Outpatient Rehabilitation | Outpatient Rehab | Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Program

The focus of the Walton Outpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Program is on the transition from an acute injury to returning to activities of everyday living, while addressing the issue of safety through the means of Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies. In addition, Walton has developed a number of specialty rehabilitation programs, listed below.

Fall Prevention | Walton Works | Orthopedic Program | Cancer Rehabilitation
Functional Capacity Evaluations | Aquatic Therapy Treatment Program |
Amputee Clinic | Neuro-Rehabilitation Program |
Pre-Driving Evaluation and Training | Dysphasia Intervention Program | Tone Management Services |Wheelchair and Equipment Clinic |
Vestibular Rehabilitation Program | Vital Stim

Fall Prevention program begins with a standardized balance assessment along with musculoskeletal and functional mobility testing. Physical therapists then evaluate a variety of factors to determine the most effective strategies in eliminating or reducing your falls. A physician's referral is required for both evaluation and treatment.

Walton Works is a Work Hardening Program offered at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital's Outpatient Center. It is a highly structured, goal oriented, individualized treatment program designed to maximize a patient's ability to return to work. We utilize conditioning tasks in conjunction with real or simulated work activities to improve the bio mechanical, cardiovascular, metabolic and psychosocial functions of the patient. We focus on the transition from an acute injury to returning to work, while addressing the issues of productivity, safety and work behaviors.
Types of Injuries treated through this program:

Cervical or Lumbosacral Injury Upper Extremity Injury Lower Extremity Injury Hand Injury

Musculoskeletal Dysfunction Head Injury Amputation CVA

A physician referral is needed to access this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Walton's Orthopedic Program offers a comprehensive treatment of various orthopedic and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, focusing on pain control and restoring function. The cornerstone of our program is a team of therapists with extensive experience treating clients with musculoskeletal problems. During treatments, our therapists use a combination of state of the art equipment, therapeutic exercises, modalities, and manual therapy and/or aquatic therapy. Our therapists work closely together to maximize our patient's function and improve their quality of life. Individual and small group education is also available.

Common Diagnoses for Orthopedic Rehabilitation Include:

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Cervical and Lumbosacral Pain Soft Tissue Injuries Musculoskeletal Injuries HNP, Impingement Spinal Stenosis

Sprains/Strains Post Surgical Arthritis Fibromyalgia Amputations General Weakness

A physician referral is needed for this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Cancer Rehabilitation Walton Outpatient Therapy Center now offers Physical Therapy that focuses on cancer-related fatigue through a personally designed exercise program. The Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute in Greeley, Colorado, supports this protocol.

Cancer rehabilitation can be implemented during or after primary medical treatments for cancer. All that is needed to start the program is a prescription with a preferred diagnosis of deconditioning and/or functional deficit(s).

Evaluation/Exam includes:
A complete physical therapy assessment
A cardiovascular assessment via treadmill or walking test
An assessment of available strength
An assessment of endurance

Treatment includes:
Option of both land and aquatic exercise
An individualized program based on the cancer protocol and personal assessment
Ongoing adjustment of program each visit
Patient education for safely progressing exercise

A physician referral is needed for Physical Therapy. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Functional Capacity Evaluations This is a four-hour test, performed by a licensed therapist that provides valid and objective measurements of functional (generally work related) abilities. It includes a report outlining the client's level of effort and tolerances for sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and using the hands.
Referrals to this program are accepted from the following sources: Physicians, Case Managers, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Social Security Caseworkers, and Attorneys. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

The Aquatic Therapy Treatment Program offered at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital's Outpatient Center provides individualized and small group treatments with emphasis on improving strength, range of motion and overall function. The ramp-accessible therapeutic pool is kept at 92 - 96 degrees, which is ideal for the treatment of arthritis . Aquatic therapy combines the benefits of both water and exercise. With this combination, our clients are able to perform a more intensive exercise program that may not be possible with many land-based programs. Progression to a land-based program is often recommended in order for the patient to reach their maximum potential.
Treatment may be provided for the following:

Prenatal Rheumatoid Arthritis Osteoarthritis Joint Replacement/Post Surgical Fibromyalgia's Gait and Balance Disorders Chronic Pain

Sports Related Injuries Cervical and Lumbar Pain Soft Tissue Dysfunction Deconditioning Clients with Neurologic Disorders

Two pools are available for treatment.
A physician referral for Physical Therapy is needed for this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Amputee Clinic Walton offers an Amputee Clinic to streamline the care of both new amputees and experienced prosthetic users. The team, including a physiatrist, physical therapist, and prosthetist performs an evaluation to determine the specific needs of each client. Early assessment of a new amputee's potential to use a prosthesis is emphasized. Selection of the most appropriate prosthetic components, management of phantom limb pain, and troubleshooting prosthetic problems are performed as a team. Therapy is also available to prepare the residual limb for a prosthesis and to improve strength, range of motion, endurance, ambulation, balance and activities of daily life.
The clinic is held the 3rd Thursday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact 823-8504 to make a referral or schedule an appointment.

Hanger

Midland Prosthetics

Augusta Prosthetics

Neuro-Rehabilitation Program Since 1988, the Neuro-Rehabilitation Program at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital's Outpatient Center has been addressing the needs of individual's experiencing challenges due to a neurological impairment. We offer comprehensive treatment focusing on assisting the client in achieving the highest level of function and returning to the most productive, independent lifestyle possible. Our experienced team consists of board certified physiatrists, as well as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, a psychologist, nurses, case managers, and a dietitian. Vocational services are also available.
A physician referral is necessary for this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Pre-Driving Evaluation and Training The purpose of the pre-driving evaluation is to determine the ability to safely return to driving, evaluate pre-driving skills and make recommendations for a behind the wheel evaluation. A pre-driving evaluation assesses the sensory-motor, cognitive perceptual components and vision skills. The test helps to identify strengths and weaknesses related to the driving task, as well as assist the evaluator in determining whether driver re-training is indicated. Pre-driving rehabilitation is a key component in guiding disabled drivers to a more independent lifestyle.
To be admitted to this program, individuals must intend to return to driving, have a valid driver’s license, have functional limitations likely to improve with therapy, and have an Occupational Therapy referral from a physician. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Dysphasia Intervention Program Walton Rehabilitation Hospital offers a Dysphasia intervention program for clients who have difficulty with swallowing. A thorough evaluation is conducted which may include a referral for a radiological evaluation (Modified Barium Swallow Study) to assess the mechanics of swallowing, when indicated. Following the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist develops a treatment plan to improve the swallowing skills of the client. The treatment may include modification of diet, exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and use of different strategies such as Vital Stim to facilitate a safe swallow. Family education and training is also provided so the client will have help and/or supervision, if needed, at home during meals.
A physician referral for Speech Therapy is necessary for this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information

Our Tone Management Services evaluate adults with spasticity/high tone or hypotonicity/low tone in a comprehensive manner. Issues addressed include positioning, therapy, medication and surgical intervention.

Appropriate diagnoses for these services would include:
 Cerebral Palsy
Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke

Dr. Pamela Salazar evaluates the client's need for casting, modalities or other therapy interventions; orthotics/splints; wheelchairs/equipment; oral medications, surgical intervention; or Botox injections. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

The Wheelchair and Equipment Clinic is held every month on the 2nd Wednesday and the 3rd Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. No referral is needed to attend. Clients do not have to be patients of Walton to participate.
The Clinic is the only dedicated wheelchair and equipment clinic in the local Georgia area. It serves the needs of both adults and children. The client's therapist is encouraged to attend. If the therapist is unable to do so, a copy of the therapist’s progress notes is requested to assist in the evaluation. Recommendations made at the clinic can be taken to the client's hometown to order equipment.
To find out more information about the Wheelchair and Equipment Clinic, contact (706) 722-1244.

The Vestibular Rehabilitation Program is specifically designed to help clients with motion related dizziness or vertigo and balance problems. Following a thorough evaluation, our therapists will develop a plan of care with input from the patient. The patient will receive an individualized rehabilitation program, which may include eye/hand coordination activities, balance retraining, habituation exercises and general conditioning. Exercises are developed to decrease symptoms of dizziness or vertigo, improve balance, and maximize central nervous system compensation for vestibular loss.
A physician referral is necessary to access this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information.

Vital Stim is the only therapy of its kind certified by the Food and Drug Administration in the treatment of swallowing disorders. By using electrical stimulation to increase the strength and coordination of the swallowing muscle, Walton Vital Stim certified therapists may help patients improve their quality of life and regain the ability to enjoy normal eating and drinking. This newest, state of the art treatment technique for swallowing disorders has provided exceptional results based on pre- and post-treatment Modified Barium Swallow Studies in significantly less time than with traditional swallowing therapy alone. A physician referral is necessary to access this program. Contact (706) 823-8504 for further information on Vital Stim or other alternatives in our Dysphasia Intervention Program.