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Spinal
Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient
Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient |
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Center
for Rehabilitation Technology
The CRT is an interdisciplinary program specializing
in the development and application of assistive technology
to help people with physical disabilities to increase
their independence. The Center's staff specializes in
seating and wheeled mobility, job accommodations, environmental
controls, computer access and rehabilitation engineering. |
Following
a thorough evaluation, and considering the individual's
needs and goals, staff can recommend appropriate products
and devices, make products available for trial usage,
customize devices, or custom design and fabricate a
variety of devices for the individual. For the person
with SCI, the CRT is a unique resource for the selection
and customization of wheelchairs, scooters and control
mechanisms to maximize posture, comfort and efficient
mobility.
The Center has particular expertise in the specification
of cushions to reduce the risk of skin breakdown. The
department is staffed by the most experienced, skilled
seating clinicians in the metropolitan area, who use
state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for trouble-shooting
pressure-related skin problems. CRT clinicians use the
Xsensor X2 Pressure Mapping System to yield accurate
and comprehensive information on cushion and mattress
pressure distribution for patients susceptible to skin
breakdown.
For information, call 845-786-4123. Find
out more |
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Aquatic
Therapy
Enveloped in the warmth of water that is heated to
92-94 degrees, individuals who utilize the therapeutic
pool at HHH report improved mobility, strength and endurance.
Situated in its own sun-drenched
wing of the hospital, the 25 by 60 foot pool features
a flat floor, graduated depths of 5 feet, 4 feet and
2 feet 9 inches and easy access for individuals of all
abilities. Two state-of-the
art hydraulic |
lifts swing out
over the water and gently ease non-ambulatory participants
into the pool. Warm-water immersion greatly lessens
the effects of gravity, providing buoyancy and allowing
participants to experience body movement and control
in ways which may not be possible on land. Physical
and occupational therapists provide therapeutic services
in the pool.
For additional information call
845-786-4457, Find
out more |
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Wellness Center
This dedicated, state-of-the-art exercise
facility is open to individuals of all abilities. Initially
established to offer a continuity of care to patients
who had completed inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation
programs, the Center attracts individuals who wish to
exercise in a supervised environment. It is equipped
with a range of aerobic and weight training equipment,
including specialized equipment for individuals who
use a |
wheelchair, and is staffed
by therapists and personal trainers. All participants
receive a thorough orientation that includes specific
instructions tailored to meet their needs. Exercise
programs and goals are developed jointly by instructors
and participants.
For additional information call
845-786-4194. Find
out more |
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Functional
Electrical Stimulation (FES) Bicycle Program
Cardiovascular and pulmonary deconditioning
are major long-term problems for individuals with spinal cord
injury. These problems often develop due to lack of exercise
and result in low endurance, excessive fatigue and muscle
atrophy.
To help overcome these problems, HHH offers
a FES program utilizing the ERGYS2 bicycle.The initiative
is under the direction of a physiatrist and physical therapist.
Following an evaluation that assesses muscle response and
skin, sensory and pain response to the electrical stimulation,
participants will train on the ERGYS2 two to three times a
week. As the training progresses, the length of pedaling time
and the amount of resistance are increased. Upon reaching
30 minutes of exercise, participants may independently use
the system and/or bring an aid to assist them for the session.
For additional information, contact
coordinator Elaine DeFrancesco, PT, at 845-786-4799. |
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Adapted
Driving Program
Offered through the Occupational Therapy
department, this program provides a pre-driving assessment,
on-the-road evaluation and one-on-one driver training
in a specially modified car. Therapists can suggest
appropriate assistive devices, such as hand controls,
to make the return to driving safe.
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| For additional
information call 845-786-4460, Find
out more. |
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| Prosthetic
Orthotic Center
With offices in West Haverstraw and Poughkeepsie,
this service is staffed by certified prosthetists and orthotists
with experience in spinal cord injury. They can fit and customize
devices to help ensure comfort, good posture and increased
mobility, including braces and orthoses.
For additional information call 845-786-4122.
Find out more
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Helen's
Angels
Helen's Angels is
a competitive hand cycling team that is an official
chapter of the New York Achilles Track Club. |
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is open to anyone with a spinal cord injury or other mobility
limitation and is supported by Helen Hayes Hospital, through
a grant from the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation and the
Westchester Independent Living Center in White Plains.
Hand cycling is an excellent aerobic exercise providing
a cardiovascular workout similar to a treadmill or bicycle.
It improves endurance and strength while also expanding
exercise options for individuals with disabilities. A
hand cycle is similar to a bicycle, with the user using
his or her arms to propel the cycle instead of the legs.
Elaine DeFrancesco, PT, manager
of the team and coordinator of physical therapy services
on the spinal cord unit at HHH explains, "It's
very important for everyone to find ways to incorporate
exercise into their lifestyle. Our vision in forming
Helen's Angels is to offer a fun and regularly scheduled
way for individuals with disabilities to accomplish
this. At the same time, the team encourages competition
and socialization among people of all abilities."
For additional information, call
Ms. DeFrancesco at
845-786-4799. |
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GolfAbility
Learning to drive the ball on the GolfAbility rangeThe
Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, through a grant from
The United States Golf Association (USGA) Foundation
is pleased to offer an adaptive golf program at HHH.
The objective of the GolfAbility program is to promote
golf as a rewarding and satisfying leisure activity
for patients and community members with disabilities.
The program offers a 1300 square foot putting |
| green with
six cups, three netted tee areas and adaptive golf equipment,
including clubs and single-rider carts. A single-rider
cart is a specially equipped golf cart which allows
a golfer to play seated or standing, directly from the
cart, and can be driven right on to the green. During
the spring through fall, a PGA or LPGA pro runs adaptive
golf workshops. In addition to the workshops, hospital
staff use GolfAbility as a therapeutic tool with interested
patients.
For additional information, call 845-786-4113.
Find out
more |
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The "Think
First" program is a nation-wide initiative focused
on
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spinal cord injury prevention. Offered through the hospital's
physical therapy department, therapists and former patients
visit with students at local junior and senior high
schools. During the presentation, they discuss safety
precautions and injury prevention techniques and the
medical consequences of injury. Former patients living
with SCI share their personal experiences with the students.
Find out more.
For information, or to schedule this community program,
contact Elaine DeFrancesco, PT at 845-786-4799. |
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