Ortho Illinois Launches Neurological Physical Therapy Services
Rockford, Ill. (Feb. 26, 2021) – Ortho Illinois, a leading provider of bone and joint health care in northern Illinois, now offers specialized physical therapy for individuals recovering from or living with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
These conditions, as well as injuries related to head trauma, dizziness, vertigo, and falls, can damage the nervous system, which affects movement, coordination, and balance. Neuro PT helps reconnect the brain’s messaging to the body’s muscles so individuals can regain improved control over movement.
Other goals include:
- Maximizing independence
- Improving safety in the home and community
- Improving endurance
- Improving ease and efficiency of movement
- Reducing fall risks
- Optimizing strength, flexibility and coordination
Ortho Illinois Physical Therapist Madeline Chmell Janusevic is coordinating the program and brings experience working with neuro patients. She was raised in Rockford and worked at a local rehabilitation center specializing in neuro cases. Additionally, she spent two years working at a San Diego outpatient clinic where the patient mix was 50-50 orthopedic and neuro.
“I have family and friends who’ve needed neuro PT, and it’s been challenging to find it. And when they can find it, there have been long waits,” Janusevic said. “When I came back to town, I thought this would be a great opportunity for OrthoIllinois, our neurosurgeons, and the Rockford community, and I’m excited to connect with more patients who are awaiting care.”
Research related to these conditions emphasizes the need for specialized rehabilitative care. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., and the overall prevalence of stroke for adults in Illinois is 3.1%, slightly more than 300,000 adults. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. One in 4 Americans ages 65 and older falls each year, and 20% of falls cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury.
OrthoIllinois has a strong network of 10 rehabilitation clinics offering physical and occupational therapy. Most orthopedic patients need injury-specific or post-surgery rehab plans (focused on the knee, hip, or shoulder, for instance), while neuro PT helps individuals relearn movement strategies, improving safety and efficiencies of movement and more general progress for independence and mobility related to specific conditions that in many cases are progressive.
“With Parkinson’s disease, for instance, we’re trying to find ways to limit the progression and keep people independent as long as possible,” Janusevic said. “Another big thing is reducing risk of falls and improving coordination and muscle control.”
The neuro PT services are based at OrthoIllinois Rehabilitation’s location inside the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA, 200 Y Blvd. in Rockford. The connection to the Y opens the door for fitness collaboration for patients, such as linking with the Pedaling for Parkinson’s class.
Call OrthoIllinois at 815-484-6990 or visit the website to learn more about the neurological physical therapy program.
About OrthoIllinois
Established in 1967, OrthoIllinois serves the northern Illinois region in multi-specialty orthopedics from offices in Algonquin, Elgin, McHenry, and Rockford, and offers a full range of bone and joint care, including the specialties of neurosurgery, podiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, occupational health, and rheumatology. OrthoIllinois offers the ancillary services of physical therapy, MRI, and custom orthotics, and an outpatient surgery center. Visits are available with no appointments at the Injury Express urgent care locations in Algonquin, McHenry and Rockford. Visit www.orthoillinois.com for more information.
