The Gaylord staff can evaluate your condition and work with you on your way toward leading as active a lifestyle as possible.

What Happens at the Clinic?

A rheumatologist will carefully evaluate your condition. The staff will ask for examples of how arthritis affects your life. Tests, such as a blood examination and x-rays, also may be conducted to help determine the correct prescription of therapy and medication required.

Newly diagnosed patients benefit from early intervention and education. Patients with chronic arthritis benefit from the comprehensive evaluation with periodic reassessment. Preoperative corrective surgery patients, including total joint replacements, benefit from an intensive pre- and post-operative rehabilitation program.

What Is Therapy Like?

Physical and occupational therapies may be prescribed in the treatment of arthritis. Half-hour sessions are scheduled on an outpatient basis. Sessions consist of instruction in exercise programs that you can continue at home, since it is very important that you take an active role in your treatment. Therapy may be continued over several weeks or months, according to your needs. Progress is monitored through follow-up visits.

Special Services

The following rehabilitation services at Gaylord are useful in the management of arthritis:

• Flexibility and strengthening exercises.
• Assistive devices - such as canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and electric scooters - to improve mobility. See Assistive Devices and Wheelchair Assessment Service.
• Aquatic therapy.
• Prosthetics and orthotics clinic for bracing and footwear.
• Special equipment to help with activities at work or at home.
• Energy conservation methods to help prevent wear and tear on joints.
• Psychology services - including counseling and coping skills, relaxation techniques, family and sexual issues.

Referrals and Appointments

Appointments: 203.284.2818
Referral Fax: 203.284.2765