Gaylord treats neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Guillain-Barré syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS). Inpatient services also are offered for patients who have generalized poor endurance and strength because of extensive surgical procedures, cancer, infections or other major organ problems.
Neurological disorders treated include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Guillain Barré syndrome
- Post-polio syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Upon admission to the Neurological Rehabilitation program, the patient is seen by an internist or a physiatrist (a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine) who determines how medication is best managed in combination with rehabilitation techniques provided by skilled therapists.
The Multiple Sclerosis Program focuses on evaluation and treatment, medication management and home care training. The program offers patients the most current approaches in spasticity management, such as:
- Baclofen pump and electrical stimulation
- Nerve blocks
- Use of Botox
State-of-the-art equipment is used for wheelchair assessments and seating, swallowing evaluations and adaptive technology.
Patients may benefit from aquatic therapy in Gaylord's therapeutic pool. Aquatic therapy utilizes water-based treatment techniques to help patients increase range of motion, relieve pain and muscle spasms, improve functional ability and build self-confidence.
Program Highlights
The prosthetics and orthotics clinic evaluates and recommends devices and therapy to:
- Maximize functional mobility
- Provide stability
- Prevent deformity
Assistive devices and wheelchair needs are evaluated by a specially trained physical therapist through Gaylord's Assistive Devices and Wheelchair Assessment Service.
The multiple sclerosis assessment service at Gaylord is the only program in Connecticut directed by a physiatrist.
Gaylord's Aquatic Therapy Program utilizes water-based treatment techniques to:
- Increase joint range of motion
- Relieve pain and muscle spasms
- Improve functional ability
- Build self-confidence