01 · DIAGNOSIS
Spinal Cord Injury
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, as many as 450,000 people in the U.S. are living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Often, people with SCI stop therapy and exercise because they believe that there is no hope for improvement. At TRYAbility, we believe that it is never too late to stretch your abilities and improve your outcome and the research behind continued Activity Based Therapies is proving this to be true.
The Intensive Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) rehab program is what makes TRYAbility truly unique in the Chicago area. It is a research-based, multi-phase program based on shared goals, protocols, and equipment designed to maximize recovery after a SCI. Once a patient commits to working with our Chicago SCI therapists, a customized program specific to the person is created based on the results of a detailed evaluation, which is administered by licensed therapists with a sub-specialty in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation.
This program includes FES assisted cycling and step training, locomotor training, whole body vibration, gait training and targeted Functional Electric Stimulation for muscle and neuro re-education. In addition to Intensive treatment interventions, we also partner with the best companies to perform manual/power wheelchair assessments, DME assessments, and identify adaptive equipment needs.
Patients at TRYAbility are given a clear understanding of the goals of the treatment program, a comprehensive home exercise program and information on current research and resources to maximize independence and quality of life during treatment and afterwards. Our Chicago Spinal Cord Injury therapy takes a holistic approach to yield the greatest amount of recovery possible and promote the highest quality of life.
02 · DIAGNOSIS
Traumatic Brain Injury
TRYAbility provides an individualized treatment plan for patients suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury in the Chicago area. The plans are built on an understanding of the patient’s neurological diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the relationships between the injury and behavior. It is designed to address the needs of brain injury survivors of all ages, from children to geriatric adults and provides aggressive activity based rehabilitation based on the latest research. Additionally, the treatment plan is reviewed and adapted within the context of the patient’s personality, goals, resources and environment, and the community to which the patient and family will be discharged.
TRYAbility invests in the education of our staff and utilizes state of the art equipment to provide our patients the best hope for return of function. Our team of experts include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and fitness specialists that work collaboratively in helping our patients achieve their goals. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach that advocates for a continuum of care through our group and individual wellness programs.
03 · DIAGNOSIS
Multiple Sclerosis
TRYAbility has Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialists at our centers to ensure the best treatment options available. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). Research states that exercise is neuroprotective, and can slow down the progression of the disease, improve balance, functional abilities, spasticity, fatigue and overall quality of life. Therapists at TRYAbility utilize a variety of research-based treatment approaches and programs designed specifically to combat the physical, psychological, and cognitive effects of multiple sclerosis. Treatment programs are designed based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, to maximize independence and slow progression of disease.
Our team of experts includes physical therapists, occupational therapists and fitness specialists who have advanced certifications and specializations to best serve individuals with MS. Our goal is to provide a lifetime continuum of care through our medical and wellness programs in order to assist individuals living with multiple sclerosis maintain their highest level of function and independence.
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Rehabilitation/Functional-Electrical-Stimulation-(FES)
04 · DIAGNOSIS
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. “Mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
Rehabilitation is about getting back to normal life and living as independent a life as possible. It involves taking an active approach to ensure that your life goes on. This can mean learning new skills or relearning old ones. It may involve adapting to new limitations post-stroke. Stroke rehabilitation at TRYAbility is designed to maximize neurological recovery, promote functional independence, and overall health and quality of life.
At TRYAbility we offer therapy and wellness programs to individuals who have experienced a stroke. We are proponents of constraint-induced therapy to enhance function and communication. Evidence supports the use of body weight supported treadmill training for fall prevention and increasing gait speed. An increase in gait speed is correlated with decreased morbidity and mortality post stroke. Functional electrical stimulation not only promotes neuroplasticity, but also improves muscle strength that aids in motor recovery. Performing multiple repetitions referred to as mass practice during a functional activity, such as walking or cycling, facilitates neuroplasticity, and ultimately skill acquisition. Our goal is for each patient to reach maximum independence, and to be productive members in their homes and community.
05 · DIAGNOSIS
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy occurs during pregnancy or soon after birth and can affect different parts of the body with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Because each individual’s symptoms are different, each therapy session at TRYAbility NeuroRecovery Center is customized to you or your child’s needs.
At TRYAbility, we focus on improving quality of life and maximizing independence through Activity and Evidence based Physical and Occupational Therapy services. Our experienced therapists have completed advanced training in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy, including understanding proper therapy dosage, spasticity and tone management, serial casting and more. We offer one of a kind equipment, including Robotic Gait Trainers, Advanced Spider Cage activities as well as fun activities designed specifically for Pediatrics to capture children’s attention and make therapy fun, including aquatic therapy, virtual reality and other gaming systems.
Occupational Therapy: Impaired hand and fine motor function is a common impairment found in individuals with Cerebral Palsy. One major limiting factor that can occur with CP is upper extremity spasticity and increased muscle tone, which can cause discomfort and limit the ability to complete age appropriate functional activities. A popular treatment approach to manage spasticity includes the use of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections, which is used to decrease muscle tightness. Botox injections in combination with Occupational Therapy has been found to be more effective than receiving just botox alone in improving activity level and reducing impairment (1).
Our Occupational Therapy Cerebral Palsy Program utilizes modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT), Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) and customized fabricated orthotics to improve impaired hand function to complete activities of daily living and activities involving fine motor skills and visual perceptual skills.
Physical Therapy: Impaired gross motor function and difficulty walking and standing are common complaints in cerebral palsy. Both children and adults with CP often struggle with significant stiffness and spasticity which makes functional tasks such as bed mobility and transfers painful and difficult. Robotic gait training, Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Aquatic therapy has shown to help improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, and improve walking ability in CP. These activities are just a few of the advanced therapy modalities offered at TRYAbility NeuroRecovery Center.
Our Physical Therapy focused Cerebral Palsy Program Includes the following:
- Robotic BWS gait training with the G-EO Robotic Gait Trainer.
- RT300 FES Cycle and XCite Task Specific FES
- Aquatic therapy delivered by trained PTs and PTAs
- Development sequencing and functional mobility training using the Universal/Spider Cage.
06 · DIAGNOSIS
Amputations
Losing a limb can often result in an individual having changes in mobility, self care and even their self-image. In the US alone, it is estimated that over 185,000 people will experience an amputation either due to an accident or an illness.
When this occurs, it is important to work with therapists that have the appropriate knowledge and experience in treating those with amputations to ensure the maximum recovery possible and not result in additional injuries. TRYAbility, an amputee rehab facility in Chicago, offers a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation for upper and lower limb amputees.
Our Chicago team of Occupational & Physical therapists have experience not only in therapy but also in working with both upper and lower prosthetics. We collaborate as a team and work with a patient’s doctor, prosthetist and family for the best possible outcomes in function.
At TRYAbility we offer state of the art equipment to improve strength and balance, including the use of Robotic walking machines, manual Gait Training, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Universal Cage and Mirror Therapy.
Our amputee program focuses on:
- Initial upper and lower prosthetic training
- Advanced upper and lower prosthetic training
- Establish a wearing schedule
- Skin and sock management
- Walking with the least needed assistive device
- Performing daily tasks with the prosthesis
- Transfers
- Stair climbing
- Walking on uneven surfaces
- Dual task training
- Running
- Advanced balance training
- Home exercise program
- Sports specific training
07 · DIAGNOSIS
Inflammatory Neuropathies
Inflammatory neuropathies, such as Transverse Myelitis, Guillain-Barré, Acute Flaccid Myelitis and other such illnesses can be caused by infections or an autoimmune process. There are several specific causes of such neuropathy. However, in most cases the immune system idiopathically begins attacking the nerves, which causes muscle weakness and sensory impairments. Patients can complain of sensory symptoms like burning, tingling or numbness, and moderate to severe muscle weakness in the body.
Such rare neuro-immune disorders can affect anyone at any time. They don’t discriminate based on age, race, sex or gender. In fact, 25-30% of those affected are under the age of 12. Such diseases have something similar in common, they attack and often destroy key areas of the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves. These attacks often lead to partial or total paralysis in the people that are afflicted with the disease. Currently there are no known treatments to fully restore function once the damage has been done, that is where TRYAbility comes in.
We offer a wide array of progressive treatment interventions for individuals affected by Transverse Myelitis, Guillain-Barré and similar conditions. Our state of the art FES technology, GAIT training and Activity Based Therapy provides patients with the potential to maximize neuromuscular recovery, improve residual function, and limit secondary complications.
In addition to this, our therapists are skilled at wheelchair seating and mobility education, orthotic analysis, and they utilize their background in neuro-muscular recovery to maximize function, while minimizing compensatory wear and tear of joints and ligaments. We take the latest research guidelines into consideration while designing plans of care and home exercise programs, so patients can maximize their potential for functional gain and recovery simultaneously.
08 · DIAGNOSIS
Scoliosis
Musculoskeletal
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.
Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some children develop spine deformities that continue to get more severe as they grow. Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis is an irregular spinal curvature caused by disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and muscular system. Nerves and muscles are unable to maintain appropriate balance / alignment of the spine and trunk. Neuromuscular curves are often associated with pelvic obliquity, a condition in which the patient’s pelvis is unevenly tilted with one side higher than the other. Frequently, kyphosis is also concurrently present.
In addition to high-intensity therapy customized for severe injuries and diseases, therapists at TRYAbility are specialized in treating idiopathic adolescent and adult scoliosis and neuromuscular scoliosis.
Therapists utilize a combination of Schroth Method, bracing and seating modifications, along with ergonomic changes to conservatively manage the scoliosis and slow down progression and avoid surgical intervention.
09 · DIAGNOSIS
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.
TRYAbility utilizes a variety of treatment approaches and programs designed specifically to combat the physical, emotional and cognitive effects of Parkinson’s disease. Our goal is to provide a continuum of care for patients with Parkinson’s disease to help maintain their highest level of function and independence. Treatment uniquely address the cognitive, emotional, sensory and motor symptoms often associated with PD.
Evaluation begins with the question: What Are Your Movement Goals?
Some of the most common goals for people with PD include improving walking, balance, posture, reducing fall risk, treating pain, and exercising. Every patient works with our team of Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Fitness Specialists to set their individualized treatment plan. Our team can help you optimize your exercise routine based on the latest research, re-learn challenging tasks or stay safe and independent in the home.
Research shows that consistent exercise is crucial for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. This evidence supports that progressive resistance cardiovascular exercises along with high amplitude movements, and cognitive activities are neuroprotective for aging individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Ability Program (PAP), is an exercise-based program designed for all stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Classes are research-based and organized into a variety of different intensities to accommodate the specific needs of each individual based on their Hoehn and Yahr classification. The PAP program offers two different group classes, PAP Strength and PAP Cardio.
10 · DIAGNOSIS
Neuro Oncology
Neuro-oncology is the study of brain and spinal cord neoplasms. Neuro-onc rehabilitation is the comprehensive treatment of individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancerous and non cancerous tumors and neoplasms. Treatment paradigms often include:
- Fall Prevention
- Gait and Functional movement re-training
- Postural education
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Pain and edema management
- ADL retraining
- Visual and cognitive retraining
The goal of rehabilitation is to maximize a person’s independence in all aspects of functionality despite the deleterious side effects brought on by chemotherapy, radiation and/or tumor resection.
At TRYAbility, our Physical and Occupational Therapists integrate the latest technology and years of clinical expertise to help mitigate nervous system damage by maximizing activity dependent plasticity. We leverage neuroplasticity to enhance motor function, and combine modalities to help improve overall quality of life.
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