We are Your Road to Recovery
Without the congestion and hassle of most area rehab centers, our team of experts enable patients to return to their highest level of mobility and function as possible.
Ohio Valley General Hospital's rehabilitation services offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services which include physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Our rehabilitation area has the latest equipment and is staffed with professionals with expertise and training in a wide variety of treatments for orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. In addition, we offer specialized programs of comprehensive balance/fall prevention, pilates for spinal and core stability, exercises for osteoporosis and advanced upper extremity rehabilitation. EMG/NCV testing is also available.
We work to restore function, maximize potential, and encourage continued wellness while addressing the physical, cognitive and occupational aspects of disability.
Balance and Fall Prevention
Balance involves a complex interaction between the brain and sensory information from the eyes, ears, ankles, feet and muscle systems of the body. When these systems work together effectively, the brain can easily maintain the body in balance.
However, as we age, changes occur, such as loss of hearing and/or vision, less sensation in our feet and joints, and muscle weakness. In short, we experience an overall weakening of our senses. Individually, none of these factors may put a person at risk for falling, but in combination they can.
For example, someone with poor night vision may be able to walk through his or her home in the dark without difficulty. But if that same person develops an ear or sinus infection, which can cause dizziness, they are at risk for falling.
OVGH is now providing state-of-the-art assessment for patients with balance and dizziness problems. Patients with dizziness or balance complaints receive a comprehensive evaluation, including computerized clinical systems originally developed with NASA support. The computerized environment provides our staff with a unique insight about the contributing components of a patient's balance problem.
The same system is used for specialized therapy to improve patient's balance performance. For more information regarding assessment or treatment options for patients with balance or dizziness problems, please call us at 412-777-6231.
Speech Therapy
Our Speech Therapy Department offers inpatient and outpatient (adolescent and older) diagnostic and therapeutic services. Areas of focus are swallowing disorders, including:
- Modified barium swallowing evaluations with radiology and electrical stimulation therapy when indicated
- Language and speech therapy for expressive and receptive deficits of a neurological nature (aphasia, dysarthria and apraxia)
- Cognitive rehabilitation and limited voice therapy.
Regardless of what caused the disability, our rehabilitation specialists work to restore maximum function and quality of life for the patient - at home, in the workplace, and in the community.
Pilates at OVGH Rehab Services
What is Pilates?
Pilates teaches you to use your core muscles to improve movement patterns and posture. It increases body awareness and promotes movement with precision and control.
It's also an exercise that can be modified for any population, for all age groups, and for all fitness levels. At Ohio Valley General Hospital, the main concern of the health care professionals teaching Pilates is to provide a safe, effective and enjoyable experience to enhance musculoskeletal performance by improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Your Experience at Ohio Valley
The instructors at Ohio Valley General Hospital have been trained by Stott Pilates, an organization with a more modern version of the original Pilates exercises that incorporates input from physical therapists, sports medicine, and fitness professionals. Your instructors will teach you five basic principles:
- Breathing: Teaches you to use the appropriate breathing pattern to better distribute oxygen and to activate deep, stabilizing muscles.
- Pelvic Placement: Emphasizes stabilization of the pelvis and lower back.
- Ribcage Placement: Affects the alignment of your upper spine.
- Scapular Movement: Helps to avoid strain through your neck and upper shoulders.
- Head and Spine Placement: Teaches the appropriate posture to decrease neck tension.
The Benefits of Pilates
Many tests have been conducted and results have shown that Pilates, when performed consistently and appropriately, does provide several benefits including:
- Longer and leaner muscles
- Improved core strength
- Stability
- Endurance
- Improved posture
- Decreased low back pain
- Injury prevention
- Improved balance and coordination
- Enhanced mind-body awareness
For more information on the Rehabilitation Services Department at Ohio Valley General Hospital, complete the form below or please call (412) 777-6231.
Back to Top