Saint Louis University Hospital’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department (PMR) is very active in the treatment of Hematology/Oncology patients. The department’s physical and occupational therapists see the majority of patients while they are in the hospital to assess and treat issues related to strength, endurance, activities of daily living, ambulation, etc. Speech therapy also may be involved if there are swallowing or speech/language issues involved. Full descriptions of the services provided are noted below. In addition, the PMR department has a very dynamic outpatient program so patients can continue their rehabilitation following treatment post-discharge from the hospital and gain back functional abilities lost.

Physical Therapy works with patients with movement and functional disorders. Treatment focuses on improving range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, musculoskeletal biomechanics, posture and functional mobility such as bed mobility, balance and ambulation. Modalities such as heat and cold, paraffin, electrical stimulation and ultrasound may be used for pain relief, edema control and strengthening. Independence in functional mobility and strength is the ultimate goal in physical therapy. The physical therapists have specialized programs for vestibular rehabilitation (balance), pelvic floor dysfunction (bowel and bladder incontinence or constipation) and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Occupational Therapy works with patients to achieve optimal functioning in self-care, home management, and work and leisure activities. Activities to improve these areas include daily living training (bathing, dressing, feeding, homemaking, child care, etc.), range of motion, strengthening, work conditioning, and cognitive/perceptual motor training. Occupational Therapists often utilize adaptive equipment and splints to enhance functional recovery and independence. OT also has a therapist who specializes in lymphedema management, which can sometimes occur post surgically.

Speech Therapy works with patients with speech and language disorders, swallowing dysfunction and voice disorders. Speech therapists can perform a test called a modified barium swallow that takes an X-ray of food (coated with barium) being swallowed to see if there is aspiration. Further testing can be done through FEES (functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing), which utilizes a scope to identify the specific swallowing problem.

For more information, contact Julie Rosenfeld, M.A., OTR/L, director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, at (314) 577-8786.