Patients with emerging consciousness especially benefit from our on-site multisensory environment. Working with trained therapists, activities facilitate the perception, organization, interpretation and integration of different stimuli to arouse responses which can help engage functions of the brain such as sensory perception, cognition, motor control, emotions, awareness, communication, and more.

Synchrony uses evidence-based protocols, Surface Electromyography (sEMG) and “PENS” e-stim technology to help patients with dysphagia. Synchrony provides visual biofeedback for swallowing and oral motor exercises that promote improved swallow mechanics, normalized muscle function and tone, increased muscle strength and coordination, and pain reduction.

Critically ill patients may experience muscle damage following extended hospital stays. Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) uses the electrical stimulation of sensory and motor nerves to aid in correct firing of the cranial nervous system for swallowing. PENS works by helping to change the way pain nerves relay their pain message.

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device is a tablet or laptop that helps someone with a speech or language impairment to communicate. Therapists incorporate a number of assistive devices including Eyegaze devices. The Eyegaze has a special eye tracking camera to observe one of the user’s eyes and then uses sophisticated image processing software to determine where the user is looking on the screen.

RTI bikes combine activity-based therapy and functional electrical stimulation to help people living with paralysis or lowered function restore muscle mass in leg, arm, and core muscles. Electric stimulation aides in correct firing for arm and leg muscle movement. RTI biking can help with fatigue for persons who are non-ambulatory and unable to propel a standard stationary bike.

Postural Control, or maintaining the body in space, requires both stability and orientation. This core function is essential to embarking upon a rehabilitation program and increased independence in activities of daily living. Methods include tilt table standing, standing frames — for proprioceptive feedback, tone reduction, upright trunk and postural control — and more.

The ZeroG Gait and Balance Training System is a robotic body-weight support system that enables individuals recovering from traumatic injury to participate in safe, high-intensity rehabilitation much sooner in the treatment process, igniting the body’s recovery. ZeroG provides interactive balance programs and games, with biofeedback, challenging the patient physically and cognitively while teaching them how to anticipate a loss of balance.

With assistance from orthotists, Special Tree Occupational Therapists employ and sometimes build specialty splints and braces to assist with positioning, supportive bracing, joint mobilization and more. This can be especially critical for patients with limited mobility. Support from the day-to-day direct care team including Nurses, Rehabilitation Service Technicians, and others is critical in carrying out this rehabilitative component of patients’ medical care.

Experienced therapists evaluate patients to help determine mobility needs and assist with securing appropriate durable medical supply needs. Rehabilitation frequently includes positioning and postural control as well as guidance in the use of wheelchairs, mobility aides, prosthetics, and other assistive devices. Special Tree has a wide network of resources to assist with securing safe, effective mobility products customized to each individual’s needs.