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A therapist talks about services and equipment available at upstate.

Stroke - A Comprehensive Rehabilitation

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Why is rehabilitation important?

The goal of Upstate University Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center is to help patients become as independent as possible following a stroke with state of the art equipment and experts in the field!

 Rehabilitation after stroke is important in the recovery process. Participation in therapy can help promote neuro recovery of the brain.  Early and consistent rehabilitation allows the individual to begin regaining their function, improve impairments and assist individuals in attaining their maximum rehabilitation potential as quickly as possible.

Upstate University Hospital is a New York State Designated Stroke Center that offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals who have suffered a stroke. The three levels of care may include:

  • Acute Care
    • Upstate Medical University is a large academic hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.  You will receive excellent medical care at one of our two Campuses (University Hospital and Community Hospital).  You may find yourself in need of services from our skilled therapy staff that include the following professionals:
      • Occupational Therapists: Occupational Therapists (OT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating your current physical, cognitive (thinking), visual, social, and emotional status as it relates to returning to independence with your daily activities, leisure activities, school or work.
      • Speech and Language Pathologists: Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with feeding and swallowing, speech, language, and cognition (thinking).
      • Physical Therapists: Physical Therapists (PT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and treating difficulties with strength, balance, sensation, and coordination in relation to walking, and return to optimal independence and safe mobility in your home and community.

        What can you expect from your stay?

      • The above therapy providers can/may be consulted by your medical provider (MD, NP, PA) during your stay in the hospital.
      • There are therapy providers from all three disciplines here 7 days a week to provide evaluation and treatment as needed.
      • You may receive all of the above services, or only require 1 or 2 services during your stay.
      • Therapists are focused on evaluating and treating you during your stay, making patient centered goals, and making appropriate discharge recommendations with you and your family.
      • Therapists can also make recommendations regarding equipment needs for discharge home.

  • Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation
    • Upstate Medical University Hospital has offered expert acute inpatient rehabilitation for over 30 years. The 2 North Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Upstate University Hospital has 30 beds and admits Adult and Pediatric Rehabilitation patients.  There is also a 20 bed unit at the Upstate Community Hospital.  Our patients receive specialized care by a highly skilled and dedicated team of rehabilitation professionals including nurses, therapists, case managers and board certified physicians.

      The goal of the Rehabilitation Team is to help patients become as independent as possible.  We assist individuals with overcoming barriers presented by functional limitations in mobility, self care, communication, swallowing and cognition.

      • The rehabilitation team may include:

        • Occupational therapists
        • Physical therapists
        • Speech language pathologists
        • Rehabilitation therapist
        • Recreational therapist
        • Board certified doctors
        • Case management
        • Rehabilitation psychologist
        • Social work
        • Registered Nurses/Nursing staff

        What can you expect from your stay?

        • A patient is admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation unit from the acute care setting.
        • Within 24 hours of admission to the inpatient rehabilitation unit, the patient will receive a physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy evaluation
        • The patient will receive at least 3 hours of therapy a day for a minimum of 5 days a week
        • Patients may also receive therapy on the weekend
        • Patients are provided with 24 hour nursing care
        • Physicians are on call 24 hours a day
      • Preparing for your stay:

        • Patients can bring the following:
          • Loose fitting, washable clothing
          • Comfortable walking shoes
          • Pajamas
          • If used: dentures, hearing aids with batteries, glasses
          • Cosmetics and toiletries you would like to use
          • Photographs of family, friends and pets
        • Please leave valuables at home, including jewelry and other items of sentimental value
      • Family and Friends

        • We encourage family and patient caregivers to participate in therapy sessions and learn about your care
        • Therapy appointments may start as early as 7am and may not end until 4pm
        • Many patients need to rest in between appointments, so we ask that friends come after therapy ends at 4pm
        • Visitors are welcome as per the hospital visitor policy.
        • Visiting hours end at 9pm
  • Outpatient Therapy Stroke Program
    • Our rehabilitation team has years of combined experience working with patients with neurological conditions. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and collaborative care for every patient. We utilize best practice, evidence, and your goals to guide your treatment.
    • Treatments may include functional mobility training, casting/splinting, therapeutic exercise, modalities, aquatics, cognitive retraining, augmentative communication device training, ADL training, and initiating home and community exercise programs.
      • Our rehabilitation team include
        • Occupational Therapist: Occupational Therapists (OT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating your current physical, cognitive (thinking), visual,  social,  and emotional status as it relates to returning to independence with your daily activities, leisure activities, school or work.
        • Speech Language Pathologist: Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating difficulties with feeding and swallowing, speech, language, and cognition (thinking).
        • Physical Therapist: Physical Therapists (PT) are medical professionals specially trained in evaluating and remediating difficulties with strength, balance, sensation, and coordination in relation to walking, and return to optimal independence and safe mobility in your home and community.
        • Rehabilitation Counselor: A rehabilitation counselor assists persons with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals in the most integrated setting possible through the application of the counseling process.
      • A physician’s referral is required for examination and treatment within this program.

How does the Regional Rehabilitation Center treat individuals who have suffered a stroke?

Services are provided by an interdisciplinary team including occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, vocational therapists and physicians.
Treatments in therapy may include:
  • Activities of daily living and independent living skills
  • Recommendations of Assistive or Adaptive equipment
  • Vision Testing and Retraining
  • Speech and swallowing training
  • Ambulation and transfer training
  • Balance and coordination training
  • Strengthening
  • Family Training
  • Stroke Education
  • Neuropsychology Testing
  • Tone Management
  • Wheelchair Assessments
  • Cognitive retraining
  • Vocational services—return to work and school

The Latest Technology for the Best Treatment

The Regional Rehabilitation Center has a variety of state-of-the-art equipment available as part of the treatment following a stroke.
This equipment includes (see video below):

Helpful Links:

 

A physician’s referral is required in order to receive therapy services.

To contact the Regional Rehabilitation Center call: 315-464-6543
Fax: 315-464-4753

Providers

Kristen A Bachta
Kristen A Bachta
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

LSVT Loud; Brain Injury; Dysphagia; Parkinson's Disease; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Courtney L Beckwith, OTR/L
Courtney L Beckwith, OTR/L
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: SUNY Buffalo, 2018, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy - Adult; Stroke; Occupational Therapy

Tanya L Burnett, MS, CTRS,CBIS
Tanya L Burnett, MS, CTRS,CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MA: SUNY College at Cortland, 2009, Therapeutic Recreation
  • BA: SUNY Binghamton, 2006, Psychology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Pediatric Brain Trauma; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Joy V Centra, Masters
Joy V Centra, Masters
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Burns (Severe); Falls; Hip Fracture; more

Clinical Interests

  • Brain injury. Burns. Stroke. 


Patricia M Clark, PT, DPT, CBIS
Patricia M Clark, PT, DPT, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Russell Sage College, 2015
  • BS: SUNY Albany, 2012

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; Trauma; Amputee Rehabilitation; more

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology - stroke, TBI


Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2015, Physical Therapy
  • BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012, Exercise Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Neurology; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Research Interests

  • Research Physical Therapist involved in SLeep Effects on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (SLEEPR) Study

Clinical Interests

  • Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, vestibular rehabilitation

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Neurology Section

Emily J Costello, CSRS
Emily J Costello, CSRS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • Additional Training: SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 2017, CBIS

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Adolescent Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Neuromuscular Disease; more

Education Interests

  • Completed Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist course and exam in 2015,  Renewed Cerification 

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology,  Stroke,  TBI,  Neurosurgery


Kayla N Critser, PT, DPT, NCS
Kayla N Critser, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-2282

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Neurology; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Carrie E Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Carrie E Garcia, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2001, Speech-Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Concussion; Dysphagia; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Nicole A Herringshaw
Nicole A Herringshaw
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Utica College, 2022, Occupational Therapy
  • BS: Utica College, 2019, Health Studies

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy - Adult; Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Stroke

Olivia S Jamieson, MS, CF-SLP
Olivia S Jamieson, MS, CF-SLP
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Vanderbilt University, 2023, Speech-Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Kaelynn E Kocsis
Kaelynn E Kocsis
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Amputation; Brain Cancer; Brain Injury; more

Education Interests

  • Stroke treatment

    Vision treatment

     

Clinical Interests

  • neuro rehab, stroke, TBI


Carly M Mann
Carly M Mann
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Adult; Amputation; Blurred Vision; Brachial Plexus Injury; Brain Aneurysm; more

Ami Myers, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
Ami Myers, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2017, Occupational Therapy
  • BS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2016, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; All Cancers and Hematological Conditions; more

Clinical Interests

  • Neurology and Pediatrics


Kimberly A Nemi, OTR/L, CBIS
Kimberly A Nemi, OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1993, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Common Vision Problems; Concussion; more

Research Interests

  • Concussion Management

    Visual and Vestibular disorders

Education Interests

  • Visual dysfunction and low vision services- occupational therapy

Clinical Interests

  • Concussion Care, Brain Injury

    Aquired visual disorders

    Low vision

    Cognitive dysfunction


Kimberly Oles
Kimberly Oles
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Inpatient Occupational Therapy; Occupational Therapy

Kristin A Overend, PT
Kristin A Overend, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • PT: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2008, Master's of Physical Therapy
  • BS: St. John Fisher College, 2005, Biology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Guillain Barre Syndrome; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); more

Research Interests

  • Research Physical Therapist in SLEep Effects on

    Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (Sleepr) Study.


Maria J Podbelski, DPT
Maria J Podbelski, DPT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2016

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Dizziness and Vertigo; Falls; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: Utica College, 1996, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Certified Geriatric Care Professional; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Aging Issues; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Geriatrics; more

Denali Remonda, PT, DPT
Denali Remonda, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Buffalo, 2009

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Muscular Dystrophies; Spinal Cord Injury; more

Beth Rolland, OTR, CDRS, CBIS
Beth Rolland, OTR, CDRS, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Columbia University, 1997, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Concussion; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); more

Lynne Romeiser-Logan, PT, PhD, PCS
Lynne Romeiser-Logan, PT, PhD, PCS
315 464-5820

Education & Fellowships

  • PhD: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, 2009

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Brachial Plexus Injury; Cerebral Palsy; Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Spasticity; more

Research Interests

  • Effectiveness of treatments for children and adults with neurological disorders.

Education Interests

  • Evidence based practice

Clinical Interests

  • Spasticity, developmental disabilities, brachial plexus injury, neurological disorders.


Lisa E Rothwell, PT
Lisa E Rothwell, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1988, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Dizziness and Vertigo; Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, Physical Therapy; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Chronic Disease Management; more

Education Interests

  • Health and wellness, Aging and longevity

Clinical Interests

  • Burns, SCI, neurological disorders, balance, seating and positioning, TBI


Kelly Ryan, OTR,CSRS,CBIS
Kelly Ryan, OTR,CSRS,CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1992, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Stroke; more

Joanne Scandale, PhD, CRC, CCM, LMHC, CBIST, CCTP, CCATP
Joanne Scandale, PhD, CRC, CCM, LMHC, CBIST, CCTP, CCATP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • PhD: Syracuse University, 2004, Rehabilitation Counseling

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Vocational Rehabilitation

Donna I Sims, CTRS
Donna I Sims, CTRS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Brockport, 1988

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Dementia

Clinical Interests

  • Animal Assisted Therapy / Activities


Janice L Singer-Wagner, MS, CCC/SLP
Janice L Singer-Wagner, MS, CCC/SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Columbia University, 1979, speech/language pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Dysphagia; Head and Neck Cancer; Stroke; Fiberopic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES); Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Lindsey E Solamon, MS, CCC-SLP
Lindsey E Solamon, MS, CCC-SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Syracuse University, 2009, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders; Speech Pathology; Brain Injury; Stroke; Swallowing Difficulty or Dysphagia; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association

Jennifer I Spieker, OTR/L
Jennifer I Spieker, OTR/L
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • OTR: Keuka University, 2001

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Stroke; Occupational Therapy

Emily E Talbot, MS, CCC-SLP
Emily E Talbot, MS, CCC-SLP
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Ithaca College, 2011

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Aneurysm; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Dysphagia; more

Clinical Interests

  • Evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, stroke, TBI, cognitive communication disorders, aphasia, apraxia.

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association, Ccc-Slp

Lauren N Westby, MS,CCC-SLP, CBIS
Lauren N Westby, MS,CCC-SLP, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • MS: Syracuse University, 2008, Speech Language Pathology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Speech Pathology; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Brain Injury; Cognitive Disorders; Communication Disorders; Dysphagia; more

Clinical Interests

  • Cognitive Communication Disorders

    Dysphagia

    Aphasia

    Apraxia

    Dysarthria

Associations/Memberships

  • American Speech -Language -Hearing Association
  • Brain Injury Association USA

Danielle J Wheeler-Vickery, PT, DPT, GCS
Danielle J Wheeler-Vickery, PT, DPT, GCS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: University Hospital, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 2014, Physical Therapy
  • BS: Russell Sage College, 1996, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Geriatric Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy; Stroke; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Geriatrics; Inpatient Physical Therapy; more

Research Interests

  • Sleeper Study

Clinical Interests

  • Geriatrics, Stroke Rehab, Neuro and Brain Injury, General Surgery and medicine, Ortho Trauma

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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