Therapy Services

Therapy Services - Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adult Speech and Language Pathology; and the Acquired Brain Injury Program - are offered throughout Sun Country Health Region.

Physical Therapy is concerned with identifying and maximizing movement potential. Physical Therapists are highly trained professionals who treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists will assist in techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

The major areas assisted by physical therapy are listed below
• Neurological/Neurosurgical: people with functional problems because of damage to the brain and spinal cord or nerves. Examples are those with stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, acute and chronic pain.
• Musculoskeletal: people with injury of bones and other tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Examples are those who have joint replacement, arthritis, burns and incontinence.
• Cardiorespiratory: people who have problems with respiratory or circulatory system disease. Examples are those with chronic pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, acute pneumonia, diabetes, and cardiac disease.
 
Occupational Therapy is an applied science and health profession that provides skilled
assessment and treatment to help individuals develop, regain or maintain the skill
necessary to participate in all facets of their lives.

Occupational Therapists
• May help people to learn new ways of doing activities;
• May prescribe or adapt equipment people need to take part in self care, leisure and work occupations;
• Or provide suggestions of adapting the environment to make the life easier of a person living with a disability
• Will often see clients in their home or work environments to provide follow-up post operatively, or to those living with chronic conditions.

Adult Speech and Language Pathology services are available for adults with a variety of speech, voice, language, cognitive-linguistic, and/or swallowing disorders.
With the adult population, this may include individuals who have suffered a stroke, head injury, or who have progressive degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Parkinson 's disease. The SLP may also work with people who have had head and neck surgery, including a laryngectomy. Speech-language pathology services are provided to adults in acute and long term care facilities throughout the region as well as on an outpatient basis.

Acquired Brain Injury Program (ABI) is a partnership between SGI and Sun Country Health Region. This program implements services and supports for persons with acquired brain injuries and their families. The goal is to provide individual and family support to people with acquired brain injury so that they may live successfully in their communities with improved quality of life.

The Acquired Brain Injury Program accepts referrals from clients, family, caregivers, professionals, agencies, doctors, etc and does require specific admission information. The Acquired Brain Injury Program
• Helps applicants who have a diagnosis of moderate to severe acquired brain injury and are medically stable.
• Gives priority to applicants who are 3 years post-injury
• Helps people who are willing to participate in and benefit from services.
• Provides services to residents of Saskatchewan and are eligible for Sask Health coverage.

Therapy Services also provides Specialty Programs such as:
• Back Education Classes
• Asthma Clinic
• Shoulder Classes
• Stroke Club (living with a stroke)

Obtaining Service

For more information, contact Therapy Services: Arcola - 455-2628; Estevan - 637- 2410, Fillmore/Stoughton - 722-3249, Kipling - 736-2845, Redvers - 452-6377, Weyburn - 842-8443

Or contact Deb Kennett Russill, Clinical Coordinator of Therapies and Community Occupational Therapist.  637-2400/421-6586(cell) or email at DKennet-Russill@schr.sk.ca