Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine is the world's first and largest university-affiliated center devoted entirely to inpatient/outpatient care, research and training in rehabilitation medicine. It is part of the NYU Langone Medical Center and operated under the auspices of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the New York University School of Medicine. The Rusk Institute is named in honor of its founder, Howard A. Rusk.

The Rusk Institute has been voted the best rehabilitation hospital in New York and among the top ten in the country since 1989, when U.S. News & World Report introduced its annual "Best Hospitals" rankings.

Steven Flanagan is the current Chairman of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Director of The Rusk Institute.

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine

[1] Leading the Way in Rehabilitation Medicine Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, has been voted the best rehabilitation hospital in New York and among the top ten in the country since 1989, when U.S. News & World Report introduced its annual "Best Hospitals" rankings. The world’s first university-affiliated facility devoted entirely to rehabilitation medicine, the Rusk Institute is the largest center of its kind for the treatment of adults and children with disabilities—home to innovations and advances that have set the standard in rehabilitation care for every age of life and for every phase of recovery.

Options for Care

At Rusk, we understand that patients want to return to their homes and communities able to lead full, satisfying lives. Our mission is to provide patients with the necessary physical, social, emotional, vocational, and recreational skills to reach the highest possible levels of independence and quality of life. To that end, the Rusk Institute Rehabilitation Network provides patients with access to treatment across a continuum of care depending on their individual medical needs: acute hospitalbased inpatient programs, and outpatient programs.

Inpatients

The Rusk Institute is accredited for comprehensive inpatient adult and family-centered pediatric rehabilitation services by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilites (CARF) and by the Join Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Patients who require hospitalization and can tolerate an intensive therapy schedule of three hours or more daily are admitted to a specialized inpatient program. Comprehensive and carefully coordinated rehabilitation services are offered at two inpatient locations—34th Street at First Avenue, and 17th Street at Second Avenue.

Please call the Rusk Admitting Office at (212) 263-6034 to help facilitate a patient admission

The Rusk Institute Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program @ 17th Street is a center of innovation and excellence for the treatment of disabling neurological and neurocognitive disorders. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as an inpatient specialty program in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and offer highly effective, interdisciplinary, individualized care for people recovering from:

Brain Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Acquired Brain Injury Stroke Aneurysms Brain Hemorrhage/Hematoma Brain Tumors Anoxic Encephalopathy Hydrocephalus Coma Multiple Sclerosis Neuromuscular Disorders Gait Disorders Parkinson’s Disease Neurosurgical Procedures Other Brain Disorders

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention

Designed to promote strength, function and wellbeing, the comprehensive cardiac programs at the Smilow Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention Center focus on monitored, personalized exercise therapy. Also featuring nutrition and lifestyle management, they encompass:

Primary prevention and wellness promotion: screening and treatment of risk factors — through education, peer group support, exercise and medical supervision—before the onset of cardiovascular disease;

Secondary prevention: help with improving identified cardiac risk factors once heart disease has been diagnosed.

Inpatient Program The inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, with an average length of stay of seven to 12 days, provides over three hours of therapy daily, including:

90 minutes of monitored aerobic exercise in the cardiac gym Individual treatments with occupational and physical therapists Educational seminars Nursing intervention for medication and diabetic education Psychological evaluation for behavioral changes and emotional support Psychosocial evaluation for community reintegration Nutritional counseling

Cardiac Conditions Treated

Angina Arrhythmias, pacemaker and defibrillator placement Cardiomyopathy Cardiac valve repair / replacement Congestive heart failure (treatment includes the Living with Heart Failure Program — support, therapy and supervision for patients and their caregivers to enhance physical and emotional health, wellbeing, and overall ability to function in society) Coronary angioplasty and stenting Coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery Myocardial infarction Peripheral vascular disease Pulmonary Rehabilitation The goals of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program are to improve function, reduce symptoms such as breathlessness, reduce stress and anxiety, teach patients the proper techniques of taking their medication, and enhance their quality of life.

Inpatient program The inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program, with an average length of stay of 10-14 days, provides over three hours of therapy daily, including:

90 minutes of monitored aerobic exercise, with oxygen supplementation as needed Pulmonary physical therapies, including secretion clearance and breathing exercises Energy conservation, pacing and task simplification techniques Individual functional training with occupational and physical therapists Psychological interventions for stress management, relaxation and smoking cessation Psychosocial evaluation for community reintegration Nutrition management. Pulmonary Conditions Monitored Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases - emphysema and chronic bronchitis Asthma • Bronchiectasis Restrictive diseases—kyphoscoliosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis Neuromusculoskeletal diseases— spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, polio Lung volume reduction, lobectomy and pneumonectomy Lung transplant

Limb Deficiency

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine offers specialized rehabilitation programs targeted to the needs of patients who have undergone amputations (pre-prosthetic and prosthetic training programs). A physiatrist, who coordinates the medical care of the patient, leads these programs. In the pre-prosthetic program, the physiatrist monitors medical stability of the patient as well as the healing of the residual limb and institutes measures to reduce swelling and prevent contractures. Pain management, including residual limb pain and phantom pain, is coordinated by the physiatrist. A therapy program, focusing on building strength and endurance, improving mobility and enhancing functional activity of daily livings skills is prescribed. The physiatrist also coordinates discharge planning. In the prosthetic training program, the physiatrist, working closely with the rehabilitation team, supervises the custom fitting and adjustment of prosthetic devices. An intensive rehabilitation program focusing on proper prosthetic use for transfers, ambulation and activity of daily living skills is prescribed by the physiatrist.

The Limb Deficiency Rehabilitation Team

Nursing Care

The Nursing Staff has excellent functional assessment skills and takes a comprehensive approach to the care of the patient and their families during both the pre-prosthetic phase and prosthetic program. They provide orientation into the program and environment of care as well as carry out treatments and procedures associated with the management of pain, surgical wound care, stump-wrapping, skin management, safety and infection control practices. The goal of Rusk's Nursing Staff is to facilitate meeting patients' self-care needs to allow as much independence as safely possible. Nursing takes a lead role in patient and family education in anticipation of discharge.

Social Work

Social workers complete psychosocial evaluations of patients and their family to assess concerns related to adjustment to disability and living with prosthesis. They also provide ongoing emotional support to patient and family, both individually and in groups. The social workers help to coordinate discharge planning with the patient, family and rehabilitation team, and assist patients with any plans regarding post-hospital care, including home care, equipment, transportation from the hospital, and securing entitlements and benefits.

Pediatrics

Rusk Instutue of Rehabilitation Medicine offers a wide range of specialized therapy programs for newborns, children, and young adults including communication programs, educational services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, and speech-language pathology services.

Stroke Rehabilitation

William Randolph Hearst Foundation Stroke Rehabilitation Unit

Stroke Rehabilitation Unit The philosophy of patient centered rehabilitation allows the stroke team to create specific interdisciplinary treatment plans that address all aspects of stroke rehabilitation, enabling each patient to return to a maximum level of function.

The Stroke Rehabilitation Team

All members of the Rusk Stroke rehabilitation team have specialized training to treat and provide health care to stroke patients. Under the leadership of a physiatrist (a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation), patients and family members work with an extensive multidisciplinary team.

Nursing With a long history of providing specialized care to stroke patients, the Nursing Staff has excellent functional assessment skills and takes a comprehensive approach to the care of the stroke patient and their families. With a significant number of Registered Nurses possessing certification in Rehabilitation Nursing (CRRN) they demonstrate expertise in the management of incontinence, pressure ulcer prevention, medication administration as well as carry out treatments and procedures associated with the management of pain.

Social Work As professional counselors with a Master's degree in Social Work, social workers assess concerns related to adjustment to illness and disability, as well as provide emotional support to patient and family. The social workers help to coordinate discharge planning and assist patients with any plans regarding post-hospital care, including home care, equipment, financial aid, transportation from the hospital, and continuing care at other healthcare facilities. Social workers meet with patients and families individually, and facilitate psycho-educational groups.

Therapy Programs

Therapy Programs

Clinical assessments begin at the time of admission and an individualized and comprehensive plan of care is established within the first two days. Every stroke patient participates in at least 3 hours of therapy daily. Programs may include:

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are trained to help people regain their functional independence. Often patients' strength, coordination, vision and functional problem solving skills are affected by a stroke which may impact the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and managing a household or job. The occupational therapist can provide modification to make a person's activities of daily living easier or possible.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists work on restoring a person's ability to move his/her body (i.e. sit up in bed, stand up, sit down, walk or climb stairs). Multiple treatment techniques can be used to optimize a person's return to functional mobility including bodyweight support treadmill training for early ambulation training and the use of specialized balance equipment.

Speech-Language Pathology

The speech-language pathologist is trained to diagnose the specific communication disability present, evaluate its impact on everyday functioning, and develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include treatment geared to restoring vocabulary or problems understanding spoken and written language for patients with aphasia, or addressing muscle weakness, coordination of the processes of producing speech and the intelligibility of speech for patients with dysarthria, or focusing on cognitive problems of speaking for patients with a difficulty concentrating, remembering or reasoning.

Psychology and Neuropsychology

Psychologists address the natural stress associated with stroke and with hospitalization. Through the use of the Brief Neuropsychological Examinations developed at Rusk, the assessment helps to specify the cognitive areas of functioning that may have been affected by the Stroke. Support and therapy is provided to patients through a broad range of individualized treatments that match the patient's needs, views and values. Cognitive remediation is available, as indicated, to provide patients with new and compensatory techniques to manage cognitive changes.

Swallowing Center

Following a stroke, individuals may experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) which can result in a variety of impairments including difficulty chewing, coughing or choking and unexplained respiratory infections. These difficulties can have consequences such as pneumonia, malnutrition and dehydration. The dysphagia rehabilitation program offers a comprehensive evaluation with both clinical and instrumental assessments to determine the scope of the swallowing disorder and to aid in treatment planning. Treatment is evidence-based and involves patient specific treatment protocols. The goal is to achieve safe and functional oral feeding and swallowing.

Nutrition

A patient's diet after a stroke will be determined based on the type and extent of the problems caused by the stroke. Dietitians work closely with patients, families and medical staff to assure a proper plan is being implemented to help all patients' achieve and maintain optimal nutritional status. One-on-one and group counseling is also provided.

Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Therapies

Recreation therapy integrates the patient's interests with leisure activities that incorporate therapeutic interventions specific to stroke survivors, caregiver and family members. Individual and group sessions are held six days a week and on holidays to address psychosocial and emotional issues of stroke patients and their families. Issues such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, apathy and frustration are addressed through art therapy, recreation therapy and music therapy

Horticulture Therapy

Taking place in the Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden, therapy is specifically designed to help restore individuals from mental fatigue, reduce stress, enhance mood, and provide a supportive treatment setting. Patients practice skills achieved in other therapy areas while they participate in nature-based group activities. Groups are designed to practice and stimulate cognitive abilities while exercising memory, sequencing, and attending skills, increase activity tolerance and endurance while practicing fine motor skills and coordination, enhance social interaction in a nonthreatening relaxing setting.

Vocational Rehabilitation

A Diagnostic vocational evaluation is performed to measure vocational potential in stroke patients by assessing aptitudes, interests, academic achievement, skills and work tolerance. An individual rehabilitation plan is developed collaboratively by the stroke patient and the counselor and may include a referral for specific skills training and placement services. Unique components of the evaluation include: Comprehensive learning assessment, development of compensatory strategy and decision making skills, situational assessment and career exploration

Family and Caregiver Participation

Patient/family education begins immediately with either 1:1 education provided by the rehabilitation staff or participation in stroke patient and family education groups. These educational sessions address a variety of topics including: signs and symptoms of a stroke; stroke risks factors; prevention and risk factor modifications related to diet, behaviors and physical activity; community and leisure resources; and psycho-social issues related to living with a stroke. In addition, family/caregiver training is provided by nursing and individual therapy departments when it is appropriate to support and facilitate continued rehab gains after discharge.

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation is proud to announce that it has achieved CARF accreditation for its Stroke Specialty Program. The Rusk Institute is among the first 20 rehabilitation facilities to ever achieve this credentialing. Our interdisciplinary approach and innovations in stroke education were two of the many areas that were highlighted as strengths on our stroke rehabilitation program.

Outpatients

Adult Physical Therapy

The outpatient unit offers evaluation and treatment for musculoskeletal and neurological disorders through both individual and class programs. Individualized programs are developed to maximize strength, endurance, mobility and function. Comprehensive services are provided for patients with decreased function or mobility from a wide range of conditions, including:

Muskuloskeletal problems (e.g. arthritis, post- fracture care, joint replacements, muscle tears and strains, low back and neck pain for non-operative and post-surgical care, ligamentous injuries, osteoporosis and others) Amputations Neurological disorders (e.g., Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease , Guillan-Barre, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries and others)

Treatment may include:

Therapeutic Exercises Functional Training Balance Training Neuromuscular Re-education Gait training, including Light Gait Training Aquatic therapy Manual therapy Core Stabilization/Pilates Posture, Body mechanics and Ergonomic instruction Sports Specific Programs Pain Management

Brain Injury Day Treatment Program

Rehabilitation following a brain injury does not, and should not, be expected to, follow the usual medical model. When physiologic damage to the brain occurs (e.g., shearing/stretching of neuronal matter, con tusions, ruptured blood vessels, creation of scar tissue, etc.), the damage is usually permanent and irreversible. Rehabilitation, therefore, is the amalgam of remedial interventions that are designed to deal with the residual functional and interpersonal consequences of the brain injury.

Treatment is thus aimed at enabling the individual to regain, to the highest degree possible:

competence and independence in living arrangements, self-care, and managing one’s personal affairs; competence and reliability in relating to others (interpersonal and social adjustment); competence and reliability in performing academic and/or work- related activities, which are relevant to determining future vocational/ academic poten tial; a stable emotional adjustment to the disability, including the calm acceptance of the permanence of one’s brain injury, a positive, hopeful outlook on the future, and the improve ment of one’s self-esteem. The Brain Injury Day Treatment Program addresses systematically and in an integrated fashion, the cognitive remedial, behavioral/emotional, interpersonal, and vocational aspects of the neuropsychologi cal rehabilitation of the brain-injured individual.

The Theraputic Milieu Setting

The program is conducted as a therapeutic community. This creates conditions that facilitate the functional rehabilitation of the individual. It provides:

a safe and structured environment which optimizes learning; a supportive peer group to help individuals learn to modify maladaptive behaviors, practice newly acquired compensatory strategies, build empathy for others and adopt realistic expectations; involvement of significant others to achieve the desired transfer of learning from the remedial setting (program) into functional life. Treatment is on an outpatient basis, Mondays through Thursdays, from 10am - 3pm. The treatment cycle is 20 consecutive weeks, for a total of 400 hours; there are two cycles per year (September-February and March-July). There are three phases of treatment: intensive remedial; pre-vocational/ work trial; and follow-up. Significant others (e.g., parents, spouses, siblings) are required to participate regularly.

Staff

The program staff consists of 2 Senior Psychologists, 5 Resident Psychologists and 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The patient to staff ratio is 2:1 (there are 12-15 patients per treatment cycle).

Admission Criteria

The program serves individuals, age 18-65, with mild to severe acquired brain-injuries of differing etiology (e.g., open/ closed head injuries, strokes, aneurysms, tumors, post- encephalopathies). As patients require sufficient stamina for a 5 hour treatment day, participants are post acute or several months to several years post-injury or illness. Importantly, all participants must be capable of voluntarily committing to the 20-week cycle and willing to have their significant others become partners in the rehabilitation endeavor.

Referral Process

A physician referral is required for both a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and intensive neuropsychological rehabilitation if indicated. Fees for assessment and treatment are available upon request. Patients from out-of-state or abroad will be helped to find accommodations.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Women and men diagnosed with cancer often undergo treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, side effects from these treatments may include pain, limited mobility, decreased strength, swelling, and fatigue. Physical therapy interventions beneficial in counteracting the above-mentioned side effects may include:

Postural awareness for retraining affected muscles and joints Therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the involved area Aerobic conditioning to combat cancer related fatigue Education on skincare, scar management, lymphedema precautions, and safety during daily activities For a referral form for Breast Cancer treatment, click here.

Lymphedema Rehabilitation

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling, and can develop when the channels and ducts that transport lymph are missing, impaired, or damaged. Secondary lymphedema (acquired lymphedema) commonly occurs following surgeries that require the removal of lymph nodes. Lymphedema can develop immediately following surgery or months to years following cancer treatment. In addition to swelling, symptoms of lymphedema may include a feeling of heaviness and tightness, skin changes, infection in the affected area, and cosmetic deformity.

Although lymphedema is a chronic condition, specially trained physical therapists can provide invaluable rehabilitative care. Early intervention and learning lifelong management techniques are essential to allow patients to lead full, normal lives. Rusk Institute employs a comprehensive care approach that emphasizes the importance of the patient's understanding of the condition and treatment. In addition to learning about precautionary measures that reduce the risk of developing lymphedema, patients benefit from a rehabilitation program that increases range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance. Treatment may include the following:

Manual lymphatic drainage to mobilize fluid and protein from an affected area by a non-invasive, manual therapy technique Multi-layer bandaging to reduce swelling and assist in softening of skin and tissue in a swollen limb Therapeutic exercises to improve lymph drainage through a program of flexibility, strength training, and aerobic activities Patient education to allow patients to take control of their own lives. In addition to learning how to manage lymphedema at home, patients may receive guidance on specific questions from nutritionists, social workers, support groups, or other health professionals Compression garments to help minimize swelling during daytime daily activities Compression pumping (in select cases) to assist with circulation through the use of state-of-the-art pneumatic pumps

Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Prevention Center

With the recent expansion of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Network, the world renowned Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine is proud to offer a continuum of cardiopulmonary patient services. In addition to the acute inpatient and outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation provided at the Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention Center, the Cardiopulmonary Care Management Program designed by the interdisciplinary clinical team at Rusk, is now available at seven subacute member facilities.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Outpatient Program This 12-week program includes:

36 hour-long sessions of individualized monitored aerobic exercise to promote endurance, health and wellbeing, and to teach patients to assess their tolerance for exercise by developing selfmonitoring skills Weekly educational seminars on all aspects of cardiac wellbeing Nutritional guidance towards a hearthealthy diet Individual monitoring, by a specialized Nurse Educator, of patients with diabetes. At the end of the program, in addition to receiving a recommended maintenance program for ongoing exercise and lifestyle modification, patients are encouraged to participate in a cardiovascular disease support group, such as the Mended Hearts Association.

Cardiac Conditions Treated

Angina Arrhythmias, pacemaker and defibrillator placement Cardiomyopathy Cardiac valve repair / replacement Congestive heart failure (treatment includes the Living with Heart Failure Program — support, therapy and supervision for patients and their caregivers to enhance physical and emotional health, wellbeing, and overall ability to function in society) Coronary angioplasty and stenting Coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery Myocardial infarction Peripheral vascular disease Pulmonary Rehabilitation The goals of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program are to improve function, reduce symptoms such as breathlessness, reduce stress and anxiety, teach patients the proper techniques of taking their medication, and enhance their quality of life.

Outpatient Program

The outpatient program includes:

Up to 24 one-hour sessions of one-on-one monitored therapy with a physical therapist in the pulmonary gym. Sessions are divided into secretion clearance techniques, breathing exercises, progressive aerobic and functional training, and strengthening exercises. Individual and group patient education on the proper use of peak flow meters, nebulizers, ventilators, and acapella devices Individual or group classes on smoking cessation, stress reduction and nutritional counseling Pulmonary Conditions Monitored

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases - emphysema and chronic bronchitis Asthma • Bronchiectasis Restrictive diseases—kyphoscoliosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis Neuromusculoskeletal diseases— spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, polio Lung volume reduction, lobectomy and pneumonectomy Lung transplant

As part of their individualized treatment plans, both cardiac and pulmonary patients have access to a broad array of services that address specific physical or psychological challenges:

Acupuncture

a complement to traditional treatments for conditions such as muscle and skeletal disorders, stress, smoking, overweight, fatigue etc.

Anger Management

individual or group services that teach participants to identify and anticipate situations that trigger feelings of anger, an emotion now recognized as a risk factor for heart disease. Most importantly, participants learn several skills to diffuse reactions of anger and promote more adaptive methods of problem-solving and coping. Diabetes Management: culturally sensitive individual and group approaches that educate patients in skills of blood glucose monitoring, skin and foot care, adjustment of dietary intake as it relates to glucose levels, and knowledge of medication for optimal diabetic care.

Fitness Consultations

an in-depth review of an individual's medical and fitness profile to design a customized exercise program based on specific goals (endurance, weight loss, etc.) This enables individuals not eligible for the monitored exercise programs to follow a safe and effective program at home. Individual Psychotherapy: a shortterm, problem focused, cognitive– behavioral approach that typically targets the anxiety and depression that often accompany heart disease and other medical diagnoses. Family and significant others can be included in the treatment if appropriate.

Massage Therapy

techniques to minimize symptoms associated with anxiety, chronic and acute pain, constipation, fatigue, headache, insomnia, joint stiffness, strained muscles and stress. Nutrition: a comprehensive nutritional evaluation, goal-setting and strategy review to encourage healthy dietary changes and help patients understand the impact of diet on diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease and pulmonary disease.

Occupational Therapy/Cognitive Therapy

a program for patients who are transitioning back into their homes and communities and who are experiencing residual cognitiveperceptual impairments (memory, spatial/perceptual, concept- formation and problemsolving dysfunctions, etc.) that can disrupt independent living and magnify patient safety risks. Such impairments are commonly found in cardiopulmonary patient populations, (e.g. CHF, COPD) and patients with diabetes. The program provides onsite individual and group therapies, a community reintegration and vocational skills program, and family/ caregiver training on how to elicit and maximize their loved one's cognitiveperceptual abilities—helping many patients redefine and fulfill the meaning of “independent and productive living.

Smoking Cessation

a multi-faceted program to help patients stop smoking and prevent relapse. This includes an assessment of smoking behavior and history, cognitive therapy and group or individual sessions promoting behavioral change, explorations of the functions of cigarettes and smoking, and a discussion of stop-smoking medications.

Stress Management

individual or group sessions over six weeks, beginning with a thorough evaluation of each individual's experience of stress, that help patients understand the health impact of stress and learn behavioral techniques and relaxation skills to help manage it.

Tai Chi

the traditional Chinese martial art combining deep breathing and mind relaxation with low-impact aerobic movements. Patients learn the 13 movements of the modified basic style of Tai Chi over 11 one-hour classes. Weight Management: Individual and group approaches to weight loss through cognitive behavioral therapy, selected on the basis of an initial indepth nutritional and psychological interview that explores each patient's experience with the stress of weight management.

Women's Heart Health

culturally sensitive individual and group approaches that educate women about their risk for heart disease and help them adapt hearthealthy behaviors to reduce their risk. Comprehensive cardiac risk assessments are provided by the multidisciplinary team of the Center, and referrals can be made for further diagnostic evaluations for comprehensive cardiovascular follow up.

Chest Physical Therapy Programs

Chest Physical Therapy provides individualized, skilled, one on one treatment programs to individuals whose lung conditions result in lung congestion, secretion retention or areas of lung collapse/atelectasis. Upon completion of this program, patients will receive comprehensive, personalized exercise programs to guide self treatment in the home setting.

Secretion Clearance Program is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with lung conditions that result in increase mucus production (e.g., Bronchiectasis, Mycobacterium infections, Cystic Fibrosis, Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis or conditions resulting in abnormal CT scans).

Patients will be treated with advanced secretion clearance techniques and instructed in a self treatment program to improve their pulmonary hygiene. Instruction in the best techniques for each individual to facilitate secretion removal and resolve mucus impaction will help to reduce uncontrolled coughing and improve quality of life. The ultimate goal of the secretion clearance program is to control lung congestion and reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in susceptible populations.

Advanced Secretion Clearance Techniques include:

Acapella® Secretion Clearance Device Postural Drainage Active Cycle of Breathing Autogenic Drainage Manual Self treatment techniques

This program is also available for patients scheduled for elective surgery who are demonstrating secretion retention or lung infections prior to surgery. Individualized treatment is provided to improve patients' preoperative lung status.

Lung Re-expansion Program provides individualized treatment for patients with atelectasis lung collapse related to mucus retention, neuromuscular weakness, or skeletal deformity. Patients with reversible restrictive lung conditions, such as Right Middle Lobe Syndrome and scoliosis are excellent candidates for this program.

Re-expansion Techniques include:

Breathing exercises Incentive Spirometry Thera-PEP®

Breathing Retraining for Individuals with Severe COPD provides individualized treatment and instruction in controlled breathing techniques for patients not yet ready to begin a formal pulmonary rehabilitation program. Patients may have COPD, Emphysema, or Chronic Bronchitis. Instruction begins in the resting position and later is combined with functional activities such as ambulation and stair climbing.

Techniques include:

Pursed lip breathing Diaphragmatic breathing Paced breathing Positions for recovery from shortness of breath Energy conservation strategies Outpatient Physical Therapy Department Adult Psychology Services

The Adult Psychology Service''

(APS) offers outpatient evaluations and treatment to two adult populations.

Neurorehabilitation services are offered to outpatients with acquired brain injury whose diagnoses include traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral hemorrhage/aneurism, epilepsy, brain tumor, anoxia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson s disease.

Medical rehabilitation psychology services are provided for persons with various conditions including spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, vestibular disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and lymphedema. Chronic pain syndromes, such as complex regional pain syndrome (also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy), fibromyalgia and chronic neck and back pain are also treated. In addition to consultation and collaboration with the interdisciplinary Rusk outpatient rehabilitation team, APS services include psychological and neuropsychological assessment and individual and group cognitive, psychological and family treatment.

Specialized occupational therapy services include'''':

Functional Upper Extremity Training Assistive Technology Seating and Mobility Vision Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Hand Therapy Barrier-Free Design

Assessment Upon entry to the APS program, evaluations are performed to answer referral questions, to determine rehabilitation needs and to guide the direction of treatment. Later, they are performed to measure treatment progress and to help decide whether to continue or discontinue treatment, to refer to other facilities or to refer to the Rusk Vocational Department.

Cognitive Remediation Individual treatment

is provided for 1-2 hours/ week and is tailored towards the goals of patients with brain injury. Cognitive remediation uses various techniques and modalities to improve awareness, self-monitoring, compensation, skill development and generalization of skills to activities in daily life. Patients may also be assigned to one or several groups each week Groups are conducted by one or two staff members for 3-8 patients and are matched for skill level to address one or more of the following:

Basic skills (awareness, note taking, attention) Specific skills (visual scanning, critical reasoning) Emotional/behavioral management and stress reduction. Psychosocial Treatment Individual psychotherapy

is included in services once or twice weekly. This has proven to be valuable for neurorehabilitation patients in facilitating awareness, assisting in adjustment to the changes caused by disability and easing integration into the community. The treatment is modified to accommodate the cognitive changes associated with brain injury. For medical rehabilitation patients, insight-oriented and supportive psychotherapy is designed to help patients adjust to their medical condition or disability and to maximize emotional, social and vocational functioning. Several types of psychosocial groups are offered to address interpersonal and community re-entry issues. Again, groups are tailored for different levels of cognitive ability, age and language requirements. Each group meets for one hour and is comprised of 3-10 patients with one or two staff persons.

Family Interventions Individual, couples and family therapy

is available when requested by patients or family members. In addition, a member of the APS staff conducts a once-weekly multifamily group with a staff member from the Social Service Department.

Pediatric Psychology Service

The Pediatric Psychology Service offers outpatient evaluations and treatment to children and adolescents with a broad range of diagnoses including: attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, brain & spinal cord tumors, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and diseases, chronic illnesses, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accidents, amputation, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Therapeutic Services

Neuropsychological Assessment the Pediatric Psychology Service provides a comprehensive assessment of various components of neuropsychological functioning, including: cognitive; academic; visual-motor and perceptual skills; attention and concentration; memory; problem solving; and emotional and behavioral modulation. Consistent with the aim of rehabilitation, the focus is on the individual’s strengths. Evaluation results are discussed with the family and a treatment program is planned.

Psychotherapy is directed to issues related to learning or attentional difficulties, physical challenges or experiences related to trauma and loss. The treatment approaches include:

Individual therapy; short or longterm Play therapy Behavior Therapy EEG Biofeedback Group psychotherapy; social skills groups

Family Intervention is an integral part of the treatment process. Services we provide include:

Parent and sibling counseling Psycho-education Behavior management techniques Cognitive Remediation Through a long history of pioneering research and clinical work in the field of neurorehabilitation, the Psychology Service specializes in assisting people with learning difficulties, and/or neurological injury. Both individual and group treatment is available.

Educational Prescriptions Our staff consults with schools to assist with their understanding of the child s needs, as well as advocates for the most appropriate placement.

The Speech-Language Pathology Department of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine

was established in 1950 as a component of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation services model developed by Dr. Howard Rusk. The Department is engaged in clinical service, research and graduate training in a rehabilitation medicine environment. It is internationally recognized for its contributions to the speech-language pathology profession and medical specialty area of rehabilitation medicine.

The speech-language pathology staff consists of New York State licensed speech-language pathologists, all of whom hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). The Program Director is board certified in neurologic communication disorders (BC-NCD) by the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences. The Associate Director is a member of the Academy.

The outpatient program provides diagnostic assessment, individual treatment, group therapy, computer assisted treatment and counseling as indicated. Assessment includes

Language abilities: examination of naming, description, speech fluency, speech repetition, comprehension of spoken language, reading and writing skills. Speech production: pronunciation, voicing, rate, rhythm and melody of speech, strength, coordination and agility of lip, tongue and jaw movement. Functional communication: assessment of participation in everyday tasks such as using the telephone, conversing in a 1:1 or group setting, understanding and following directions, reading instructions, managing personal business, writing letters and using a computer. Impact of communication impairment: focus on ones’ identity as a worker, family member and member of the community. Services Services are provided primarily to patients who have communication disorders due to neurological problems including strokes, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebellar degeneration and epilepsy.

The majority of patients served in the adult program have acquired aphasia, dysarthria, or cognitive-communicative disorders. Individuals with aphasia have impaired ability to use or understand language. Those with dysarthria have difficulty articulating words. Individuals with cognitive communication disorders have difficulty with the efficiency of expression and the processing of spoken and written communication. All of these conditions are caused by central nervous system disease or damage.

A patient learns how to tell a story using his Dynawrite The Speech-Language Pathology Department also offers a variety of fee-for-service group programs for individuals with communication problems.

Aphasia Group: focuses on education about aphasia, and enhances functional communication in a supportive group milieu Pragmatic Communication Group: increases awareness of pragmatic communication problems and provides practice in interactive skills in a supportive group environment Dysarthria Group: focuses on improving speech production skills, social interaction and overall speech intelligibility in a group setting. Young Person’s Speech Stimulation Group: for persons between 20 and 40 years of age who require opportunities to interact with peers. The Speech-Language Pathology Department also offers an Aphasia Community Group Program as a response to the National Aphasia Association (NAA) mandate to provide group opportunities for people with aphasia. The Aphasia Community Group Program includes a variety of non-fee groups that offer opportunities for socialization and leisure activities in a comfortable atmosphere. This important community outreach program is registered with the NAA. The groups are led by trained volunteers and emphasize activities to stimulate communication, including discussions, guest speakers and community outings. Most of the group members no longer participate in a formal rehabilitation program.

The non-fee group includes:

Discussion Hour: Intended for persons who wish to socialize with others with aphasia Aphasia Activity Group: Intended for persons with aphasia who have limited speech production to meet with others and socialize through the playing of card and board games Current Events Group: Intended for persons with aphasia to meet and discuss topics of current interest The Speech-Language Department of the Rusk Institute includes two programs that were developed as a collaborative initiative between the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Department of Otolaryngology: the Cochlear Implant Speech–Language Pathology Program and the Head and Neck Speech Pathology Program

Cochlear Implant Speech Language Pathology Program

This program provides preand post implantation speech-language pathology rehabilitation services to children and adult outpatients who are referred by the Cochlear Implant Center.

Diagnostic and treatment services for cochlear implant patients are provided at the center by a dedicated Clinical Specialist in Speech-Language Pathology (CS-SLP) from the staff of the Speech-Language Pathology Department at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. Patients range in age from six months to over 90 and includes individuals with acquired as well as congenital hearing impairment.

The SLP Clinical Specialist’s primary functions include preand postimplantation testing, annual speechlanguage assessments, treatment when indicated, and patient/family counseling regarding the speech and language difficulties associated with the improvement of hearing following cochlear implantation

Head and Neck Speech Pathology Program

The Head and Neck Speech Pathology Program provides a variety of services to primarily oncological patients. These services include diagnostic evaluation and intervention designed to help individuals develop effective communication and swallowing skills usually following cancer treatment involving the mouth, tongue, jaw, larynx, or vocal cords. The patient groups include individuals who have had:

Head and Neck cancer surgery Radiotherapy to the head and neck Vocal cord surgery Neurosurgical, spinal cord and cardiac surgery Prolonged intubation Acute and progressive neurologic disease De-conditioning due to prolonged illness The Head and Neck Speech Pathology Program offers treatment to:

Improve speech or communication:

Voice, pitch, projection, accent to those individuals with vocal cord deficits Articulation for those individuals with mouth, jaw, tongue problems following cancer treatment Non-verbal communication skills Use of esophageal speech, electrolarynx, or voice prosthesis for individuals with total laryngectomy

Address swallowing problems:

The Swallowing Disorders Center was initiated in 1993 to meet the need for an interdisciplinary swallowing program. The Center is dedicated to the diagnosis and therapeutic management of swallowing and feeding disorders (dysphagia) seen in individuals across the age span.

The Swallowing Disorders Center offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Consulting physicians in rehabilitation medicine, otolaryngology, radiology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, pediatrics, and neurology are available as needed. Additional rehabilitation specialists, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, and psychology are also available.

Swallowing Disorders Center

Swallowing Specialists possess a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology plus additional training in the management of swallowing disorders. These specialists are licensed by the State of New York and Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The Director of the Swallowing Disorders Center holds the national designation as a Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.

Adult Program

Patients can be referred to the Center by any licensed physician. After an assessment, a full report is sent to the referring practitioner including interpretation of the diagnostic exams and the recommended plan of care.

Indications for outpatient services include:

suspected aspiration poor secretion management unexplained respiratory infections or distress unexplained weight loss or poor weight gain aversion to feeding transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding assessing swallow difficulties both pre and post head and neck surgery status post chemo-radiation protocols acquiring swallowing management options for patients chronic or degenerative diseases Diagnostic Exam Patients will undergo a comprehensive interview with a Swallowing Specialist regarding their medical history, eating habits, and symptoms of dysphagia and impact of the swallowing impairment on their quality of life. A clinical exam, including an oral motor assessment to evaluate the structure and function of the oral peripheral mechanism will be completed, followed by an objective assessment—most frequently a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study. Patients will be counseled on the results immediately after the assessment. A treatment plan, if indicated, will be proposed and initiated at that time. Instrumental assessments available:

Videofluoroscopic swallow study which is recorded and permits frame-by-frame analysis. Typically lateral radiographic views are taken to observe the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and upper cervical esophagus. Anterior-posterior views may be taken to enhance the exam and screen the cervical esophagus. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) may be performed to visualize the hypopharynx and larynx before and after the swallow Swallow Scintigraphy, in conjunction with the Nuclear Medicine Department of Radiology, is also offered to obtain further data on the amount of aspiration and aspiration clearance. Swallowing Rehabilitation Treatment Our state-of-the-art center follows best care practices and tailors each patient's treatment program to their specific needs. Treatment programs may include:

Progressive exercise protocols and/or sensory stimulation activities designed to improve oropharyngeal swallow physiology Patient and family education about feeding and swallowing disorders, including training of strategies and techniques that maximize oral feeding success Support through the transition from tube feeding to the least restrictive oral diet Ongoing management for patients who demonstrate chronic aspiration Collaboration with the medical team to assist with medical decisionmaking throughout the swallow rehabilitation process Specific Treatment Modalities include: Oral motor exercises Pharyngeal and laryngeal exercises Sensory-motor and behavioral feeding therapy Thermal-Tactile stimulation Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Surface EMG with biofeedback VitalStim Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation (DPNS) Diet modifications Food placement techniques Postural adjustments Swallow maneuvers

Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Program

This new, interdisciplinary program developed by the Swallowing Disorders Center and the Department of Pediatrics uses a core team of specialists to manage children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. The team includes swallowing specialists, gastroenterologists, physiatrists, psychologists, radiologists, nutritionists and occupational therapists. Additional specialists affiliated with the team include developmental pediatricians, pediatric otolaryngologists, neurologists and pulmonologists.

Appropriate referrals to this program may include children with failure to thrive, gastroesophageal reflux disease, food allergies/intolerances, sensory integration disorders, complex medical diagnoses, developmental delays, genetic syndromes, and craniofacial anomalies.

A child referred to the Swallowing Disorders Center will initially be seen for a feeding and swallowing evaluation by a Swallowing Specialist who has additional expertise in pediatric swallowing. This evaluation will include a clinical assessment and when appropriate, an instrumental swallowing evaluation.

Following this evaluation, additional specialists from the core feeding team are available to contribute their expertise. The goal is to provide each patient with a comprehensive, timely, and efficient interdisciplinary evaluation of the oral motor, oropharyngeal, sensory, behavioral, and medical processes related to feeding and swallowing.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Program

The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, the first program of its kind in the tri-state area, was developed as a collaborative initiative of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Department of Otolaryngology. This program is part of the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Department. The Vestibular Rehabilitation unit, in conjunction with the Department of Otolaryngology, provides an optimal environment for diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from Vestibular dysfunctions.

Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise based therapy that maximizes the body's natural ability to compensate for vestibular / balance disorders. Treatment is offered for a variety of conditions that result in dizziness and imbalance, including, but not limited to:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Labyrinthitis Vestibular Neuritis Menieres Disease Acoustic Neuroma Perilymph Fistula Inner Ear Concussion Syndrome Traumatic Brain Injury A comprehensive evaluation is performed on each patient. An individualized treatment plan is then developed which may include:

Balance retraining: static and dynamic balance exercises Sensory organization Gaze stabilization exercises Habituation exercises Compensatory strategies Canalith Repositioning Treatment (CRT for BPPV) Aerobic conditioning Customized home exercise programs Support Services The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program has a variety of support services available to patients. These include an educational class led by a Vestibular physical therapist and psychologist, as well as individualized counseling sessions with a Vestibular psychologist. Panel discussions with former vestibular patients are available on an annual basis.

Vocational Services

An integral part of the Rusk Institute since its inception, the Vocational Services Department has been a pioneer in developing innovative services and award winning programs that enable individuals with disabilities to succeed in competitive employment. Through the programs described below, individuals served by the Department are provided the opportunity to explore vocational options and develop the competencies needed to return to school, work and a productive lifestyle. With a longstanding commitment to consumer-centered services, an increasing network of employment resources and a solid partnership with the business community, the Vocational Services Department is helping to make the goal of vocational independence a reality for our clients.

work readiness identification of a vocational goal exploration of transferable skills and interests accessibility, accommodations and job modifications financial disincentives and benefits adjustment to disability in a vocational context

The vocational counselor can provide direct assistance with employer contact to plan for return to a job, referral to the state vocational rehabilitation agency and other organizations for services, referral to disability services at colleges and schools, and identificiation/coordination of resources.

In the Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation vocational potential is determined by assessing aptitudes, interests, academic achievement, skills and work tolerance, a process which concludes in the development of a vocational objective and an individualized rehabilitation plan that may include referral for specific skills training or placement services. The unique components of the Diagnostic Vocational Evaluation include:

Comprehensive learning assessment Development of compensatory strategies and decision making skills Situational assessment Career exploration and Informational interviews Referral for medical consultation, cognitive/perceptual retraining and assistive technology assessment

A wide variety of techniques are utilized in the evaluation including behavioral observation, computer based assessment of software and business skills, standardized aptitude, achievement and interest testing and functional learning assessment. By the conclusion of the assessment process participants will have developed a worker profile which identifies their vocational options, skills and attributes, preferred learning style, compensatory strategies, functional needs, and required level of supervision/structure. Potential outcomes of the evaluation may include work adjustment and/ or occupational skills training, further education, avocational options such as volunteering, referral for ancillary services, or direct job placement.

The Work Adjustment/Skills Training (WAT) program provides participants an opportunity to acquire and refine the worker traits, skills and behaviors necessary for successful career development. The WAT is modeled after on-the-job training where participants learn work behaviors and job skills in an actual work setting performing real work tasks. Trainees are placed on worksites in offices, housekeeping areas, food service, information technology services, patient admitting areas, employee health services, and numerous other locations on the NYU Medical Center campus or in external organizations where they receive supervision, training, and the opportunity to gain real work experience while developing work behaviors and job skills. The WAT provides participants a real work situation through which they can:

Develop and test compensatory strategies Identify and try out accommodations and job modifications including assistive technologies Increase physical stamina and work tolerance Explore alternate occupations Determine an optimal work environment based on specific needs

Throughout the program, participants meet weekly with a rehabilitation counselor to address work and training related issues including the development of compensatory strategies for job tasks and job seeking skills. The counselor provides job coaching if required, monitors participant progress, and offers consultation to the site supervisor and staff on disability related issues. Program outcomes may include job placement or referral to occupational skills training schools and academic programs.

Computer Skills Training is an intensive training program in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office designed to provide participants with the skills necessary for employment in administrative support occupations and other jobs where computer literacy is required. Upon completion of classroom training, students have the opportunity to participate in an internship related to their vocational goal while they receive job placement services. This program is one of only a few in the metropolitan area which offers computer skills training to individuals with severe physical disabilities. Training in the use of voice recognition software is offered in individual sessions, often in conjunction with the Windows and MS Office training for individuals who have limited ability to manipulate the mouse or keyboard or to those who simply want to operate the computer hands free.

Job Placement Services is an outcome focused program designed to provide candidates with effective strategies for navigating the job market, direct employer referrals, job interviews, and employment retention. Services offered include:

Placement readiness assessment Job seeking skills training including interview preparation and coaching and professional assistance with resume and cover letter preparation Job clubs and facilities for job search including computers, fax machine and telephones Training and assistance with electronic job search and online resume posting Occupational and labor market information Post-employment follow-up and job coaching

Program participants meet with the rehabilitation counselor regularly to coordinate and direct job search activities and address job placement issues such as disclosure of disability, financial and benefit disincentives, reasonable accommodations, and career enhancement strategies. While participating in job placement services, candidates may take advantage of internships that offer the opportunity to obtain valuable work experience and a current job reference, cross-train, and develop additional job skills.

The Vocational Services Department maintains an extensive Business Advisory Committee and employer network comprised of over 60 organizations from the corporate, non-profit, government, healthcare, and education sectors. Committee meetings provide an opportunity for job ready candidates to meet and network with employers who can offer interviews and job opportunities as well as internships, labor market information, job seeking advice and mentoring. Through these ongoing partnerships with businesses throughout the metropolitan area we have been successful in assisting clients increase their independence and achieve their employment goals while offering employers a diverse and talented applicant pool.

Women's Health

Certain health issues are uniquely or predominately associated with pregnancy, osteoporosis, pelvic floor dysfunction and some cancers. The Physical Therapy Department of the Rusk Institute provides an array of outpatient programs designed exclusively to address these concerns. Each program begins with a comprehensive and thorough evaluation followed by an individualized treatment program designed by a physical therapist specially trained in these rehabilitation services.

Prenatal and Postpartum Exercise Osteoporosis Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Pain

Enid A. Haupt Glass Gardens

The Enid A. Haupt Glass Garden opened in 1958 as an amenity to Rusk Institute - a place where patients, visitors and staff enjoy the soothing, natural environment of plants, water birds, and beauty as a retreat from the hospital atmosphere.

In the mid-1970s, one of the nation's first horticultural therapy programs began in the Glass Garden. Patients of all ages work with trained horticultural therapists on activities that help to rehabilitate physical and cognitive functioning as part of their occupational therapy program. These horticulture activities also help the patients to achieve a sense of personal accomplishment, productivity and self-reliance

Clinics

Adult Spasticity Clinic

Established in 2001, the Adult Spasticity Clinic accepts patients for examination and treatment of spasticity, one component of upper motorneuron disease. Spasticity may result from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Under the care of Dr. Zhang, patients receive Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) to reduce pain, sleep disturbances, muscle spasms, and improve patient’s daily living, hygiene, ambulation, other functional improvement and quality of life.

A specialty outpatient clinic, patients are generally seen every six weeks for a specialized rehabilitation program. The program is designed for individuals to achieve the greatest independence in activities of daily living. The clinic does not provide primary care and if special medical problems arise such as respiratory infection, cardiac symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms or decubiti, patients may be referred to other specialty clinics. During clinic visits, our physiatrist may recommend the patient for physical and occupational therapy evaluations, vocational counseling, pulmonary function tests, cardiac clinic, respiratory clinic, pulmonary internist, rehabilitation clinic, wheelchair clinic, orthotics clinic and visits with the nutritionist.

Patients will discuss all of the factors that may influence treatment decision making and review pharmacologic options as well as the forms of surgery available.

Please contact Christina Krokida to learn more about the Adult Spasticity Clinic 400 East 34th Street, RG-29 New York, NY 10016-4998 (t) 212.263.3415 (f) 212.263.5499 Hours of operation: Thursdays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Neuromuscular Disease Center

The NYU Langone Medical Center Neuromuscular Disease Center is an MDA sponsored clinic that provides care for individuals with neuromuscular diseases from infancy through adulthood. Founded in 1974 through a grant from the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America, Lake Success District Office, 5 Dakota Drive, #101, Lake Success NY 11042. It is one of only nine clinics in the New York City Metropolitan Area and one of 250 nationally.

An outpatient specialty clinic, pediatric and adult patients with neuromuscular disease are seen for evaluation, diagnosis, and management, medical as well as rehabilitation. Patients may receive physical and occupational therapies, vocational counseling, equipment and seating and mobility services at various sites within the Medical Center. In addition, a nutritionist and social worker are involved with the patient and their families. Long term comprehensive care is provided including respiratory care, cardiology, GI, orthopedics and genetic counseling. Orthopedic and scoliosis evaluations are seen at our HJD site. Patients are expected to continue regular visits to their primary providers.

Over the years the Clinic has evolved into critical areas of medical practice which are beyond the diagnostic phase. The unique aspect of this Clinic is the focus on providing long term comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation management. This evolution, which closely paralleled developments on the national level, has been greatly influenced and shaped by patient input. Continuous feedback from patients is sought and integrated into the planning of services provided by the Clinic, to enable us to provide the highest quality of compassionate patient care. We understand the needs of severely disabled individuals so we created a program to help our patients achieve the highest quality of life and maximal independence in activities of daily living. We are fortunately staffed with professionals who are experienced with the needs of patients and families of patients with neuromuscular disorders.

The clinic operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Patients can be seen five days a week by the Physical Therapist, Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist. Patients are seen for a medical evaluation by a neurologist and/or physiatrist on Wednesday or Thursday from 9:00 AM to12:00 PM.

Please contact Christina Krokida to learn more about the Neuromuscular Disease Center or make a referral 400 East 34th Street, RG-29 New York, NY 10016-4998 (t) 212.263.6350

Important Numbers

The Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine 400 East 34th St. New York, NY 10016

Inpatient Referrals Phone: (212) 263-6034 Fax: (212) 263-8510

Outpatient Programs Phone: (212) 263-6037 Fax: (212) 263-7633

Rusk Institute at 17th Street 301 East 17th Street New York, NY 10003 (212) 598-6252

Outpatient Programs Phone: (212) 598-6248

Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Prevention Center Phone: (212) 263-HEART

Physician Questions and Referrals Phone: (212) 263-6037 Fax: (212) 263-0418

For information on giving to The Rusk Institute Phone: (212) 404-3640

External links

• Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine official website

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