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AAMC Rehabilitation Services

AAMC offers the full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology Services. A staff of more than 40 therapists provide care for patients with a variety of diagnoses commonly referred from Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Vascular, Oncology, ENT, Rheumatology, Gerontology and Pediatrics (selected diagnoses and ages). A physician's referral is required for all services.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient therapists evaluate most patients at the bedside to determine treatment recommendations and rehabilitation discharge needs. Physical and occupational therapists progress patients with safe, functional mobility and enhance ability to perform activities of daily living. Speech language pathologists assess swallowing capability and make diet recommendations, as well as treat speech, language and memory impairments.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient therapists evaluate patients and provide individualized treatment programs and education to maximize function, manage pain, design exercise programs and promote patient independence. Patients are seen by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Specialized outpatient services include:

• Physical therapy for lymphedema treatment
• Occupational therapy for hand rehabilitation and splint fabrication
• Speech language pathology for voice, swallowing, speech and language, and memory impairments; modified barium swallow testing and videostroboscopy (ENT must be on premises).
• Coordinated physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology at one convenient site for those patients requiring a multidisciplinary approach

Phone Numbers:

• 443-481-4100 for Inpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology
• 443-481-4080 for Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology
• 443-481-5827 for Outpatient Physical Therapy for Lymphedema Treatment

Locations and Referral Process:
Inpatient Rehabilitation is located in the Acute Care Pavilion, 5th floor. Therapists provide most therapy at the patient’s bedside with the exception of post-operative joint replacement and spine surgery patients, which are done in a group setting.
Outpatient Rehabilitation is located in the Wayson Pavilion, Suite G-10. Parking is available in the Wayson Garage or the Acute Care Pavilion Garage.

The AAMC Lymphedema Center

The Lymphatic System

The Lymphedema Center at AAMC is one of the region's only such centers. Here, patients are treated with a variety of therapies including exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layered bandaging and compression pumps. In addition, education is provided for self-management and self care.
The Lymphedema Center, located in the Wayson Pavilion, is staffed with physical therapists who are specially trained to provide treatment for lymphedema, and for issues that may occur after breast surgery, such as a decrease in strength and range of motion. Each patient is given a specific program to address their individual needs.
Patients must be referred to the Lymphedema Center by a physician. Once a referral is received, appointments can be scheduled by calling (443) 481-5827.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition of swelling of the tissues in the arm, chest, leg or trunk. It occurs because lymph nodes have been removed or damaged, causing impaired flow of lymphatic fluid. Lymphedema can be treated. Patients are given instructions on how to manage this condition. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and create an environment for chronic infection and increased swelling in the affected area.
Treatment for Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be managed so that patients can resume a normal lifestyle. Each case varies. A physical therapist will work with you to help develop a customized treatment program. The following techniques are used to treat lymphedema and assist patients in regaining full function.

• Exercise
  Patients are given a series of exercises to strengthen the muscles, regain range of motion, and provide a gentle skin stretch. Aerobic activity may also be included to increase activity tolerance.
• Multi-Layered Bandaging
  If lymphedema is present, patients are wrapped with a special, short stretch bandage that can increase lymphatic flow. These bandages work best with muscle contraction, therefore it is important to perform movement with the bandages on throughout the day. Patients are also educated on self-bandaging. Once swelling has stabilized, patients are fitted for the appropriate compression garment(s).
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  Manual lymphatic drainage is a specific technique that consists of a gentle skin stretch to improve absorption and movement of lymphatic fluid. Patients are educated on self-techniques and encouraged to perform them daily for lymphedema management.
• Intermittent Compression Pumps
  Compression pumps are used in certain situations to assist in the reduction of swelling. Home pumps are available for patients who respond well with a decrease in swelling.

If you have any additional questions about lymphedema and the treatment of lymphedema, call (443) 481-5827.