Neurologic Rehabilitation
New treatment brings new hope
Receiving the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Guillain-Barré syndrome or other neurologic diseases can be devastating. At Kessler Institute, we provide the innovative treatment, strategies and support to help you optimize function and independence.
The Kessler difference
Where a person goes for treatment can make all the difference. Studies* show that those treated in a specialized rehabilitation hospital – like Kessler Institute – have greater improvement, fewer complications and return home sooner than patients at nursing facilities. We provide a comprehensive program of medical, nursing and therapy care that can make all the difference in optimizing your strength, skills and abilities.-
At Kessler Institute, our experienced team of neuro-rehabilitation specialists address the range of physical and functional issues you face, including mobility, speech and cognition.
This inter-professional team is led by a physiatrist, a physician board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, respiratory and recreation therapists; speech language pathologists; psychologists and neuropsychologists; pharmacists; case managers and other clinical and support staff as needed.
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Treatment is tailored to your individual needs to help you:
- Restore or maintain physical abilities
- Build strength and endurance
- Improve balance and mobility
- Improve speech and swallowing
- Enhance skills to perform daily activities
- Manage pain, spasticity or other complications
- Manage medications
- Gain compensatory strategies
- Adjust to any social, emotional or behavioral changes
- Optimize independence
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Like you, patients with neurologic diseases may benefit from the advanced technologies and proven therapies Kessler Institute offers, including:
- Robotic therapies - including exoskeletons, the Armeo Spring Trainer® and ReoGO®- to optimize motor recovery
- Body-weight supported treadmill training and electrical stimulation devices to improve balance, gait and walking
- Constraint induced therapy, electrical stimulation devices, mirror therapy and other strategies to improve arm and hand function
- Functional electrical stimulation to reduce muscle atrophy
- Prism adaptation treatment and Bioness Integrated Therapy System® (BITS) to address vision difficulties
- Augmentative devices, like Lingraphica®, to improve communication and speech issues
- Videofluoroscopy and VitalStim® to diagnose and treat swallowing disorders
- LSVT® BIG and LOUD for Parkinson’s patients
- Computer-based exercises to improve cognition (memory, concentration, decision-making and other skills)
- Technology-based environmental control units to increase independence
- Adaptive gaming to support social integration and recreational inclusivity
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To help you successfully maintain life at home, work, school and/or in the community, Kessler offers an unparalleled continuum of care. You can build on the gains made during your inpatient stay by participating in Kessler’s outpatient programs. Those programs are offered at our four hospital campuses and more than 95 Kessler Rehabilitation Centers throughout the state.
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Kessler’s neuro-rehabilitation patients, even those with more complex medical issues, have greater improvement during their stay and a higher level of independence upon discharge, based on national benchmarks*.
* Source: eRehabData.com
our patients say it best
Ree's story
"I had some symptoms, but assumed they were nothing more than the lingering effects of my accident. I was stunned when I received the diagnosis. Right there and then, I decided it wasn't going to define me or stop me from living my life."
Your progress. Our programs.
Depending on your diagnosis and individual needs, Kessler Institute provides highly specialized care and services.-
For more than 75 years, Kessler Institute has pioneered the field of medical rehabilitation. Today, we continue to provide advanced care and innovative treatment. That includes a combination of hands-on therapies and proven technologies to help you regain strength, restore or maintain skills and mobility and continue to enjoy as active a lifestyle as possible.
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Your ability to perform daily activities at home, work, school or in the community is critical to your independence. Your therapy team may introduce a variety of tools, techniques and strategies to help you manage these tasks. This includes adaptive equipment, such as reachers and other devices to help you get dressed, prepare meals and eat. In addition, electronic and computer-based technologies – including voice-activated software and electronic controls for lights, phones, televisions and even doors – may be introduced.
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Individuals with neuro-degenerative diseases, like MS, ALS or Parkinson’s, may need to use a wheelchair. Proper fit is essential. Kessler’s physical and/or occupational therapists, who are also certified assistive technology professionals and/or seating and mobility specialists, will evaluate your physical and lifestyle needs and use pressure mapping and other tools to find the best options for you.
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Preparing you and your family for life ahead is one of our primary goals. We provide extensive education, training and support to help you understand your condition and use the strategies you’ve been given to manage everyday activities with comfort and confidence.
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To help reinforce your skills and restore your spirit, Kessler’s specially trained Canine Companions for Independence* may be part of your therapy program. A number of our therapists work with these remarkable dogs to engage patients in a wide range of activities that support the rehabilitation process.
*Not available at Kessler-Marlton
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The ability to drive is an important part of maintaining an independent lifestyle. Kessler Institute’s certified driver rehabilitation specialists offer the evaluation and training to help appropriate individuals drive safely. They will also discuss any modifications and/or adaptations that may be needed.
Insight:
Neurologic rehabilitation
"When dealing with a progressive neuro-degenerative disease, like MS or Parkinson's, patients often express their frustration and grief over the loss of function and control. Our model of care focuses on the individual's biological or physical factors, psychological or emotional well-being and social influences, like family and peer relationships. This approach helps patients develop a renewed sense of empowerment as they regain or maintain their abilities." - Kimberly Beckwith McGuire, Ph.D., ABPP, FACHP, MSCS
Let us help
We will work closely with you, your family, your physician and/or the referring hospital to ensure a smooth transition to Kessler Institute for your rehabilitation.
Did you know?
Kessler Institute has one of the nation’s largest staff of Neurologic Certified Specialists (NCS). This advanced certification in neurologic physical therapy helps our clinicians provide the highest level of care and treatment to individuals with neurologic diseases.
*Assessment of Patient Outcomes of Rehabilitative Care Provided in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) and After Discharge. Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC. 2014.