Professionally reviewed by Rachel Burke, MS, OTR/L, CSRS, Stroke Program Co-Chair, on 03/15/2023.
A stroke can affect your brain, causing motor control issues, speech issues and cognitive issues.
Each patient has their own unique challenges after suffering a stroke, and some of those challenges will improve with time and specialized rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to help people adjust to and treat the mental and physical effects of stroke, with the goal of regaining their greatest level of independence.
A guiding principle in Good Shepherd’s stoke treatment approach is neuroplasticity, a life-changing concept. Mounting evidence suggests the brain and spinal cord have the ability to “rewire,” which can lead to functional return. Where once there was a permanent cognitive and/or physical deficit after a stroke, now there is hope and the potential for recovery. Good Shepherd is the world’s leading clinical user of the Ekso Bionics exoskeleton, which helps patients who are unable to walk or face difficulty walking.
Levels of Care
Your recovery from a stroke is supported by some of the most advanced treatments, research and programs.
Care Team
Good Shepherd’s stroke rehabilitation team is directed by a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The care team meets on a regular basis to assess your progress and develop or adjust your treatment goals.
- Physiatrists (doctors who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation)
- Rehab nurses
- Rehab specialists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Dietitian
- Social workers and chaplains
- Neuropsychologists
- Case managers
Inpatient Rehabilitation After a Stroke
Good Shepherd’s inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program offers a highly individualized and multi-disciplinary approach to care in the aftermath of a stroke.
The goal of post stroke rehabilitation is to help you regain your independence by improving your physical, cognitive, social and emotional function.
Good Shepherd’s Stroke Rehabilitation Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), specializes in evaluating and treating:
- Functional impairments that result from stroke, including muscle weakness and difficulty walking, working or performing activities of daily living
- Speech or language impairments or swallowing disorders
- Cognitive or linguistic impairments
- Continence issues
Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Locations
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network offers stroke rehabilitation for both children and adults at a number of our inpatient hospitals.
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital is an inpatient rehabilitation unit located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Our patients choose Good Shepherd for inpatient care because of our compassionate, high-quality care and services, matched with the latest advancements in medical science. We offer world-class physical, occupational and speech therapies that are tailored to address your unique rehabilitation needs.
Our team includes highly skilled nurses and therapists who specialize in rehabilitation care, as well as physiatrists, psychologists and other specialists within Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network as needed. We are passionate about helping you get your life back; one step at a time.
Admissions:
For more information, contact the Rehabilitation Hospital’s Admissions team at 1.888.44.REHAB (73422).
Address:
3200 Center Valley Parkway
Center Valley, PA 18034
Phone: 610.242.0345
Fax: 610.776.3502
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Emily Howatt Pliskatt Pediatric Unit
Good Shepherd Pediatrics is the only provider in the region offering inpatient rehabilitation with specialized programs to treat children with complex medical and congenital conditions.
The physicians, nurses and therapists at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit provide compassionate rehabilitation care to children up to age 21.
Admissions:
For more information, contact the Pediatric Unit’s Admissions team at 484.788.5492.
Address:
2855 Schoenersville Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: 610.807.4200
Fax: 610.807.4205
Penn Medicine Rehabilitation
Penn Medicine Rehabilitation is an inpatient rehabilitation unit of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and managed by GSPP Rehabilitation.
Our patients choose Penn Medicine Rehabilitation for our compassionate, high-quality care and services, matched with the latest advancements in medical science. We offer world-class physical, occupational and speech therapies that are tailored to address your unique rehabilitation needs.
Address:
1800 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 215.893.6570
Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
Good Shepherd provides customized, interdisciplinary treatment that can include physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology and nutrition wellness services. Outpatient stroke rehabilitation is available at a number of locations throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, provide care to maximize function, mobility and independence in patients who suffered a stroke. Physiatrists are specially trained, and coordinate with other members of the treatment team to address patients’ physical, emotional, medical and vocational needs.
- Physical therapy helps with exercises and stretching to manage pain, improve circulation, prevent muscle atrophy, reduce weakness and contractures of the muscles and to improve overall wellness. Physical therapists also help patients build the necessary strength to safely move between bed and wheelchair or from sitting to standing and walking.
- Occupational therapy helps patients develop the skills for activities of daily living (ADL) so they can be as independent as possible. This includes exercises to develop fine muscle control, basic hygiene and eating, and help with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, spinal braces, orthoses, and special controls or equipment for the home.
- Speech therapy to help patients whose breathing, swallowing or speech is impacted.
- Neuropsychology supports patients’ mental health with a “yes I can” perspective. Neuropsychologists specialize in how brain function relates to neurological and physical function and helps the patient and their family face diagnoses, conditions, and disabilities.
Find an outpatient rehabilitation location near you.
Physician Services for Stroke
Our team of highly skilled, specialized physicians are leaders in innovative rehabilitation treatments and technologies. Adults and children travel from all over the region to benefit from our expertise, compassion and leading-edge care.
The Good Shepherd Physician Group offers physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatry) and neuropsychology to fully guide your recovery.
Stroke Patient Regains His Independence
Two strokes suddenly ripped Mike Recine’s independence away from him.
“Mike is a very strong, independent man, and to see that taken away … was so hard,” said Sue, his wife.
Find out how Mike’s steadily regaining his independence through physical stroke rehabilitation — and using it to get back to his life’s passion.
Stroke Support Group
Facilitated by a trained Good Shepherd clinician, Stroke Support Group attendees can share challenges, receive information on education and resources, and support each other. Each meeting may include presentations on relevant topics.
Contact Good Shepherd for upcoming dates and times. Meetings are virtual.
RSVP/Questions: [email protected]
Contact Us To Get Started
To inquire about rehabilitation after a stroke, call our experts at 1.888.44.REHAB (73422) or fill out the form below.
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