Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Answers for Total Joint Patients Coming to the Elks
Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Services
Outcomes

Orthopedic Rehabilitation [ top ]

Young and old alike are susceptible to a variety of orthopedic problems that can seriously impact a person’s lifestyle. Orthopedic conditions include diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons, all which make up the muscoskeletal system.

The musculoskeletal system is responsible for three important functions:

• Body shape and support
• Protection of vital internal organs
• Locomotion (ability to move about)

Orthopedic problems most often affect the ability to move, which can severely limit a person’s ability to function in everyday situations.

At the Elks, our goal is to help people with orthopedic conditions become as independent as possible within the limits of their ability. To achieve this goal, our multidisciplinary team develops individualized treatment plans for both inpatients and outpatients of all ages.

Programs and services provided at the Elks include treatment of conditions such as:

• Total joint replacement
• Arthritis
• Back problems
• Upper and lower extremity amputations
• Fractures

Inpatient Program
Following surgery or injury, a patient’s physician may determine that inpatient rehabilitation is required before the patient can safely return home. To provide the most comprehensive rehabilitation care for these patients, our team of orthopedic specialists works under the direction of a physiatrist (a physician who specializes in rehabilitation). Other members of the team include a nurse case manager, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a social worker, a dietitian and other professionals if our patients need them.

Our inpatient program provides physical and occupational therapy to evaluate and improve walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, grooming and other activities of daily living. Adaptive equipment may be prescribed and individualized to make it easier for the patient to care for him or herself, especially if the patient will be living alone. The team’s physician and the nurse case manager oversee the medical management of the patient, coordinate ordering and administering medications, tests, etc. The social worker discusses goals and progress with the patient, family and loved ones and coordinates the patient’s return to home or a residential facility.

Weekly Team Meetings
An inpatient in the orthopedic program typically stays at the Elks from one to two weeks, depending on how quickly they meet their rehabilitation goals. The patient’s rehabilitation team meets weekly to track the patient’s progress, update treatments and discuss therapy goals.

Discharge Conference
Before the patient leaves the Elks, the team’s social worker, nurse and therapists meet with the patient and family members to discuss the goals achieved, the treatments and medications to take home, equipment, a home exercise program and home health and/or outpatient therapy if appropriate.

Outpatient Program
Patients with less intensive medical needs can often meet their functional goals with a schedule of therapy visits that do not require hospitalization. In our outpatient program, therapists evaluate patients and develop a treatment plan with the referring physician. Pool therapy is also available if approved by the patient’s physician. With a physician’s referral, patients can schedule an appointment at our offices in Boise or Meridian.

Amputee Clinic
To provide comprehensive outpatient care of people who have had an upper or lower extremity amputation, an amputee clinic is held every month at the Elks. With a physician’s referral, patients are evaluated by a rehabilitation physician specialist, a nurse, a physical therapist and a prosthetist. An individualized treatment plan is then developed by this team for the patient.

Coverage for Our Services
Our services are covered by most insurance companies.

Need to Know More?
If you need additional information about the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, or would like to make a referral, please call our Orthopedic Program Director at 208-489-4586.

When compared with other rehabilitation providers in our region and the U.S., the Elks’ outcome data shows that we excel in improving our patients’ function and return a higher percentage of patients to their homes. A further stamp of approval for our inpatient rehabilitation program is our accreditation by CARF...The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission.

Why am I going to the Elks?
Some people go directly home from the hospital after their surgery. Others spend a short time at the Elks to continue to work on getting around with their walker or crutches, strengthening their hip or knee and moving easily before their return home. This extended rehabilitation is valuable for people who must be very independent and able to take care of themselves when they go home, especially if they live alone.

Some people have other arthritic joints or have been inactive for awhile before surgery, and the extra therapy they receive assures that the transition from surgery to home is an easy one. You and your doctor may discuss spending some time at Elks during your pre-operative visit. Sometimes your doctor or therapist will make the recommendation for admission after surgery depending on how your recovery is progressing. An Elks representative is available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

What will I do at the Elks?
People come to the Elks to become independent, and your stay with us will be designed to help you achieve that goal. In addition to medical and nursing care, you will practice all of the activities you wish to pursue as you go home. This may be climbing stairs, preparing meals, dressing, bathing, or walking outdoors. Your therapist will work with you to minimize your discomfort as you exercise to gain strength and flexibility in your new joint. We understand that all people recover differently, and your therapy program will be designed to meet your individual needs. Remember to bring a few changes of casual, loose-fitting clothing and a sturdy pair of shoes with non-slip soles. If you’re having knee surgery, bring a pair of shorts too.

How long will I be at the Elks?
We know you want to go home as soon as possible after the surgery- that’s what we want, too! Our staff will help you identify your goals and discuss how long it will take you to achieve them. Some people meet their goals in four to five days, others take a week or two. If needed, limited RV parking is available for family members. Our staff will help you plan for your return home by arranging for necessary equipment, and continued therapy as an outpatient or at home, as needed.

How much will it cost?
Most of our services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance companies. We take pride in our ability to work with you to ensure the best health care value. Our programs at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital are designed to get you home as soon as possible. If you prefer a private room, please advise your hospital discharge nurse or an Elks representative. Financial concerns can be addressed with the Elks business Office personnel or the Orthopedic Program Director.

Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Services [ top ]

Do You Suffer From:

• Dizziness or vertigo?
  
• Balance problems?
  
• Unsteadiness with a tendency to fall?
  
• Nausea?
  
• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)?
  
• Light headedness?
  
• Blurred vision?
  
• Pressure or fullness in the ear or head?
  
• Tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ear)?
  
• Hearing loss?

These are symptoms of vestibular disorders. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you should consult your physician. Vestibular Rehabilitation may be helpful to you.

Dizziness is Not Unusual.
It is the second most common complaint heard by physicians. Much of the time the cause is an inner ear, or vestibular system, disorder. When the vestibular system is not functioning properly, dizziness or vertigo and loss of balance can occur. Loss of balance can create significant disability that can interfere with your ability to enjoy life. It can even lead to serious injury because people who experience dizziness or vertigo are more likely to fall. A fall can cause a fear of falling again, leading to decreased activity and loss of strength, flexibility and mobility, which makes another fall, and potential injury, more likely.

Balance problems can also be caused by head injury, orthopedic conditions, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, as well as other medical and neurological conditions.

The Vestibular System lies within your inner ear. It helps to control eye movement and body position, and helps you maintain your equilibrium. There are over 200 conditions which may produce symptoms of dizziness. To help your physician determine the cause of your problem, you should have a comprehensive evaluation. A Then an effective treatment program can be developed for you.

The Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital can provide a comprehensive evaluation of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance. Our multi-disciplinary team uses the same state-of-the-art equipment developed by NASA to evaluate and treat the astronauts’ balance problems after they return to earth. Equipment called the Smart Balance Master uses computer technology to measure how well the eyes, the inner ear and the muscles and joints are working together in your body to maintain balance.

Further assessment of strength, walking, balance skills and movement tolerance by a physical therapist can also identify problems that could affect your balance.

An audiologist can perform electrophysiological tests that measure your eye movements related to dizziness. This provides information about the inner ear, eye movements, and the nervous system. Since people with inner ear problems can experience hearing loss, an audiologist may also evaluate your hearing.

Treatment for dizziness and balance problems is prescribed by your physician following diagnosis of specific condition or disease. Medical or surgical treatment is required for some diagnoses, however, many conditions improve with specialized physical therapy. This treatment, called Rehabilitative Balance Therapy, uses exercises designed to significantly reduce the severity of dizziness or balance problems and help you learn to compensate for your balance disorder.

Balance and Vestibular Services at the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital Include:

Audiological Services

• Electronystagmography (ENG)
• Evoked potentials (ABR)
• Aural rehabilitation
• Hearing aids, speech reading, compensatory strategies.

Physical Therapy

• Vestibular/balance assessment
• Computerized Dynamic Posturography
• (CDP) using the Smart Balance Master
• Rehabilitative Balance Therapy
• Comprehensive Physical Therapy
• Evaluation and Treatment

Is a Physician's Referral Needed to Receive Therapy?
Yes. There are many causes of dizziness and not all of them result from vestibular deficits. That is why it is critical that you have a medical evaluation before you begin a therapy program. You may be referred by your family physician or a specialist.

Outcomes[ top ]
To view the Orthopedic Program Outcomes for 2006.
Please click on the link.