Restore
June 2, 2016
Patients with general or specific rehabilitation needs who want to be treated at The Johns Hopkins Hospital have numerous options. The world-class treatment available from its Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is also available at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Howard County General Hospital, and the Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center at Green Spring Station, White Marsh and Odenton.
“At The Johns Hopkins Hospital, there is a diverse clinical team available to address any type of condition that could come their way,” says Ken Johnson, therapy director of outpatient rehabilitation at Green Spring Station. “Our clinical teams in the community are offering the same level of care.”
Over the last 20 years, the department has provided customized treatment to restore patients to their highest level of function possible. The team of doctors, therapists, nurses and rehabilitation psychologists develops and pursues individual treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
“We provide therapy for all different populations—from pediatrics to professional athletes,” says Johnson.
Outpatient services include physical medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology. Alongside these general services, there is highly specialized care for patients with amputations, muscle spasticity, stroke, brain injury, spine pain and other conditions.
Physiatrists work seamlessly with colleagues in other departments, such as Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurology, as The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s tradition of collaboration continues in the community facilities.
“Our comprehensive approach applies to all patients—whether they have general needs, from a sprain or strain, or more complex needs,” says Marlis Gonzalez-Fernandez, medical director of outpatient rehabilitation for The Johns Hopkins Hospital. “The process for a patient’s improvement is an iterative one that happens more quickly when everyone works together and adjustments are made along the way.”
Johns Hopkins therapists incorporate the latest tools and technology to enhance recovery. These include instrumented treadmills, anti-gravity treadmills, computerized neurocognitive testing and training, balance testing, and functional electrical stimulation.
“Research from faculty is being translated into the types of therapy we provide, and it influences some of the technology we choose for treatment,” says Johnson. “In this way, Johns Hopkins research benefits all patients—whether they are in a research trial or not.”
