Therapists now offer advanced rehab services

Roane Medical Center’s Patricia Neal Outpatient Centers now are able to provide advanced rehabilitation and therapy services to patients suffering vestibular disorders, neck or spine injuries.
“We are the only centers in Roane County to offer advanced clinical practice for vestibular rehabilitation and spine therapy,” said Matt Magee, manager at RMC Patricia Neal.
“Certifications in these specialized services are going to allow us to help patients in our community and surrounding areas who otherwise would have had to drive to Knoxville or further to receive care,” he added.
Magee, along with Tim Smith, licensed physical therapist at RMC Patricia Neal, recently received certification in mechanical diagnosis and therapy through the McKenzie Institute, USA.
This type of therapy for back and neck pain, also known as the McKenzie Method, emphasizes education and active patient involvement to quickly decrease pain, restore function and independence, prevent recurrence, and minimize need for medical intervention.
Also recently receiving new certification is Andrea Branson, licensed physical therapist at RMC Patricia Neal, who now can provide advanced vestibular therapy.
Vestibular rehabilitation promotes central nervous system compensation for inner-ear disorders, as well as helps with any acute loss of vestibular function following surgery for vestibular problems.
Vestibular rehabilitation also helps people suffering from off-balance feelings, vertigo and difficulty with focus or “fogginess” after a head injury.
Branson can treat vestibular patients with any of these symptoms through various rehabilitation methods, such as specialized maneuvers to reposition crystals in the ear to relieve vertigo, or specific exercises to retrain the vestibular system to function more appropriately.
“All of these certifications were made possible by public donations through the Fort Sanders Foundation,” noted Magee. “We are very thankful for our supportive community and their generous donations to help us provide the best possible patient care.
“We certainly welcome them now and in the future as we outline the needs for our new hospital.”
RMC Patricia Neal Outpatient Centers also provide certified hand therapy; occupational medicine; orthopedic rehabilitation; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and sports medicine.
For more information about services provided by RMC Patricia Neal Outpatient Centers, visit www.roanemedical.com, or call 882-7175.
Harriman’s Roane Medical Center, a member of Covenant Health, aims to offer personalized patient care through quality medical and surgical care, emergency services, prevention programs, rehabilitation support and health education.
The hospital staff has expertise in specialized services that include diagnostic imaging, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Roane Medical Center also offers services through its subsidiaries, RMC Patricia Neal Outpatient Center, Roane Medical Sleep Center and Roane Medical Women’s Center.