Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department



Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology Services

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department offers both inpatient and outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services. Therapy services begin with a doctor’s referral. Therapists with a special interest in cancer patients are assigned to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Treatments are designed to promote your strength and assist you in returning to an active lifestyle.

Once your physician decides that therapy services are needed, a licensed therapist will work with you and set up a treatment plan. The treatment plan may include activities of daily living (self care), movement training, strengthening exercises, speech and swallowing training, and cognitive activities, if needed. The treatments are designed to increase your activity and promote your ability to function safely following your discharge from the hospital. Therapists will also make recommendations for any needs for home equipment, follow-up therapy, and to facilitate a safe and appropriate discharge.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

An exercise room with a treadmill and stationary bicycle is located on Weinberg 5A. Ask your nurse or doctor about using the equipment. If you are on isolation precautions, you may not use this room. Listed below are the general guidelines for exercise.

Exercise offers lots of enjoyable and important benefits, including:

• Strengthening your heart, lungs, bones and muscles.

• Giving you more energy and strength

• Helping you handle stress

• Helping you sleep better

• Helping you look good

• Making you feel upbeat

General Guidelines:

• Wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes with good support.

• Keep a record of your progress

• Try to exercise at least once a day

• Have fun!!

Platelet Precautions:

1. When your platelets are less than 50,000, DO NOT use any weights, resistance bands or tubing, or lift any heavy objects.

2. When your platelets are between 20,000 and 50,000, you may perform light exercises, including walking, using a treadmill, and/or riding a stationary bike.

3. When your platelets are between 5,000 and 20,000, you may need to limit yourself to activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.), range of motion of your arms and legs, and limited walking.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Together with your occupational therapist, you will work toward regaining your ability to perform the daily activities that are meaningful to you. Your OT will address such areas as self care and homemaking, and will make recommendations regarding equipment that may enhance your function at home (i.e. shower chair, bedside commode). Therapy services may involve activities that increase your upper body strength and hand function as well as education about ways to manage fatigue, vision loss and/or difficulty with memory/concentration. Finally, along with you, your family and the rest of the team, your OT will work to establish an appropriate and safe discharge plan.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Speech-language pathologists at Johns Hopkins Hospital provide a wide range of services including evaluation and treatment for patients with impairments in speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. The goals of therapy include improving the efficiency and effectiveness of communication, swallowing, as well as planning, problem solving and memory to perform activities that are meaningful to you and your family. Additionally, Speech pathologists will provide education and resources to you, your family and the health care team to facilitate a safe and appropriate discharge.

Please feel free to have your team contact the Therapy Services Team Coordinator if you have any questions.

©Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center 5/00, Revised 1/12

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