Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic helps people maximize their quality of life

After a stroke, a Parkinson's disease diagnosis or a traumatic brain injury, life can change drastically.

Whether it’s getting dressed, carrying on a conversation or shopping at a grocery store, things that once felt automatic can suddenly take tremendous effort. At Ascension Elmbrook’s Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic, patients who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or neurological deficit work with therapists to regain or improve skills many of us take for granted.

“The things that people are really surprised that they lose when they come in are often the simple things, like I can’t get my hair into a ponytail or use my hair dryer. I can’t control my fingers when using my phone. I can’t think through doing my finances,” said Jenny Stuber, an occupational therapist at the neuro rehab clinic.

The clinic brings together physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to help patients rebuild the skills they need to live as independently as possible. 

Therapists provide care for stroke rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders, dizziness and balance disorders, swallowing and communication challenges, headaches and migraines, vision changes and cognitive concerns. Specialized equipment helps evaluate and treat these conditions while allowing therapy to be tailored to each person's needs and goals.

Every treatment plan is interdisciplinary and tailored to the patient, because every individual's goals are different. For some patients, it's returning to work. For others, it's getting back to a favorite hobby or simply feeling confident enough to leave the house again.

Learning skills to cope and thrive

Randy’s therapy goals included continuing the activities that have always been part of his life, despite a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. This included Tae Kwon Do, attending church and staying active in the community.

Parkinson's disease affects many aspects of daily life, from speech to movement. It can impact balance, posture, memory and the ability to complete everyday tasks. 

Through the neuro rehab clinic's Parkinson's Rehabilitation Program, Randy and Jenny have worked together to improve the skills he relies on every day, including those required to practice Tae Kwon Do.

"Rehab has helped me build the skills I need to cope with my Parkinson's disease and keep living the life I want to live," Randy said.

Attaining small victories after a stroke

Therapy helped Julie reclaim pieces of her life she feared were gone forever. After her stroke, speaking and performing everyday tasks became difficult. She steadily regained strength, balance and confidence with the support of the neuro rehabilitation team.

One of her proudest moments came when she danced at her granddaughter's wedding and walked down the aisle without a cane.

"Thanks to the incredible team at Ascension Elmbrook's Neurological Rehab Clinic, I regained the strength and confidence to dance at my granddaughter's wedding after my stroke," Julie said.

Returning to What Matters Most

Rehabilitation is about more than meeting therapy milestones. It centers around helping patients get back to living the life they want and finding ways to reestablish the routines, places and relationships that make a person’s life their own. The Elmbrook neuro rehab team creates personalized, interdisciplinary treatment plans that help patients reach their goal, be that continuing Tae Kwon Do, dancing at a family wedding or feeling steady enough to walk through the grocery store.