PLEASANT GAP – Two therapists at HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital recently completed the STAR Clinician® certification. The oncology survivorship specialty certification provides healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and skills related to the care and rehabilitation of the cancer survivor.
Tracy Everhart, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and the outpatient therapy services manager. She has 20 years of experience in occupational therapy, and has been with HealthSouth Nittany Valley for seven years. Sharon Rose is a physical therapist with 34 years of experience in physical therapy and 21 years at HealthSouth Nittany Valley.
Both therapists are part of HealthSouth’s Outpatient Rehabilitation for the Oncology patient. The team treats cancer-related conditions, including cognitive decline, dizziness, fatigue, numbness, pain, speech changes and weakness. In addition to occupational and physical therapists, the team may include a case manager, a psychologist, a dietician, and a speech language pathologist.
“Our experienced team of therapists provides rehabilitative care that helps cancer survivors function at the highest level possible,” said Susan Hartman, chief executive officer, HealthSouth Nittany Valley. “Our specialized services for the cancer patient include lymphedema therapy, nutritional counseling, functional capacity assessments, driving screens and treatment for pain.”
Following targeted goals and therapies, HealthSouth Nittany Valley’s program addresses patient and family needs; enhances the patient’s functional abilities; educates the patient, family and caregivers; offers ongoing psychosocial support; and provides follow-up and referrals to other resources.
For more information, call 814-359-5630, or visit www.nittanyvalleyrehab.com.
About HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital
HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital is a 73-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital that offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Serving patients throughout the Centre region and five surrounding counties, the hospital is located at 550 W. College Ave. in Pleasant Gap, and on the Web at www.nittanyvalleyrehab.com. Outpatient Clinics are located in Pleasant Gap, Mifflintown and Lewistown.
About HealthSouth
HealthSouth is the nation’s largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in terms of patients treated and discharged, revenues, and number of hospitals. Operating in 28 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, HealthSouth serves patients through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation satellite clinics and home health agencies. HealthSouth’s hospitals provide a higher level of rehabilitative care to patients who are recovering from conditions such as stroke and other neurological disorders, cardiac and pulmonary conditions, brain and spinal cord injuries, complex orthopedic conditions, and amputations. HealthSouth can be found on the Web at www.healthsouth.com.