Rehabilitation
Aquatic therapy utilizes exercise and movement in warm water to assist in decreasing pain and improving circulation, healing, balance, posture, muscle strength, and the mobility of joints. Aquatic therapy treats people with conditions such as back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, total joint replacement, post-surgical discomfort, stoke, balance and walking difficulties, and joint and muscle pain. Water treatment is also an excellent result-stimulating treatment for patients with lymphedema.
The buoyancy of the water decreases joint pressure and supports the movements of the body. The pressure of the water assists in decreasing swelling and providing resistance when patients perform strengthening activities. Flotation devices are utilized to improve function and to accentuate exercise programs. Education is provided for individualized and independent pool programs.
Aquatic therapy is provided by licensed therapists who have attended many advanced courses in aquatic therapy to gain the latest rehabilitation techniques. Many insurance companies provide coverage for aquatic therapy services, when ordered by a physician. A pool lift-chair, a ramp, and a ladder is available for access into the pool. A whirlpool spa is accessible for the disabled.
Our staff
The Sanford Hospital Luverne Rehabilitation Services Department is staffed by one of the most experienced rehabilitative teams in the area. Our therapists are held to the highest ethical standards, as they are all members of national professional organizations. The rehab team includes: seven physical therapists, two physical therapy assistants, four occupational therapists, one speech language pathologist, three massage therapists, and four rehabilitation aides.
- Physical therapists / assistants
- Brynn graduated with a post-bachelorate certificate in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Her areas of special interest are pediatrics, geriatrics, home care, and aquatic therapy. Her most recent training includes advanced aquatic therapy techniques and pediatric rehabilitation.
- Holly completed her master's degree in physical therapy from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in 1994 and graduated from Temple University with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in May, 2007. Her areas of special interest are pediatrics, aquatics, and orthopedics. Her most recent training includes advanced aquatic therapy, orthopedic spine rehab, treatment for the neck and headaches, evaluation and treatment of the shoulder, and clinical kinesiology of the hip.
- Jennifer graduated with a master's degree in physical therapy from the College of St. Catherine in 2003. She will complete her doctorate in physical therapy in May 2007. Her areas of special interest are orthopedics and women's health. Her most recent training involves evaluation and treatment of the shoulder, ergonomics for nursing homes, and wound management.
- Maria graduated with a master's degree in physical therapy from the University of South Dakota in August 2006. She is a certified athletic trainer through the board of certification since January 2006. Her areas of special interest include orthopedics and sports rehabilitation. Her most recent training involves shoulder and knee rehabilitation.
- Tracy graduated with a master's degree in physicial therapy from the Univeristy of South Dakota in 1999. Her areas of special interest are orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, aquatics, and wound care. Her most recent training includes optimum wound management, orthopedic rehabilitation of the knee and shoulder, and sensory integration in pediatrics.
- Pat graduated with a master's degree in physical therapy from Des Moines University in 1998. She completed her doctorate in physical therapy in 2004 through Des Moines University. Her areas of special interest are orthopedics, geriatrics, ergonomic evaluation/education, and wound care. She is also the Rehab Outreach Coordinator. Pat provides services to long term care facilities in the area. She promotes geriatric rehabilitation to preserve or restore function, maximize life satisfaction, enhance psychologic well being, and maintain the social status of older persons. Her most recent training includes course work on wound care, evaluation, treatment of the shoulder, coding, billing, and documentation for rehab, and the safe skin initiative (preventing pressure ulcers).
- Kyle graduated with an AAS degree in physical therapy from Lake Area Technical Institute in May of 2007. His areas of special interest are geriatrics, orthopedics, and sports rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Services are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays for inpatients. To schedule an appointment, please call SHL at 507-283-2321, or the department directly at 507-449-1229.
