Orthopedic Rehab

Patients are first evaluated by an interdisciplinary team. During this evaluation, team members assess the patient's physical abilities and medical status, including his or her range of motion, motor control, balance and functional mobility. Once this initial assessment is complete, the interdisciplinary team meets to coordinate care, develop an individualized treatment plan, set goals and establish a projected discharge date.

Depending on the patient's unique needs, the members of his or her interdisciplinary team may include physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians; an internal medicine physician; nurses; physical, occupational and recreational therapists; case managers; and a dietician.

A Multidisciplinary Treatment Approach

Patient treatment plans typically involve a combination of therapies based on a patient's unique needs and abilities. Most plans include special training and education sessions that give patients the opportunity to "practice" daily living skills in the presence of knowledgeable rehabilitation specialists.

As patients progress through their treatment plan, tolerance levels are gently increased and important injury precaution strategies are rehearsed. To control pain and prevent further joint degeneration and complications, splinting and other adaptive equipment may be used.

Evaluating a Patient's Progress and Care

A patient's interdisciplinary team holds weekly meetings to discuss and evaluate his or her progress and care.

Family Involvement

Family members and designated caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in their loved one's rehabilitation process. Patient education and therapy sessions, both of which are always open to families and caregivers, feature excellent opportunities to learn more about a loved one's condition and progress. As part of the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Program's comprehensive patient/family educational offerings, formalized education and training are provided to discuss and review any preparations necessary for a patient's discharge.

The Role of the Case Manager

The case manager is the link between the family and the members of the patient's interdisciplinary team. He or she keeps families informed about their loved one's progress and helps them make important discharge preparations. The case manager also serves as the point of contact for insurance issues, working closely with the family and insurer to identify and address any potential problems.

Outpatient Follow-Up Care

Patients requiring outpatient therapy may be referred to the University of Maryland Rehabilitation Institute in Woodlawn. If appropriate, some patients may receive hospital-based or aquatic outpatient therapy. For more information about outpatient follow-up care, please call 410-448-7900.

A Variety of Specialized Services are Offered to Patients, Including:

• Splint and bracing needs, assessment and fabrication
• Onsite surgical-orthopedic consultations
• Training on the proper use of functional mobility devices and adaptive equipment
• Mobility assessment, treatment and recommendations for patients with complicated ambulatory issues
• Functional living practice (i.e., helping patients resume or make adaptations to their daily living activities)

University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Institute is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Contact Us

To refer a patient to the Orthopedic Rehabilitation program, or for more information, contact the Post-Acute Care Referral Service at 410-328-8680.