At TRYAbility Rehabilitation, we are able to provide unique treatment options to children of all ages, from toddlers to young adults. Because of our specialized equipment and neurologically trained therapists, TRYAbility is uniquely positioned to provide excellent care using a combination of tools and services.
Our Pediatric Therapists are trained in the latest treatments, such as:
Functional Electronic Stimulation assisted task retraining.
Whole Body Vibration Therapy
Activity based restorative therapies
Functional Electronic Stimulation assisted Gait training
Virtual Reality Guided Functional Training
Universal Cage Therapy
Aquatic Therapy
One of the main differences between TRYAbility and the majority of Pediatric rehabilitation facilities in the Chicago area is that we focus ONLY on Neurological conditions and fully embrace the concept of Activity Based Restorative therapies known as ABRT or just ABT. What is Activity Based Therapy (ABT)? ABT is a term used to describe interventions that focus on retraining the nervous system.
Such interventions take root in the concept that when sensory cues are coupled with intense practice and task specific training, it enhances the central nervous systems ability to relearn tasks that were forgotten due to injury or disease. This is called neuroplasticity.
Activity Based Therapy has five main areas of focus:
Weight Bearing
Bearing weight through the lower extremities through activities such as standing, tall kneeling, and quadruped (even if assistance is required).
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
This is an exciting time with Electric Stimulation, and TRYAbility utilizes the most advanced FES technology in the market. At TRYAbility we use FES interventions creatively to maximize central nervous system excitation and improve muscle function. This is done through FES assisted cycling, standing, and stepping using the Xctie system and the RT 600 body weight supported FES step training system.
Task Specific
Repetitive practice of skilled tasks such as transfers, walking, crawling, and standing using visual and tactile cues to improve motor planning and carryover into daily life. Practicing task specific skills with minimal compensation is the key.
Massed Practice
Intensive training with high frequency, sometimes to the point of muscle fatigue. ( Always based on patient tolerance and on underlying diagnosis.)
Body weight supported treadmill training or Locomotor training
Step training on a treadmill with body weight support using sensory cues and appropriate inter and intra limb kinematics at close to pre-injury or pre-insult walking speeds. This intervention strives to teach an individual to walk again with minimal compensation.
Pediatric Therapy Goals
Early on after a Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, diagnosis of a neurological condition such as Cerebral Palsy, onset of a neurological condition or even years post injury or illness, there are many benefits to Pediatric Therapy. In addition, studies have shown that individuals who receive intensive PT after a Central Nervous System insult have decreased re-hospitalizations, and have increased independence with all tasks of daily living overall.
Improved neuromuscular recovery, even several years after injury or onset of disease.
Decreased Spasticity
Improved Balance
Improved Strength
Increased Walking Speed
Prevent injury from muscle weakness and balance issues
Improved Posture
Decreased Pain
Improved Range of Motion
Increased Independence in transfers and bed mobility.
What is my responsibility as a Patient or Family Member of a Patient?
As a patient or as a family member of a patient, it is your responsibility to be an advocate for yourself or your family member to achieve their functional goals. It is pivotal that you establish an open and honest relationship with your therapists from the very beginning, so he or she can help maximize your ability to reach the goals that you both mutually agree on.
As a patient it is very important that you diligently follow your home exercise program and make activity a part of you or your loved ones daily life. Research heavily supports multiple repetitions of task specific activities for recovery. Educating yourself on your diagnosis and how it affects your body will be an important key to success. Your physical and occupational therapist will be there to facilitate and guide you towards your goals, and be a strong advocate for you throughout the entire process.
About Us
TRYAbility provides intensive Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy to those with Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson’s, etc. in the Chicago area.
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Business Hours
Our Standard Business Hours are below, however evening hours are available by Request.
- Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm
- Saturday: Appt by Request
- Sunday: Closed