Therapy and rehabilitation are crucial in restoring health and functionality for those recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing ongoing health concerns. At Algoma Rehab within Door County Medical Center (DCMC), our dedicated specialists offer a spectrum of services crafted to meet diverse patient needs.
With services available locally, patients don't have to travel far for top-tier rehabilitation.
"This range of services isn't typically found in rural clinics, but we believe it's vital,' says Andy Anderson, PTA, MHA, Director of Rehabilitation Services at DCMC. "It's our way of ensuring that patients dealing with pain, limited mobility, or other challenges don't have to travel great distances for necessary care. Having served the Algoma market for over 25 years, we've tailored and adjusted our services to meet the community's evolving needs."
Comprehensive Rehabilitation
As rural health providers, Algoma Rehab offers a wide range of rehab services.
"Our clinic caters to various orthopedic challenges, including discomfort or limitations in the back, neck, shoulders, knees, and hips. We also specialize in aiding patients post-surgery, covering procedures like rotator cuff repairs, knee scopes, and total joint replacements,' explains William Bluett, P.T.. "Additionally, we provide extensive support to individuals facing balance issues and falls, striving to ensure their independence at home.'
The clinic places utmost importance on understanding each patient's unique objectives. "Our primary goal is to help individuals maximize their functional abilities," Bluett emphasizes.
"At times, a couple of sessions are sufficient to walk them through exercises, offer insights into their condition, and create a program, either at our Wellness Center or for home use. In other situations, it might take 1-2 months of focused training to reach their desired goals before we plan their discharge. We also provide maintenance therapy to help maintain their abilities at home. Additionally, we organize training sessions for caregivers to assist in supporting the patient's progress, whether it's on a weekly, monthly, or more frequent basis, depending on the need.'
Specialized Assessments and Services
Algoma Rehab's DCMC facility provides a comprehensive array of services. Our team of highly skilled professionals deliver physical, occupational, speech, and massage therapies while specializing in treating conditions like vertigo and Parkinson's.
Jackie Joski, OTR specializes in Comprehensive Orthopedic Rehab for Occupational Therapy which covers the assessment and treatment of various upper extremity conditions, including issues affecting the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's ability to use their upper extremity effectively and independently perform activities of daily living (ADLs).
Specialized assessments, like Driver Screenings, are crucial components of Algoma Rehab specialty services. "Our aim with Driver Screening and Driver Rehabilitataion is to ensure safe driving practices, especially for older adults," Joski explains. While a physician's referral is preferred, it is not necessary as Driver's Screens are a self-pay service not typically covered by insurance. "We also provide cognitive assessments, often a part of formal memory clinic visits, to address memory changes impacting ADLs and safety.' Patients are referred through their physician for this service. Results are shared with primary care providers to ensure appropriate actions for the individual's safety.
Bluett specializes in dry needling, a technique using acupuncture needles to address muscle trigger points or knots in the muscles which produce pain and can lead to dysfunctional movement patterns. The blunt-ended, flexible needles are utilized to "reset" muscles, aiding in the relaxation of trigger points, reducing pain, and restoring the normal function of both the muscle and its associated joint.
Bluett explains that dry needling differs from acupuncture, as the latter follows a distinct philosophy involving needle use to stimulate energy flow within the body.
"What many might not realize is that most of these services are available five days a week, making it highly accessible within our rural community," says Joski.
Community Involvement
Algoma Rehab actively engages in local community initiatives, conducting informative sessions with DCMC staff like Elizabeth Gaida, MD and Daniel Tomaszewski, MD. These sessions offer valuable insights on topics such as osteoporosis prevention, joint health and more.
Lynn Lukes, P.T. Assistant notes their involvement in programs like the weekly Joyous Joints at Algoma Wellness Center and extended instructional sessions in Luxemburg. She emphasizes the importance of community outreach, considering it a key tool to educate locals, gather ideas, and understand community needs.
Despite being a small team, Algoma Rehab thrives on strong internal relationships. "We heavily rely on each other to ensure excellent patient care," says Lukes. "Small off-site clinics like ours play a crucial role for Door County Medical Center's ability to provide high quality, convenient care in rural communities."
Through expertise and dedication, Algoma Rehab's therapists enhance lives through rehabilitation. Their commitment to top-notch care and community engagement underscores Algoma Rehabs significance within the DCMC network.
Operating Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Algoma Rehab welcomes patients regardless of their primary healthcare provider. To book an appointment, call 920-487-9888.