Specialized technology provides high-level rehab care

A healthy living blog from Marshfield Clinic Health System

Specialized technology provides high-level rehab care

Nov 27, 2023

After an illness or injury requiring inpatient rehabilitation, or rehab done while you are in the hospital, one of your goals might be getting back to a ‘normal’ life, which requires specialized technology such as a Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS), Functional Electric Stimulation (FES) bike and a space to work through real-life situations are important to your rehab.

Inpatient rehab is designed to provide the highest level of available rehabilitation to treat physical or cognitive impairment and get patients back to as full a life as possible.

Patients may need rehabilitation following:

Therapist helping patient with rehab. — Inpatient rehab may be done through a variety of ways including unique, specialized technology.

Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Brain injury
Trauma
Amputation
Post-joint replacement
Neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s disease
Orthopedic conditions

Rehab may be done through a variety of ways including unique, specialized technology.

“These technologies are designed to help give you your quality of life back,” said Peyton Hegner, occupational therapist with Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Our physical medicine and rehabilitation providers work closely with you on the care you need following your illness or injury.”

Bioness Integrated Therapy System (BITS)

BITS therapy offers an integrative touch screen. It helps patients improve coordination, range of motion, balance, endurance, memory and more and is customizable for each patient’s needs.

“Through interactive games and assessments, patients can improve their coordination and brain function in an engaging way,” said Hegner.

Functional Electric Stimulation (FES) bike

The FES bike uses a computer program that supplies electrical impulses to the patient’s arm or leg. The bike’s electrical stimulation helps reconnect the patient’s body and brain to make their arm or leg more functional.

This allows the patient to cycle, despite having weakness or paralysis.

Patients can work on strengthening their body, improving their range of motion, voluntary muscle control, edema management and decreasing spasms.

Independence Square

The inpatient rehab facility at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield has an area designed to mirror a community to help patient’s work through real-life situations. This includes getting in and out of a car, reaching for items on shelves or stepping up onto curbs or ramps.

“We call it Independence Square and it allows the patient to relearn skills or roles they commonly do in a safe and independent manner,” said Alex Wiedbusch, P.T., D.P.T., physical therapist with Marshfield Clinic Health System.

Many people wouldn’t think twice about doing activities taught in the Independence Square.

“After a stroke, for example, these tasks can be challenging, as patients need to relearn cognitive needs, rebuild strength and regain muscle memory,” Wiedbusch said.

Commitment to the best care for patients

Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield has three accredited programs at their rehabilitation center. The programs demonstrate the commitment to provide the highest quality care possible and because of that, have received the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) recognition. The programs who are CARF-accredited include: