Physical Therapy

Now you can recover from an accident, injury, or medical procedure faster and with less stress. That’s because Cayuga Rehabilitation Services offers the type of rehabilitation you might require within a short drive from home.

Our Services

Aquatic Therapy

Our Aquatic Therapy Program offers an alternative form of rehabilitation and can be used in conjunction with other traditional outpatient therapies. The pool is an environment uniquely suited to facilitate the healing of neurological and musculoskeletal problems. In the buoyancy of water, people can exercise comfortably and become stronger while gaining mobility in their body and limbs. Aquatic therapy exercises are designed specifically to improve flexibility, balance, cardiovascular function, and strength.

Who is the program right for?

Aquatic therapy is prescribed for individuals with a variety of orthopedic conditions, disabilities, and therapeutic exercise needs, including:

Arthritis
Sport injury
Overuse or repetitive motion injury
Orthopedic surgery
Back pain
Hip, knee, and ankle pain
Shoulder pain
Neurological disorders, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease
Bariatric care
Prenatal exercise

Careful screening and program development by a physical therapist assures safe participation. Though aquatic therapy is not recommended for certain medical conditions, the vast majority of people can participate. Swimming experience is not necessary.

What are the benefits?

Improved functional mobility: strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance
Incremental progress toward your individual therapeutic goals
The skills and independence to engage in an ongoing aquatic exercise program

Where is the service provided?

Our aqua therapists treat patients in a state-of-the-art, heated, therapeutic pool at Island Health and Fitness, located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End.

Does my insurance cover this?

Most insurance plans do cover physical therapy services. Check with your insurance company or the benefits manager at your place of employment to see if your policy covers physical therapy services and if a physician’s referral is required.

How do I get started?

Ask your doctor or therapist about the Aquatic Therapy Program to see if it’s right for you. An initial physical therapy evaluation is required before beginning this program. Call our office at the Cayuga Wellness Center (607) 252-3500 to schedule an appointment.

Elbow, Wrist, and Hand

The wrist and hand are the most active and intricate parts of the upper body, which make the hand especially vulnerable to injury. There are ten bones, seventeen joints, and thirty-nine muscles in each of our hands that allow a wide range of movement. Our hands also provide us with sensory information such as temperature, texture, depth, and the shape of objects. A wrist or hand injury can seriously diminish our ability to accomplish even the simplest of tasks.

Who is the program right for?

The Hand Therapy Program is right for anyone experiencing limited mobility, weakness, pain and discomfort, and difficulty performing activities at home or work. Some of the most common diagnoses we treat include

Fractures
Tendon injuries
Nerve injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Burns
Tendonitis
Repetitive strain
Arthritis
Postoperative hand

What kind of treatment will I have?

Patient education on your condition, ergonomics, arm/body positioning, and individualized home exercise program
Therapeutic exercise – range of motion, flexibility, and strengthening
Manual therapy – soft tissue work and joint manipulation
Custom splint/orthotic fabrication – to support, protect, and/or improve function of the hand, wrist, and elbow
Modalities – fluidotherapy, paraffin, electric stimulation, and ultrasound

What are the benefits?

Reduction of pain and discomfort
Improved ability to use hands, wrists, and arms at home, work, and during recreational activities
Prevention of future problems

Where is the service provided?

Our hand specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Cayuga Wellness Center, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End, at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca, and in Cortland, located in the Cortland Convenient Care Center.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists, call our office at Cayuga Wellness Center (607) 252-3500, Brentwood Drive (607) 274-4159, Montour Falls (607) 535-8616 or Cortland (607) 274-4159.

Ergonomic Assessments

Ergonomics is the science that addresses how human beings perform tasks, use tools, and interact with our environment. The Ergonomic Assessment Program specifically looks at how to redesign jobs and tasks to make the environment safer for the person performing those tasks. Our goal is to suggest ergonomic improvements that will increase employee health, safety, and productivity, and improve the overall quality of work.

Physical therapists who are certified in ergonomic assessment evaluate and make recommendations for improving the ways in which workers approach their daily tasks. Following an analysis of the work, the individual performing the work, and the work site, we provide the employer and the employee with suggestions for improving the work-area design, adaptive equipment, and increasing safety.

Who is the program right for?

Ergonomic assessments are right for anyone who notices pain at work: aching, burning, or fatigue that is related to performing specific tasks, using tools, or the setup of a workstation or desk.

The five risk factors that are most significant in relation to ergonomic-related injuries are repetition, force, awkward postures, contact stress, and vibration. These factors, in various combinations, play a major role in injuries to the human body. If you are suffering from back pain (which is very common) or upper extremity pain and injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis of the shoulders, elbows, wrists or hands), you may benefit from an ergonomic assessment.

What are the benefits?

Learning how to use your body correctly during the performance of your job to reduce the risk of injury
Elimination or reduction of abnormal stressors that are preventing injuries from healing
Prevention of recurring injuries

Where is Ergonomic Assessment provided?

Our ergonomic specialists typically go into the workplace, observe, and talk with people as they do their jobs. We also talk with employers and make recommendations about ways in which jobs can be modified to reduce risk factors. Your employer needs to be notified and must approve the on-site visit.

Does my insurance cover this?

Workers’ Compensation and most private insurance plans cover work-site ergonomic assessments that are performed by a licensed physical therapist. It is important to check with the benefits manager at your place of employment before scheduling your appointment.

How do I get started?

Foot & Ankle

Disorders of the feet can cause pain in our feet as well as in our knees, hips, and low backs. The physical therapists in our Foot and Ankle Program carefully evaluate the biomechanics, paying special attention to the ways in which foot and ankle joints affect the joints above them in the legs and back.

What does this program offer?

The Foot and Ankle Program starts with a thorough evaluation and proceeds with an individualized, evidence-based treatment regimen. Treatment may include design and fabrication of custom foot orthotics (shoe inserts). The comprehensive lower-quarter evaluation includes:

Posture
Biomechanics
Joint motion and strength
Sensation
Gait video analysis (walking or running)
Functional strength
Shoe wear assessment

Who is the program right for?

The Foot and Ankle Program is appropriate for anyone who is experiencing foot, ankle, or leg pain due to trauma, overuse, or as a result of surgery.

What are the benefits?

Reduction of pain and discomfort
Improved ability to walk, run, and participate in recreational activities
Prevention of future problems

Where is the service provided?

Our foot and ankle specialists treat patients in a state-of-the-art clinic at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End

Does my insurance cover this?

If you have a medical diagnosis and a referral from your physician, most insurance plans do cover physical therapy services. Check with your insurance company or the benefits manager at your place of employment to see if your policy covers physical therapy services.

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment with our foot and ankle specialists, call our office at Cayuga Wellness Center (607) 252-3500, Brentwood Drive (607) 274-4159, Montour Falls (607) 535-8616, or Cortland (607) 274-4159.

Functional Capacity Evaluations

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a systematic process of measuring an individual’s capacity to dependably sustain his or her performance of broadly defined work responsibilities.

During an FCE, the worker performs various activities that simulate on-the-job work while a physical therapist certified in functional capacity evaluation measures that individual’s maximal functional level. The FCE is based on the Matheson System, which combines the highest level of safety with objective findings. This assessment methodology provides crucial information in developing an effective return-to-work program for an injured worker.

Who should have a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A worker who has been injured on the job and has participated in rehabilitation may need to have an FCE to determine if they are ready to return to work.

What are the benefits?

An objective assessment of a worker’s capacity to return to work after injury
The identification of any modifications that might be made at work before the worker returns to the job
An evaluation of the level of the worker’s function for job retraining, should they be unable to return to the previous job

Where is the service provided?

Functional Capacity Evaluations are performed in the Physical Therapy Department at the Brentwood Drive office.

Does my insurance cover this?

Workers’ Compensation typically covers Functional Capacity Evaluations that are performed by a licensed physical therapist, but other health insurance plans usually do not cover this cost. Check with the benefits manager at your place of employment before scheduling an appointment.

How do I get started?

You need a referral from your physician and a payment agreement from your employer to have a Functional Capacity Evaluation. To schedule an appointment, call (607) 274-4159.

Hip & Knee

The hip is the central pivot point for the body. Any condition affecting the joint or the 21 muscles crossing this region can ultimately affect the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip, knee, and/or ankle. Entire lower extremity alignment relies on a properly functioning hip joint. Knee pain is one of the most common complaints of patients seeking orthopedic care. While there is often an injury associated with the pain, it can also be the result of overuse or a dysfunction below at the ankle or above at the hip or spine. The skilled orthopedic physical therapy specialists in the Hip and Knee program perform a thorough physical exam and systematic biomechanical assessment to identify any deviations that are adversely affecting lower extremity kinematics. We correlate patient complaints, physical exam findings, and observed deviations to accurately diagnose and treat the impairment.

What does this program offer?

The Hip and Knee program starts with a thorough examination and proceeds with a comprehensive, individualized treatment regimen.

The Examination includes assessment of:

Posture and Gait
Biomechanics
Lower extremity kinematics
Joint mobility
Muscular strength and flexibility
Balance and Stability
Lumbopelvic mobility and stability

The Evidence-based treatment regimen may include:

Manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilization and manipulation)
Therapeutic exercise
Patient education / activity modification
Modalities
Aquatic therapy

Who is the program right for?

The Hip and Knee Program is appropriate for anyone who is experiencing hip, knee, or leg pain due to arthritis, trauma, or overuse. Post-operative care is also a large part of this program and essential for optimal outcomes.

What are the benefits?

Reduction of pain and discomfort
Increased strength, mobility, and stability
Improved ability to walk, run, and participate in functional and recreational activities
Prevention of future problems
Improved quality of life

Where is the service provided?

Our Hip and Knee specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

Lymphedema Management

Abnormal swelling of the limbs, breast, abdomen, head, or neck caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid is called lymphedema. This condition develops when there is damage to or removal of lymphatic vessels, or when there is an inherited (primary) impairment or lack of lymph vessels. When lymphatic vessels are impaired enough to block the flow and proper drainage of lymphatic fluid, swelling occurs. Left untreated, lymphedema can become painful and disabling.

What does this program offer?

The Lymphedema Management Program starts with a thorough evaluation and proceeds with an individualized treatment regimen. In treating lymphedema, we use the following modalities:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: a gentle, light touch massage designed to enhance protein reabsorption and the flow of lymphatic fluid, and reduce swelling and tension in the affected limb or area.
Bandaging: multilayered compression bandages with low elasticity applied to affected limbs. They are worn 24 hours a day throughout the treatment period, and are only removed to shower, for skin care, to evaluate swelling, and to perform manual lymphatic drainage
Compression Garments: sleeve or stocking
Skin Care: to prevent infections or increased swelling
Exercise: an individualized exercise program to reduce swelling and pain, and to increase range of motion

Who is the program right for?

This program can help individuals with primary lymphedema and lymphedema caused by surgical procedures or radiation therapy resulting in the removal of or damage to lymph nodes or vessels.

What are the benefits?

Improved flow of lymphatic fluid
Reduction of swelling and tension in the affected limb or area
Prevention of infections

Where is the service provided?

Our certified Lymphedema therapists treat patients at the Brentwood Drive location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

If you have a medical diagnosis and a referral from a physician most insurances do cover physical therapy for lymphedema management. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers physical therapy services.

How do I get started?

Begin by talking with your doctor, because a physician’s referral is required for the Lymphedema Management Program. To schedule an appointment with one of our lymphedema specialists, call (607) 274-4159 or for Montour Falls call (607) 535-8616.

Bring your physician’s referral with you to your first appointment.

Medically Supervised Exercise Program

With a team of experienced and degreed exercise physiologists on staff and a state-of-the-art facility. Island Health & Fitness offers training and expertise that is unmatched in the Finger Lakes Region.

What does this program offer?

The IHF MSE Program offers education, exercise and guidance aimed at helping patients to become self-sustaining in on-going rehabilitation. The program also encourages general strength and conditioning to improve overall health.

Who is the program right for?

Patients who have completed outpatient physical therapy or who are referred by a physician or health-care professional are eligible for the MSE Program.

What are the benefits?

The IHF MSE Program provides a safe and supervised environment in which the patient can engage in an exercise and wellness program designed specifically for their diagnosis. During the course of the program, patients transition to independence and self- management of their functional goals of lifestyle changes.

Where is the service provided?

The IHF MSE Program is offered at Island Health & Fitness located at the Cayuga Wellness Center. This facility is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 at 310 Taughannock Blvd. at Ithaca’s West End.

Does my insurance cover this?

Most insurance companies do not cover the IHF MSE Program. A letter describing the program is available for people who would like to inquire about coverage and reimbursement with their individual insurance companies.

How do I get started?

Ask your therapist or doctor about the MSE program and if it is right for you. Admission is rolling. To schedule an appointment for an initial consultation, call Dusty Paul or Kelly Chase (607) 277-3861or for Montour Falls (607) 535-8616

Neurological Rehabilitation

Over 6 million people in the United States suffer from some kind of degenerative neurological condition. This does not account for the millions more who have suffered mild to serious impairments and disability resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury or those disabled by spinal cord injury (traumatic or otherwise). Damage to our complex nervous system can alter our lives in dramatic and profound ways and affect every aspect of our physical, social and emotional well being.

Rehabilitation can help patients suffering from neurological degenerative disease processes, injury or various neuromuscular diseases to relearn skills that were lost when part of the brain or spinal cord was damaged. It also teaches new ways of performing tasks to circumvent or compensate for any residual disabilities.

What does this program offer?

Our experienced therapists will develop an individualized program designed to enhance and restore your functional mobility and independence through:

Manual therapy techniques
Patient and family education
Therapeutic exercise design addressing balance and proprioception retraining, gait/transfer and stair training, sensorimotor reintegration and coordination training and functional and safety training.
Adaptive equipment recommendation/modification
Goal oriented activities

Who is the program right for?

Here at Cayuga Medical Center, we treat a wide range of neurological conditions including but not limited to:

Stroke
Spinal Cord Injury
Traumatic brain injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Parkinson’s Disease
Cerebral Palsy
Neuropathy

What are the benefits?

There is strong consensus among rehab experts that the most important element in any rehab program is carefully directed, well focused, repetitive practice of learned and relearned skills. Our goal, in neurological rehab, is to help our patients return to their normal daily function as quickly and as seamlessly as possible.

Where is the service provided?

Cayuga Medical Center’s out-patient rehabilitation sites at Brentwood Drive and Island Health and Fitness have therapists with a wealth of varied rehabilitation experience to meet your needs and help you realize your functional goals.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists, call our office at Cayuga Wellness Center (607) 252-3500, Brentwood Drive (607) 274-4159, Montour Falls (607) 535-8616, or Cortland (607) 274-4159.

Pediatrics

The pediatric physical therapy program at Cayuga Medical Center provides specialized care for children, from infancy to 14 years of age, with neurological disorders or orthopedic and sports related injuries. Our goal is to help children reach their maximum potential for functional independence.

Our pediatric program is a collaborative effort between the Franziska Racker Centers and Cayuga Medical Center. Our services include:

Aquatherapy
Developmental activities
Strengthening
Movement and mobility
Tone management
Motor learning
Balance and coordination training
Adaptation of daily care activities and routines
Ordering and adapting equipment
Orthotics, prosthetics, and serial casting as children grow
Cardiopulmonary endurance
Safety and prevention programs
Use of assistive technology

Who is the program right for?

Pediatric physical therapy is prescribed for children with neurological disorders or orthopedic and sports-related injuries, including:

Brain injury
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
Developmental disability
Idiopathic toe walking
Neurological disorders
Neuromuscular disorders
Pervasive developmental delay
Spinal cord injury
Orthopedic injury
Sports-related injury

Careful evaluation and program development by a pediatric physical therapist helps to ensure that each child will reach their fullest potential.

What are the benefits?

The specific goals of therapy are tailored for each patient. Successful progress toward therapeutic goals requires a collaborative effort among the therapist, child, and family.

Pediatric physical therapy goals include improved:

Strength
Flexibility
Balance and coordination
Endurance, efficiency, and quality of movement
Functional mobility

Where is the service provided?

Our pediatric physical therapists work with children at our offices, which are located at the Island Health and Fitness Center, on the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and on Brentwood Drive behind the Convenient Center, located Route 13 and Warren road.

Does my insurance cover this?

If your child has a medical diagnosis and a referral from your physician, most insurance plans cover pediatric physical therapy services. Check with your insurance company or the benefits manager at your place of employment to see if your policy covers physical therapy services.

How do I get started?

Pelvic Floor Pain & Incontinence

Many woman and men suffer from pelvic pain or urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence-and are either too embarrassed to ask for help or are unaware that treatments are available. The “sling” of muscles that forms the bottom of your abdominal cavity and supports your pelvic organs can develop two common problems: abnormal tension and weakness. Abnormal tension can result in pelvic pain, urinary frequency or urgency, pain during intercourse, or sensation of pelvic pressure or heaviness. Weakness in these muscles can contribute to urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor tension and weakness are both easily diagnosed during a pelvic exam and are, in most cases, treatable.

What causes pelvic floor dysfunction?

Sometimes the cause of pelvic floor dysfunction is unknown; however, some common causes include:

Chronic poor posture with weak core muscles
Trauma (fall on a tailbone, auto accident)
Pregnancy or complicated vaginal delivery
Abdominal or pelvic surgery such as a hysterectomy or prostectomy
Inflammation or infection
Pelvic organ disease (endometriosis, irritable bowel, interstitial cystitis, prostatitis)
Athletic injuries
Abdominal muscle wall weakness or hernias
Chronic constipation.

Who is the program right for?

Pelvic floor rehabilitation is right for patients who, together with their physicians, have determined that the muscles in their pelvic floor are contributing to the symptoms that they are experiencing.

What does this program offer?

The program begins with a comprehensive patient history and musculoskeletal examination. Our specially trained physical therapist evaluates the structure and function of the pelvic floor region to assess its reflexes, muscle tone, length, strength and endurance, scar mobility, and function. The therapist may also use a biofeedback device to assess muscle activity. Following the evaluation, they will discuss with you the treatment options available and together you will agree on a plan for your care.

What does the treatment involve?

Treatment may include any or all of the following:

Manual therapy, to improve mobility and realign the pelvic bones and spine, as well as release tension in muscles (internally or externally) that attach to the pelvis, including the pelvic floor.
Neuromuscular re-education, to help muscles of the pelvic floor learn to fire with proper force and timing. (Internal or external biofeedback may be used to facilitate this.)
Strengthening exercise for muscles of the trunk and extremities. (Electrical stimulation may be used to assist with strengthening.)
Patient education for self-treatment techniques and a home exercise program

What are the benefits?

Benefits include improvement in the troubling symptoms you have been experiencing and increased ability to perform activities of daily living. You may experience a decrease in urinary urgency, frequency or incontinence, and diminished pain and discomfort associated with the pelvic floor. You should also gain a greater understanding about managing your condition and the resources available to you.

Where is the service provided?

Our pelvic floor specialist treats patients at our office at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End

Does my insurance cover this?

If you have a medical diagnosis and a referral from a physician, most insurances do cover physical therapy for the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers physical therapy services.

How do I get started?

Ask your doctor if physical therapy would be beneficial to you. If therapy is appropriate for your condition, your doctor will give you a referral to the pelvic rehab program. To schedule an appointment with a physical therapist who treats pelvic floor dysfunction, call (607) 252-3500. Bring your physician’s referral with you to your first appointment.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts can be very demanding on the body and require many repetitive tasks which place performers at risk for overuse and traumatic injuries. Our physical therapists understand the unique demands involved in the performing arts and will work alongside dancers and musicians to return them to performing as soon as possible

What does this program offer?

We have physical therapists who have experience treating dancers and musicians and can recognize common injury patterns that are unique to the dancer and musician.

Who is the program right for?

Musicians and Dancers of all ages and skill level who have injuries which limit their ability to perform.

What kind of treatment will I have?

The physical therapist will evaluate the patient and decide on the proper treatment plan. The treatment plan may include the following:

Manual Therapy to improve soft tissue and joint mobility
Therapeutic exercises to address mobility and strength deficits
Neuromuscular reeducation for proper form with movement
Education for prevention of further overuse injuries

What are the benefits?

As many performing arts injuries are due to overuse, it is imperative to address the cause of the injury as soon as possible to prevent further injury. Physical therapy can help decrease pain or discomfort, address limitations, minimize risk of re-injury, and return artists to their performance.

Where is the service provided?

Our performing arts specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art a clinic at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment with one of our performing arts specialists, call (607) 252-3500.

Shoulder

The shoulder joint is unique in the human body; it not only provides the range-of-motion needed to place our hands in an almost infinite number of positions relative to the body, but it also is strong and stable enough to direct large forces for both sports and work. Most of the time our shoulders manage these conflicting tasks well, but unfortunately injuries and chronic problems do arise. In fact, dysfunction related to the shoulder complex is one of the most common reasons for referral to physical therapy.

Who is the Shoulder Rehabilitation Program right for?

We developed the Shoulder Rehabilitation Program at Cayuga Medical Center to help people with shoulder dysfunction or pain. The program is right for people who have injured their shoulders while at home, work, or during recreational or sports activities. Shoulder rehabilitation at CMC PT can either compliment current medical treatment, or may be the only treatment required to return you to full, pain-free, function.

What can I expect from my first visit to the shoulder program?

A thorough evaluation: You and your therapist will discuss your problem in detail. From the information gathered during this discussion, your therapist will generate a hypothesis about the underlying causes of your symptoms. This hypothesis will be tested during the clinic exam, during which your therapist will measure range of motion, strength, integrity of joints and ligaments, and quality and quantity of movements in the region.
Education: You should expect to thoroughly understand your problem. You and your therapist are partners in your recovery. We will help you understand any pathoanatomic diagnosis that you might have, such as
- Rotator cuff tears or strains
- Frozen shoulder
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Shoulder instability / dislocation
- Fracture
And we will also include consideration of impairments to all of the neuromusculoskeletal systems that relate to shoulder function. If you do not understand what is going on, or why certain treatments or exercises are prescribed, please ask.

What can I expect in terms of treatment?

Manual therapy: Your therapist may utilize manual treatments such as massage, mobilization of joints, and/or manipulation of joints. Because of the interdependence of all areas of the body, some of this treatment may be directed at the neck and thoracic region as well as at the joints and muscles of the shoulder complex itself.
Neuromuscular retraining: This is specific training to help muscles learn to fire with proper force and timing. This type of training is usually directed at the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles that help to upwardly rotate the shoulder blade.
Postural training and self-treatment techniques for a home exercise program
Work and/or sports specific training: Most activities that may be limited by your shoulder problem use other parts of the body as well. We will work with you to develop an exercise program that addresses all aspects of the work or sports specific tasks that are your goals for recovery.

What are the benefits?

Current research has demonstrated that timely and proper treatment of shoulder pain and dysfunction will speed recovery, improve function, and more importantly, reduce the risk of recurrence.

Where is the service provided?

Our shoulder specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

Speech – Language Pathology Services

Comprehensive Speech-Language Pathology Services

Our speech-language pathologists are highly-trained, licensed and certified therapists who can assess and treat a full range of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

On your first visit, your speech-language pathologist will complete a comprehensive evaluation and work with you to design a customized plan to target your unique goals and needs.

We specialize in services for:

Accent Modification with Compton P-ESL
Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)
Head and neck cancer
Parkinson’s Disease
Pediatric speech and language
Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Stuttering
Swallowing difficulty
Voice disorders

Accent Modification with Compton Pronouncing English as a Second Language (P-ESL)

P-ESL is a specialized program available to professionals and non-native speakers looking to improve their communication skills. Each participant receives a full analysis, customized recommendations, and an intensive home exercise program that can be completed in 7 or 13 weeks. Compton P-ESL is not covered by insurance.

Exercise Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO)

EILO, also called Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM), can sideline even the most talented athletes. Our speech-language pathologists work alongside our sports medicine team to help reduce the symptoms and severity of EILO so each athlete can achieve their maximum potential.

Head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer can cause changes in the mouth, nose, throat, or the larynx – the “voice box.” We collaborate with your oncologists and other doctors to address any swallowing or speaking difficulties that may occur following head and neck cancer surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Parkinson Disease

We offer Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD for those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. This program complements our LSVT BIG Physical Therapy program, with a monthly support group for education and social opportunities for patients and their care partners.

Pediatric speech and language

Pediatric speech and language services are offered on an outpatient basis at our Brentwood location. We can evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide range of speech and language delays and disorders with a family focus.

Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs affect different regions of the brain with a wide range of symptoms and recovery outcomes. After a stroke or TBI, you may notice changes in clarity of speech, or difficulty understanding and using language to communicate. You may notice swallowing difficulty with food and drinks, or changes with cognitive skills, such as problem solving and remembering.

How do I get started?

Spine (Neck & Back Pain)

We developed the Spine Rehabilitation Program at Cayuga Medical Center to compliment current medical treatment of patients with neck or back pain.

Patients who suffer a neck or back neck injury are typically evaluated by an emergency room or urgent care center physician, or by their primary care physician. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, the physician might order diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and give instructions for self care. The physician may also refer the patient to a physical therapist or medical specialist.

What does this program offer?

Our Spine Rehabilitation Program provides options for you and your physician to more effectively manage your neck or back pain. You can take advantage of any or all of these services to meet your individual recovery needs. The program is comprehensive and includes:

Quick physical therapy referral (within 48 hours) for acute neck or back pain that has persisted for less than two weeks
Outcome, research-based physical therapy treatment that includes: posture education; body-mechanics training; manual therapy (joint, soft-tissue, and neural mobilization and manipulation); modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation); and therapeutic exercise for flexibility and strengthening (including core strengthening exercises)
Ergonomic work site assessments to help prevent recurring work-related injuries
Work capacity evaluations to determine when you are able to return safely to work

Who is the Spine Rehabilitation Program right for?

The Spine Rehabilitation Program is right for people who have injured their backs or necks while at home, work, or during recreational or sports activities.

What are the benefits?

Current research has demonstrated that prompt and proper treatment of acute neck or back pain will speed recovery, and, more importantly, reduce the risk of recurrence. Chronic neck or back pain typically responds well if treated appropriately.

Where is the service provided?

Our spine specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

Sports Physical Therapy

With an experienced team of credentialed physical therapists and athletic training specialists on staff, Cayuga Medical Center has emerged as the area’s leader in sports medicine and physical therapy for athletes. Our team has a breadth of training and expertise that is unmatched in the Finger Lakes region.

What does the Sports Physical Therapy Program offer?

Our primary goal in sports medicine is to help athletes return to play at a level equal to or greater than their performance prior to injury.

The most important factor in recovering from an athletic injury is early intervention. We strive to see athletes who have suffered an acute injury as quickly as possible. Managing inflammation and swelling is essential to prevent muscle atrophy, loss of range of motion, and neuromuscular dysfunction. The modalities we use in this early phase of treatment to reduce acute inflammation and swelling include electrical stimulation, intermittent compression, and ice. Exercise for range of motion, strengthening, and proprioception begin early in the rehabilitation program.

Once injured athletes start to regain normal function, they begin sport-specific activities. Subacute and chronic injuries require a comprehensive evaluation of joint mechanics, soft tissue mobility, muscle flexibility and strength, proprioception, and neuromuscular control. The key to successful treatment requires identifying the source of the dysfunction. To aid us in this process, we use video analysis to evaluate sport activities (pitching motion, golf swing, swimming stroke) that may be contributing to the condition.

Who is the Sports Medicine Program right for?

The sports physical therapy program is right for athletes at every level – youth, high school, college, recreational, and professional.

What are the benefits?

Early physical therapy treatment improves healing and speeds recovery, allowing athletes to get to play.

Where is the service provided?

Our sports specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Symptoms of vestibular disorders may include dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, nausea, and impaired balance. Vestibular disorders can effect people of all ages and can also result following a concussion. These impairments and symptoms are not a normal part of the aging process and may cause you to avoid previously enjoyed activities, which can negatively affect your overall well-being.

We developed the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program at Cayuga Medical Center to compliment current medical treatment of patients with certain inner ear disorders.

Patients who experience these symptoms should be evaluated by their physician. While vestibular disorders are sometimes responsible for these symptoms, medications or other medical conditions may also cause dizziness and balance problems. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, the physician might order diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and give instructions for self care. The physician may also refer the patient to a physical therapist or medical specialist.

What does this program offer?

Our Vestibular Rehabilitation Program provides options for you and your physician to improve your symptoms and balance. Once you have obtained a referral, our specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to assess the primary factors that are contributing to your problems. We will then coordinate a plan of care with your physician and begin treatment if indicated. Some of the treatment options available are:

Canalith repositioning (Epley) maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Balance training/neuromuscular re-education
Strength training
Instruction in the use of assistive devices, home safety suggestions (if necessary)

Who is the Vestibular Rehabilitation Program right for?

Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), impaired vestibular function (after medical treatment for some patients with vestibular labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, etc.), balance impairments associated with inner ear conditions or trauma (post-concussion syndrome).

What are the benefits?

Current research has demonstrated that benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can go into remission more rapidly when treated with the canalith repositioning maneuver. Research has also shown faster improvements in symptoms and balance when vestibular rehabilitation is included in a patient’s care after some inner ear conditions have been treated medically.

Where is the service provided?

Our vestibular specialists treat patients in state-of-the-art clinics at Island Health and Fitness, which is located at the corner of Route 96 and Route 89 in Ithaca’s West End and at our Brentwood location, which is located at 10 Brentwood Drive, just off Warren Road, in Ithaca.

Does my insurance cover this?

How do I get started?

To schedule an appointment with our vestibular specialist, call our office at Cayuga Wellness Center (607) 252-3500, Brentwood Drive (607) 274-4159, Montour Falls (607) 535-8616, or Cortland (607) 274-4159.

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