Physical Rehabilitation
Outpatient Services | Inpatient Services
Outpatient Services
Our Program: The Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department provides comprehensive services for patients with disabilities, injuries or pain. Using a variety of treatments, exercise and activities, our goal is to relieve pain, promote healing and help restore the patient's lost function. Patient education is a vital part of treatment and home exercise programs are always taught. Patients may be treated at our Outpatient Physical Medicine Department based on a referral by their physician.
Diagnostic Categories: Care at the Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department can be provided to, but is not limited to, the following conditions:
- Orthopedic and Sports Injuries
- Fractures and Multiple Trauma
- Total Joint Replacements
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders
- Arthritis
- Amputations
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Neurological Disorders & Injuries
- Strokes
- Lymphedema
- Incontinence
- Hand Therapy
- Vestibular (Dizziness/Balance)
Our Department: The Outpatient Physical Medicine Department, using state-of-the-art equipment, is designed to create an upbeat and interactive atmosphere.
Physical Therapy: The physical therapist evaluates joint range of motion, muscle strength and tone, coordination, sensation, balance, mobility, posture, and gait. Following the evaluation, the physical therapist is able to establish a treatment plan incorporating various forms of therapeutic exercise, muscle re-education techniques, balance activities, including proper use of prosthetics (artificial limbs) and orthotic devices (braces).
Occupational Therapy: The occupational therapist evaluates and treats patients' disabilities with the goal of gaining independence with Activities of Day Living. Assessments may include range of motion, strength, fine and gross motor skills, sensation, cognitive and perceptual abilities, safety and environmental barriers within the home and/or work. Splinting and adaptive devices are designed as needed.
At Phelps we have therapists with specialized training in hand therapy, incontinence treatment, lymphedema management, and vestibular rehabilitation.
Aquatics: Phelps is proud to offer therapy in our state-of-the-art, 20' x 40' therapeutic, warm water pool, which features an underwater treadmill. The goal of aquatic therapy is to improve strength and mobility while reducing pain in order to improve function and progress to a land-based exercise program. Some diagnoses treated with Aquatic Therapy include:
- Arthritis
- Total Joint Replacements
- Spinal stenosis
- Post spinal surgeries
- Fibromyalgia
Orthopedics: Phelps' Outpatient Department provides Occupational and Physical Therapy to a diverse population from pediatrics to geriatrics, treating a wide range of orthopedic diagnoses including:
- Post total joint replacements
- Low back and neck pain/disorders
- Hand and upper extremity post-surgeries and disorders
- Arthritis
- Post-surgical bone and tendon repairs
- Fractures, Sprains, and Strains
- Post-Polio Syndrome
Hand & Upper Extremity Rehab: Our Occupational Therapists are trained to treat upper extremity conditions using the most current equipment and techniques. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with advanced knowledge and skills is on staff. Some diagnoses treated are:
- Tendon injuries
- Arthritis
- Fractures/dislocations
- Tendonitis/nerve compressions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow
- Tumors/Cysts
Treatments may include:
- Pain and Edema control
- Wound care/scar tissue management
- Sensory re-education and desensitization
- Splint fabrication and fitting - static and dynamic
- Strengthening and Joint Protection
- Ergonomic assessment and training
Lymphedema: A build up of lymphatic fluid in tissues under the skin causing swelling and potential dysfunction of any body part, Lymphedema has been found to respond to therapy. Some causes include:
- Surgeries
- Radiation and Chemotherapy
- Repeated and post-operative infections
- Trauma
- Congenital conditions
- Chronic venous insufficiency
Treatment may include:
- Manual Lymph Drainage (A specialized massage technique)
- Exercise to increase re-absorption through muscle-pumping
- Compressive, low stretch bandaging to aid in re-absorption and prevent refilling of the area
- Education regarding risk factors, prevention strategies, skin care, and long-term compression garment purchase and use
Neurology: Phelps' Therapy department provides rehabilitation for patients with nervous system injuries and disorders including:
- Stroke/TIA
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's Disease
- Spinal Cord Injuries
To assist in neurological treatment, Phelps offers:
- Therapists trained in Neurodevelopmental, Neuromuscular
- Re-education, and Balance Retraining techniques
- An apartment for activity of daily living training
- Dynavision
- Splint fabrication
- Saebo Flex Orthosis
Vestibular Therapy: The vestibular system (located in the inner ear) is a critical component of the balance system. It tells our body where we are in space to maintain balance and prevent falls. Some common diagnoses treated are:
- Vertigo/dizziness
- Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere's Disease
- Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuritis
Treatments may include:
- Low to high level functional balance exercises
- Improving bed mobility and transfers
- Visual exercises and exercises to reduce vertigo
- Fall reduction, safety and gait training
Incontinence: Urinary incontinence is the inability to control voiding. This disorder is often due to muscle weakness and decreased muscular control which may be treatable with Physical Therapy intervention. A treatment program includes:
- Exercises with auditory/visual Biofeedback
- Patient education and training one-on-one, in a private room with a trained
Physical Therapist
- A home exercise program
Low Vision Training: Occupational Therapy is available to help individuals with visual/perceptual impairments and related sensory, physical, and age-related limitations become as independent as possible. Some diagnoses appropriate for low vision training include:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Neurological deficits (i.e. hemianopsia/visual field cut)
- Diagnoses not correctable with prescription glasses.
Treatments may include:
- Safety and lighting recommendations
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training
- Compensatory adaptation/equipment training
- Therapeutic activities and use of Dynavision training equipment
A prescription for Occupational Therapy is required from your MD/Ophthalmologist to participate in low vision training.
Pediatrics: Services are offered for newborn to 18 years of
age and may be in addition to school-based therapies. Diagnoses treated may
include:
- Developmental delays in reaching typical milestones
- Torticollis
- Cerebral palsy
- Dystrophies
Our Therapists concentrate on areas including:
- Balance and Coordination
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Neuromuscular Re-education
- Handwriting
- Activities of Daily Living
Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A gentle manual therapy accessing the body's connective and related nervous system tissues, Craniosacral Therapy treats subtle restrictions and imbalances within the body, enhancing inherent healing mechanisms. Conditions treated with "CST" include:
- Spinal pain and disorders
- Migraines/Chronic headaches
- Hyperactivity
- Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia
- Tension Myositis
Our Facility: The new Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, located on the first floor of the recently constructed 755 North Broadway Medical Services Building, is a 20,000 square-foot facility with a therapeutic pool and state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment. Attractive, spacious surroundings are enhanced by a caring staff who support the rehabilitative needs of the patients.
Ample free parking is conveniently available in our new, 5-story parking garage.
Our Staff: The friendly staff provides individual patient care designing a therapeutic program specific to each patient's capabilities and needs. Each of our licensed therapists is an experienced and committed professional who takes pride in rehabilitating and educating each and every patient. We deliver comprehensive quality patient care. At the Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, we build successful recovery one patient at a time.
Physical Therapists
Joanne Gelsi, PT, Chief Physical Therapist: A member of the Phelps Rehab team since 1994, Joanne has since become Chief PT, specializing in general Outpatient Physical Therapy treatment. She graduated in PT from The University of Connecticut, 1982. Additional professional training: Lymphedema, Incontinence, Aquatic Therapy, and Sports Medicine.
Matt Landfield, PT, Manager, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Graduating in PT from CUNY/SUNY Hunter College, Summa Cum Laude, 1997, Matt returns to Phelps as Rehabilitation Manager from over 3 years as Director of Rehab Services (PT, OT, and Speech Therapy) at Kendal on Hudson, the new continuing care retirement community located on the Phelps campus. Additional professional training: Geriatrics and Fall Prevention, Craniosacral, Myofascial Release, and Visceral Manipulation Manual Therapies.
Marcela Denzer, PT, Supervisor, Physical Therapy: Graduating
from Stony Brook University in 1985 with a Bachelor's degree in PT, Marcela
is wound care certified by AAWM and is a diplomat of the American Professional
Academy of Wound Management. Marcela is fluent in both English and Spanish,
and has been the Physical Therapy Supervisor at Phelps since 2006. Additional
professional training: Wound Care, Manual Orthopedic therapy, Pediatrics,
and Neurology.
Deborah McCallion, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Deborah has been employed at Phelps since 1993, specializing in and leading the Acute and Orthopedic In-Patient Physical Therapy team. She is a graduate of Ithaca College, 1973. Additional professional training: NDT certification, Dementia specialist, PT intervention in NICU, Orthopedics, Geriatrics, Pediatrics.
Michelle Imperato, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Graduating with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2003, Michelle has been employed at PMHC since 2004. She has been a vital part of building and implementing the hospital-wide computer documentation system, and is a multilingual therapist (Spanish, Portuguese and English). Additional professional training: Vestibular Rehabilitation, Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine.
Puja Agarwal, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: A 1994 Physical
Therapy graduate from Delhi University, India, Puja has been employed at PMHC
since July of 2007. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in PT, and is a
multilingual therapist (English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and Spanish). Additional
professional training: Pediatrics (NY State certified for early intervention),
Vestibular Therapy, Manual Orthopedic techniques, Neurology (NDT-NeuroDevelopmental
Training), Yoga, and aerobics.
Elisa Schwartz, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Elisa graduated
from New York University in Physical Therapy, 1995, and joined the staff at
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in July 2007. She has worked exclusively in
the outpatient/sports medicine arena as a senior therapist, and then as clinical
manager. Additional professional training/experience: Clinical
Specialist in Lymphedema treatment; presented "Treating the Musculoskeletal
Dysfunctions Caused by Breast Cancer Treatment" to Medical and Radiation
Oncologists, Breast Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons; Member APTA Oncology section.
Amy Marley-Kennedy, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II : In 2002, Amy earned her Master's and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chatham College in Pittsburg, PA. A Phelps employee since 2007, Amy was formerly the Lymphedema Clinic coordinator at Faulkner Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. Additional professional training/experience: Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA), Member APTA in Oncology and Orthopedics; Craniosacral Therapy.
Leslie Sims, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Graduating from the University of Miami in December 1998 with a Master's Degree in PT, she started her career working in the PMHC outpatient department for 8 years. After temporarily practicing in New York City, Leslie recently rejoined Phelps and feels as though she has returned to family. Additional professional training: Orthopedics, Manual Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy.
Julie Lee, PT, Senior Therapist, Level II: Julie graduated from New York University with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy in 1991and earned an advanced Masters in Physical Therapy from Long Island University in 1997. Julie joined the Phelps Rehab team in 2009. Additional professional training: Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT-LANA), Incontinence, Manual Orthopedic Therapy.
Christine Banta, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Graduating with an MS in PT from CUNY Hunter College in 1993, Christine joined the Phelps staff in December 2007. She has worked with patients privately, in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings. Additional professional training: Geriatrics, Orthopedics.
Christina Ronco, PT, Senior Therapist, Level I: Graduating with a Master's degree in Physical Therapy from of Hunter College in 2005, Christina's previous experience includes working in private out-patient clinics with orthopedic and sports medicine patients. Employed at Phelps since February 2008, Christina is fluent in Spanish and English, and recently became a Senior Therapist. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, pursuing Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Certification, Kinesio-taping.
Kara Haughney, PT: Kara graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Master's degree in PT in 2007 and was hired at PMHC recently thereafter. She enjoys working with a diverse caseload of patients. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Orthopedics.
Annemarie Craft, PT: Annemarie has been working at Phelps since July 2007 in Acute In-Patient rehabilitation and Out-Patient arenas. She received her Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from University of Scranton, PA in May 2007. Additional professional training: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
Cristine Poole, PT: Christine graduated with her Masters degree in PT from NY Medical College in 1998. Since then she has worked in a variety of areas including acute orthopedics, trauma, sub-acute rehab, and outpatient orthopedics. Christine became employed at Phelps in May of 2008. Additional professional training: Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Pediatrics.
Alfred Banan, PT: Alfred graduated in Physical Therapy from
EAC Manila, Philippines, 1992.
He has been employed at Phelps since 2008 and works extensively with acute care
patients requiring aggressive rehabilitation from post-surgical procedures.
Additional professional training: Geriatrics, Manual Therapy,
Wound Care, Lymphedema.
Jaclyn Hatcher, PT: Jaclyn graduated from New York Medical College in 2008 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Upon graduation, she began her Physical Therapy career at Phelps in June, 2008. Jaclyn also holds a BS in athletic training from SUNY Cortland. Additional professional training: Certified Athletic Trainer, Aquatics, and Pediatrics.
George Eastmond, PTA: Receiving an AAS at Laguardia community college in 1992, George carries 17 years of experience in multiple settings including long-term care, hospice, home care, and hospitals. He has been employed at Phelps since 1993, working in Acute Care, the Outpatient department, and Aquatic Therapy. Additional professional training: Kinesio and McConnell Taping, Myofascial Release, Manual Therapy, Orthopedics, Biofeedback, Aquatics.
Occupational Therapists
Anjum Lone OTR/L, CHT, Chief Occupational Therapist: After graduation from OT school in Wales, Great Britain in 1979, Anjum worked extensively in London and then in the U.S. She has been employed at PMHC since 1996, specializing in the field of hand orthopedics, and heads the Occupational Therapy department at PMHC. Additional professional training: Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Kinesio-taping, Graston Techniques.
Gloria J. Hudson OTR/L, Supervisor, Occupational Therapy: Gloria has been a dedicated employee of PMHC since 1992 just after graduating from the Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy program. Additional professional training: Neurological (CVA), functional tone management with Saeboflex orthosis, orthopedics, Hand Therapy, Graston techniques, low vision; AMPS assessment of motor and process skills, hippotherapy (using horses in therapy with patients) in pet-facilitated therapy outside of PMHC.
Susan O'Reilly OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level II: Susan has been employed at PMHC since January 1997. She is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University Occupational Therapy program in 1985. Additional professional training: Certified Lymphedema Therapist, orthopedics, hand rehabilitation, neurology, Kinesio-taping, Graston techniques.
Laura Corbelli OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level I: Graduating from the University of Hartford in Occupational Therapy, 2002, Laura joined the rehab team in August of that year. She is currently a Senior Therapist Level I, and Team leader on the orthopedic/acute rehab unit. Additional professional training: Aquatic Therapy, Stroke Rehabilitation, OT intervention in NICU.
Sheetal Shenoy OTR/L, Senior Therapist, Level I: Sheetal has
been an employee of PMHC since January 2008. She is a Graduate of G.S. Medical
College, Bombay University, India, 1992. Additional professional training:
Orthopedics (hand, shoulder, modalities), Neurology (NDT for CVA, Saeboflex
Orthosis, Vestibular Rehabilitation)
Shannon Scott OTR/L: Shannon received her Master's Degree in
OT from Dominican College, NY in 2007 and is currently working on her Doctorate
in OT through the University of St. Augustine, FL. She has been employed at
PMHC since September 2007. Additional professional training: Aquatic
therapy and aqua aerobics/fitness, outpatient orthopedic, inpatient orthopedic,
ergonomics, injuries in musicians.
Pooa Bloomberg OTR/L: Graduating in Occupational Therapy from the SUNY Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY, 2000, Pooa joined the PMHC rehab team in July, 2007. She is credited with setting up and implementing hospital-based OT programs in Vietnam and the Republic of Congo. Additional professional training: Hand and Shoulder Rehabilitation, Kinesio-taping.
Kathleen Gibbs OTR/L: Kathy joined the In-patient Rehabilitation team in May 2008 after graduating with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Additional professional training/experience: Group Facilitator for Problem-Based learning at Mercy College; Information Technology assistance for Phelps computer documentation system.
Appointments/Questions: Please call the Phelps Outpatient Physical Medicine Department: (914) 366-3700.
Inpatient Services
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center: The setting and ambiance of the Rehab Center are important features. Located within the Phelps complex, which is on beautiful wooded land along the Hudson River, the Center offers accommodations for eighteen patients.
Private rooms are available upon request. The well-equipped physical and occupational therapy treatment areas are convenient to patient rooms.
Treatment: Twice a day, patients receive physical and occupational therapy and, if indicated, one session daily of speech-language therapy. Patients are requested to play an active role in their rehabilitation program.
Family members and/or support persons are encouraged to participate when appropriate. Our belief is that only through continued practice, therapeutic exercises, and performing activities of daily living will our patients reach their maximum potential.
Discharge: Our discharge planning nurses and social workers provide guidance and support to assure a safe transition back to the community with all the appropriate equipment and services that patients need.
Post-hospital physical and occupational therapy can be conveniently scheduled in Phelps’ Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, a beautiful modern facility with the latest equipment. Outpatient speech-language therapy is available at the Donald R. Reed Speech & Hearing Center, also located on the Phelps Campus.
Eligibility: The Phelps Rehabilitation Center welcomes patients who have had surgery or have been treated for their medical conditions in other hospitals, as well as those who have been cared for at Phelps. Individuals appropriate for admission may include those who have had surgery for joint replacements or fractures; spinal, vascular or neurosurgery; limb amputation; trauma; stroke; or other conditions.
Admission: To be considered for admission to our Rehab Unit, the treating physician, social worker, or case manager at Phelps or from the referring hospital should contact our Admissions Coordinator Nurse, Judith Sewell, RN, at 914-366-3702.
On the day of admission, the Phelps rehab team evaluates the patient’s current status and future needs. A rehab plan is then specifically tailored for each patient. A comprehensive treatment program is developed and begun immediately.
Our Rehab Team: Our highly qualified team of experts consists of board certified rehabilitation physicians; physical, occupational, recreational, and speech-language therapists; rehabilitation nurses; case managers; social workers; and dietitians. Our full-time nurse liaison works closely with physicians, social workers, and case managers who wish to refer patients.
Features of Phelps’ Rehab Center:
- Recognized for Outstanding Quality
- Located in a Full-Service Community Hospital
- State and Federal Certification
- Highly Professional and Caring Staff
- Board Certified Rehabilitation Physicians
- 18 Physical Medicine Beds
- Private Rooms Available
Tours of the Center: Tours of the Center are available for prospective patients and family members. Please call Judith Sewell, RN at 914-366-3702 to arrange an appointment.
For Referrals and More Information: Telephone (914) 366-3702 and Fax (914) 366-1312.