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Spinal Cord Injury Specialty Services

Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient
Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient

 

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

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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.

For additional information call 845-786-4460, Find out more.

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

Helen's Angels

Helen's Angels is a competitive hand cycling team that is an official chapter of the New York Achilles Track Club.

It 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.

 

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

 



The "Think First" program is a nation-wide initiative focused on

brain and 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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