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Rehabilitation

Services & Support Groups

Services
At the Kohly Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation, families and care givers are integrated into every phase of the program. Patients are assigned a specific team of therapists to work with them throughout the rehabilitation process. All sessions are interactive and scheduled in advance.

The following are some of the services offered at the Kohly Center:

Support Groups & Other Programs
Lymphedema Support Group
Arthritis Support Group
Stroke Support Group

The above support groups are offered on a quarterly basis. For more information, including dates, times and location, please call (305) 285-2966.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
This support group is offered on a monthly basis in conjunction with the MS Center of Miami. For more information including dates, times and location, please call Mary-Lynne Rodriguez, L.C.S.W. at (305) 285-2985.

Lymphedema Management Program
Lymphedema is a potentially debilitating condition caused by the body’s inability to properly drain lymph fluid due to a defect or injury to the lymphatic system. The result is abnormal swelling most commonly in the arms and legs. Without treatment, lymphedema can worsen over time leading to infections, hospitalization and decreased function of the affected limb impairing mobility.

Fortunately, there are numerous interventions that can help alleviate the symptoms associated with lymphedema and allow those suffering with it to maintain good quality of life. To that end, Mercy Hospital’s Lymphedema Program focuses on the management of this condition. Comprised of five rehabilitation therapists, most nationally certified by the Lymphedema Association of North America (LANA), Mercy’s lymphedema program is recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. A truly comprehensive treatment program, Mercy offers Complete Decongestive Therapy to help patients reduce the size of the involved area and regain function, gain mobility and independence.

Mercy’s Lymphedema Program of Complete Decongestive Therapy consists of:

For additional information, please call therapist Mary Harrison at (305) 285-2966.

SAEBOFlex®
Strokes and other neurological impairments can drastically impact muscle function, causing symptoms ranging from weakness in the arms and legs to paralysis. In some cases patients affected by these disorders are able to recover completely.  However, for most, extensive physical and occupational therapy is required to regain function. 

To help those with neurological injury maximize their recovery, Mercy Hospital now has certified Saebo therapists, who can provide patients with another option to augment traditional therapy. Developed by licensed occupational therapists, this innovative therapeutic intervention was developed in order to enable individuals to incorporate their hand more functionally both in therapy and at home. Candidates for this functional orthotic are typically able to voluntarily close their hand without the ability to reopen it.  This device, which implements a coil extension system, functionally positions the hand for object grasp and release by facilitating finger extension.  The result is an effective means to help stroke and brain injury victims regain and improve overall function.

Vestibular Rehabilitation
More than one half of all Americans will be affected by a balance or vestibular disorder at some point in their lives. These can cause dizziness, unsteadiness when walking, vertigo, nausea and ultimately falls, which are a leading cause of serious injury and death in people over the age of 65. Brought on by a variety of different factors including ear infections, head trauma and central nervous system disorders, balance-related problems can be inconvenient, uncomfortable and frightening.   

To provide comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services, Mercy has created its Vestibular Rehabilitation Program. Defined by its individualized approach and staffed by highly trained therapists, the program aims to provide specialized physical therapies designed to retrain the body to adapt to and compensate for a wide variety of balance disorders. By helping the individual to overcome the symptoms associated with these deficits, the program helps patients improve balance, minimize falls, overcome sensations of dizziness, resume daily function and enjoy a high quality of life.

Vocal Intensity Program
Research has shown that 89 percent of people with Parkinson disease will have problems with speech and voice that progressively diminishes quality of life. While medication and surgery may help improve many other symptoms of Parkinson disease, they are ineffective at treating the soft voice, mumbled speech and/or hoarse voice that many patients experience.

The Vocal Intensity Program at Mercy Hospital utilizes the renowned Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) technique taught by certified and bilingual speech therapists to help patients with Parkinson disease improve vocal loudness, intelligibility and swallowing. LSVT® is an intensive program that consists of daily treatments (one hour a day for four weeks) designed to develop the strength required to speak at normal vocal loudness. Studied and proven effective by the National Institute of Health, LSVT® empowers patients with Parkinson disease to take control of their communication ability and improve the quality of their speech and their lives.

Wound Care Program
Nearly 5 million people living in the US, or approximately 2% of the population, have been affected by some type of chronic wound. Chronic wounds are generally classified as those that have no significant improvement within four weeks of development. This condition has a significant impact on a patient's social interactions, daily routines and job performance. In some cases, chronic wounds may result in the loss of a limb.

The Wound Care program at the Kohly Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation treats a variety of wound types and severities; these include diabetic ulcers, abscesses, dehisced surgical wounds, pressure sores, traumatic wounds, skin tears, burns, wounds caused by peripheral vascular disease, venous insufficiency and thrombosis.

Our wound care management entails a holistic approach including the assessment of patients' circulatory status, nutrition, mobility and function.

Our Wound Care program at the Kohly Center for Outpatient Rehabilitation is staffed by wound certified Physical Therapist. These wound care specialist are highly trained to provide the best possible care using the most current clinical interventions and treatment options available. Our goal is to promote healing in an effort to have patients reclaim their quality of life.

Adult Exercise Program
A supervised exercise program designed to help individuals develop or maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Fees
Registration/Orientation $30.00
Monthly 2 times per week $20.00
Monthly 3 times per week $30.00

For additional information, please call (305) 854-4400 extension 3032.

Yoga Classes
For information, including fees, dates and time, please call (305) 285-2965.

Tai Chi Classes
For information, including fees, dates and time, please call (305) 285-2966.