Prolonged Labor
SEQUENTIAL ORAL SENSORY (SOS)
Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) is an approach designed to address feeding challenges in children or adults by systematically introducing them to various food textures, flavors, and consistencies. SOS recognizes that picky eating or aversions can stem from sensory sensitivities, and it aims to build comfort and competence with diverse foods.
Through a structured and supportive environment, SOS helps people develop the oral motor skills, tolerance, and confidence needed for a more varied and enjoyable eating experience.
What to Expect
- Active Involvement of Parents/Caregivers Is Crucial Working Alongside Therapists to Implement Strategies at Home, Creating a Consistent and Supportive Environment Children
- Gradual and Systematic Exposure to Various Textures, Tastes, and Smells of Food to Desensitize and Expand the Palate
- Play-Based Activities to Engage Participants and Reduce Anxiety Around Eating
- Step-By-Step Approach, Starting with Familiar and Preferred Foods and Gradually Introducing New Elements
The focus is not solely on consuming the food but on fostering a positive relationship with eating by building oral motor skills, tolerance, and comfort with a diverse range of foods. Throughout the process, therapists work closely with participants and their families, tailoring the approach to individual needs and promoting a more relaxed and enjoyable mealtime experience.
What We Treat
- Picky Eating Habits, Selective Eating
- Sensory Sensitivities
- Feeding Challenges Related to Oral Motor Skills
- Oral Motor Difficulties
KINESIO TAPING
Kinesio Taping, known for athletic injury treatment, is also used for numerous medical conditions. It can:
- Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
- Prevent Overstretching or Contraction of Injured Muscles
- Improve Circulation
- Restore Strength to Weak or Injured Muscles
- Improve Circulation
- Reduce Fatigue in Overused Muscles
- Improve Mobility/Flexibility in Injured Areas
- Prevent/Relieve Cramps and Spasms
- Relief of Acute or Chronic Pain
- Supports without Restricting Range of Motion
Kinesio Taping increases blood flow to injuries to expedite the healing process for:
- Abdominal Muscle Support
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Injuries/Stabilization
- Bursitis of knee and shoulder
- Cervical Injuries (Whiplash, Cervical ROM)
- Hamstring Sprains
- Knee/ACL Injuries/Repair
- Muscle Pain
- Patellofemoral Pain and Stabilization
- Pediatric Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Impingement
VESTIBULAR THERAPY
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) treats dizziness and balance disorders, commonly known as vertigo and other symptoms:
- History of Falls
- Poor Balance
- Motion Sensitivity
- Blurred Vision
- Visual Motion Disturbances
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) helps to:
- Decrease Frequency, Intensity, Duration of Vertigo
- Decrease Related Symptoms: Headache, Nausea, Lightheadedness
- Improve Balance
- Develop Strategies for Coping with Dizziness, Disequilibrium, and Anxiety
VIVISTIM® THERAPY
Over 80% of stroke survivors experience chronic arm/hand impairment. If you haven’t achieved your stroke recovery goals, there’s hope.
- Safe, proven treatment to improve hand & arm function
- Uses gentle vagus nerve stimulation during rehab to restore movement
- Helps create new brain pathways, even years after stroke
Vivistim® could be right for you if you:
- Are 6+ months post-ischemic stroke
- Have Moderate–severe hand/arm impairment
- Plateaued in recovery
- Have Some wrist, thumb, and finger movement
Over 80% of stroke survivors experience chronic arm/hand impairment. If you haven’t achieved your stroke recovery goals, there’s hope.
- Safe, proven treatment to improve hand & arm function
- Uses gentle vagus nerve stimulation during rehab to restore movement
- Helps create new brain pathways, even years after stroke
Vivistim® could be right for you if you:
- Are 6+ months post-ischemic stroke
- Have Moderate–severe hand/arm impairment
- Plateaued in recovery
- Have Some wrist, thumb, and finger movement
PEDIATRIC SPECIFIC THERAPIES
We care deeply about helping every child feel supported, celebrated, and confident in their journey. Through personalized care in a warm, nurturing environment, we encourage each child to grow at their own pace while celebrating every milestone along the way. Our approach gently builds fine motor skills and sensory processing, strengthens coordination and mobility, and supports communication skills—so every child can express themselves with confidence and joy.
Autism Rehab Services
Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ARH is committed to delivering high-quality care for individuals with autism and their caregivers.
Our Certified Autism Specialists (CAS) are experienced in the field of autism treatment. Members of our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) team have received additional training and completed the Autism Certificate Program.
Autism spectrum disorder affects each person differently. Our focus is on the specific needs of those who will benefit from our team of skilled professionals. Specialty services are offered in the treatment of diagnoses, including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Variety of Speech and Language Disorders
Our therapists’ goal is to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals receiving services while providing support and education for patients, families and/or caregivers. Our Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy staff welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you and your family.
- Special Accommodations
- Patient-Designated Parking
- Sensory Motor Rooms
- Pediatric Designated Treatment Areas
- Contact your local ARH rehabilitation department for more information.
Picky Eaters Clinic
Picky Eaters Clinic focuses on reducing mealtime anxieties and improving overall oral hypersensitivities through multiple approaches. All activities are facilitated by pediatric occupational and speech therapists.
Your child may benefit if they demonstrate one or more of these characteristics:
- Limited Food Selection (20 or Less Items).
- Excessive Sensitivities to Food Textures.
- Gags, Chokes, or Vomits When Presented with New Foods.
- Anxiety and Tantrums at Mealtimes.
- Diagnosed with a Developmental Delay, Oral Motor Dysfunction, Nasal/Gastric Reflux, Autism Spectrum or Sensory Processing Disorder.
Social Skills Program
The program focuses on improving social communication by teaching core strategies that will allow him or her to develop and maintain friendships with peers.
- Participants may learn language skills that promote social interaction.
- Activities are fun, creative, and designed to specifically target deficit areas.
- Through cooperative play, participants will practice perspective-taking, emotional self-control, learn to recognize verbal and non-verbal social cues, practice conversational skills, and good sportsmanship.
- Participants may learn to make friends and engage in fun activities.
Tips to Identify Who Needs Social Skills Help
- Gets in peers’ personal space
- Annoys to get attention because they do not know how to get it another way
- Low Self confidence
- Poor eye contact
- Only interested in themselves rather than taking an interest in their peers
- Impulsive or blurts out responses
- Tries too hard to make friends laugh – thinks humor will make them friends
- Reacts to teasing and does not know how to roll with conflict
- Isolates or withdraws from peers
- Always want to be first or wants to play what they want
- Kids do not call for play dates or to hang out