By Annette Pinder

There are many health celebrations throughout the year, but one many are unfamiliar with is National Rehabilitation Awareness, highlighted from September 18-24.

Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus (BOM) is particularly proud of the Russell J. Salvatore Outpatient Therapy Clinic at its beautiful Clarence campus. Clinic Director Lauren Grawe, PT, DPT is a treating therapist who oversees the program and its patients. Grawe explains that what makes the clinic unique is that three different types of therapies — physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy — are available from one location. She says, “This is important because, depending upon a person’s illness or injury, they may require all three therapies. This is especially true for those who suffer from stroke or a traumatic brain injury.”

So, what are the three types of therapies, and who needs them?

Outpatient physical therapy. BOM physical therapists (PTs) help people with various orthopedic and neurologic conditions. PTs help alleviate acute and chronic pain and improve muscle strength, coordination, mobility, balance, and range of motion skills following injury or illness. Patients receive a customized, one-on-one treatment program based on their individual needs and goals, along with education on self-management.

Outpatient occupational therapy. BOM occupational therapists (OTs) help refine and optimize a patient’s fine-motor skills and dexterity so that they can get back to loving what they do. OTs help ease pain, improve strength, balance, and range of motion skills. People who often benefit from OT are those who have suffered a stroke, hand, or upper extremity injury, or have visual field deficits. The OT program specializes in acute injuries, neurological deficits, stroke, chronic pain management, low vision treatment, and work-related injuries.

Outpatient speech therapy. BOM speech therapists (SLPs) assess speech and language development, and treat disorders surrounding speech, language, swallowing, memory, and cognition, which can typically result from stroke, head injuries (including concussion or traumatic brain injury), and neurological diseases (including Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis). SLPs develop customized programs for those who have suffered a stroke or other injury to help them re-learn how to communicate through speaking or reading. They assist people who have challenges with chewing or swallowing during meals (dysphagia), expressing themselves, or understanding the spoken or written word. SLPs also help individuals improve their memory skills so patients can better manage their medications, problem-solving skills, and be safe at home. BOM’s New York State licensed SLPs are certified to provide neuromuscular electrical stimulation, a cutting-edge technology that helps strengthen the vocal cords and throat muscles, to help restore patients’ vocal power and improve their communication.

Brothers of Mercy’s Russell J. Salvatore Outpatient Therapy Clinic is open to adults in WNY, ages 18 and older, and accepts most insurance plans. If you are suffering from chronic pain; nerve damage or a neurological or memory disorder; vertigo or dizziness; headaches; carpal tunnel syndrome; neck, back, or hip pain; a sports injury; stroke, dysphagia, or a traumatic brain injury; or are recovering from a surgical procedure, and would like to feel better, call 716-759-7680 to schedule a tour. Learn more at https://brothersofmercy.org/outpatient-therapy-clinic.