Rehabilitation Services

Rehabilitation services at Pershing Health System provides our patients with inpatient,
swing bed, and outpatient care to all age groups and diagnoses. Helping patients regain
their independence, achieve their goals, and enhance their quality of life is important to PHS
rehabilitation staff. PHS is equipped with highly trained, licensed personnel that treat a variety of
medical conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Pain Management
  • Joint Pain or Dysfunction
  • Mobility and Balance Impairments
  • Neurologic Diagnoses
  • Vestibular Diagnoses
  • Developmental Delay
  • Orthopedic Diagnoses
  • Sports or Athletic Injuries
  • Recovery after Surgery

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy services are provided by physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) who work closely with other members of your medical care team to restore and improve mobility and motion based upon an evidence-based team approach so you can function at your highest potential after injury or diagnosis. Their hands-on approach provides services that help patients of all ages, from 2 months to 90+ years!

PTs and PTAs have a good understanding of the connection between your needs, abilities and environment, which assists in your successful transition to your home, community, or next level of care. You’ll receive a thorough initial evaluation as well as an individualized plan of care to meet your specific goals during one-on-one sessions with your therapist.

Among the list of orthopedic conditions that the Physical Therapy Department treat are:

  • Low back pain, knee pain, elbow pain and neck pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Headaches
  • Poor posture
  • Athletic injuries
  • Post-surgical conditions such as total knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgeries, back and neck surgeries, and amputations with and without prosthetic limbs
  • Neurological conditions such as dizziness, balance issues, stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, post-concussion syndrome along with general weakness and difficulty walking

Gary Fite, PHS Rehab Director states, “When your physician suggests that you need Physical Therapy, there is no need to go anywhere else. Tell your doctor that you want to stay local and choose PHS for your quality care. We look forward to serving you.  If you have any questions, please give us a call at 660-258-1191.”

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is designed to help patients with temporary or permanent loss of
function regain independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy services are provided
by occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) who
specialize in caring for people with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges by helping
them improve their ability to perform daily activities, as well as recommend ways for patients to
adapt their environment to enhance independence. These activities may include but not limited
to bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, and homemaking. You’ll receive a thorough initial
evaluation as well as an individualized plan of care to meet your specific goals during one-on-one
sessions with your therapist.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

  1. Improving Range of Motion and Strength in the Upper Extremities
    Events like surgery, arthritis, and stroke can create changes in a person’s available movement in their joints. In occupational therapy, we work to improve range of motion through passive stretching, active movement activities, strengthening, and proper body positioning. When a permanent loss of movement has occurred, an occupational therapist will help you learn compensatory movements to allow for functional range of motion for necessary tasks.
  2. Teaching Adaptive Strategies
    After a medical event, a person sometimes loses independence with daily activities. In occupational therapy, these are called Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs. These can be a temporary loss, like after a joint replacement surgery, or a more permanent loss, like after a stroke. An OT will assess your deficits, and will then work with you to choose which adaptive device will be suit your needs.
  3. Gaining Independence with Self Care Tasks
    After an injury or illness, or even as you age, simple self care tasks can become more challenging, leaving you dependent on a caregiver for personal needs. Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients regain independence with dressing, toileting, bathing, grooming tasks, and feeding.
  4. Home Safety Assessments
    Occupational therapy can provide a home safety assessment for our inpatient population who are returning to their home environment. We will assess specific areas of the home such as entryways and bathrooms to see if adaptations are needed. We will also make safety recommendations for adequate lighting and de-cluttering spaces. Suggestions can also be made for any possible adaptive equipment needs for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and transportation.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 660-258-1264.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy services are provided by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) who design
treatment plans to address communication problems, memory loss, and swallowing dysfunction.
These treatment plans can focus on comprehension skills for verbal and written communication
as well as cognitive status, which may include memory, orientation, and reasoning skills. For
patients with swallowing disorders, SLPs also work to address oral muscle strength and function
for speaking, safe eating, and safe drinking. You’ll receive a thorough initial evaluation as well as
an individualized plan of care to meet your specific goals during one-on-one sessions with your
therapist.

Michelle Heins, MS, CCC-SLP
Eleanor Ravens, MA, CCC-SLP

If you have any questions please give us a call at 660-258-1264.

Things to know & FAQ's

Things to know before beginning Rehabilitation Therapy:

  • A prescription or order for therapy from you physician is required. This prescription or order should include your name, diagnosis, any special instructions, date, and the physician’s signature. The prescription can be faxed from the physician to 660-476-4738 or brought in by you, the patient.
  • To schedule your Physical Therapy appointment, please call 660-258-1191.
  • To schedule your Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy appointment, please call 660-258-1264.
  • For questions or help regarding insurance coverage, please call 660-258-1264.
  • Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for treatment.
  • Bring your insurance card, a list of all medications you are currently taking, and a valid photo identification card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept my insurance?
We are contracted with most insurance carriers. Once you begin therapy, we verify your insurance benefits and will assist you in gaining information on what your insurance requires you to pay. If you would like more information on this, call 660-258-1264 or call the number on the back of your insurance card.

Do you accept Medicaid?
Missouri Medicaid covers therapy until age 21. If you are over the age of 21, Missouri Medicaid does not cover therapy unless you obtain a medical exception. This is initiated by your doctor or other provider. We can assist in the processes if needed.

How long do therapy appointments last?
Appointments typically last 45 minutes to one hour. Your first appointment may last longer.

Do you accept VA patients?
Yes, we can provide therapy services to VA patients.

Can I have Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy at the same time?
If your doctor writes your prescription for both Occupational and Physical Therapy, then both disciplines can work cohesively to provide treatments that best fits the patient’s needs.