Outpatient Rehabilitation Services - Conditions We Treat

The team of rehabilitation experts at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital offers advanced, innovative care outside the hospital setting for a wide range of conditions that affect children’s mobility, movement and function.

Call us to make an appointment or to learn about our rehabilitation services

954-265-4000

Conditions We Treat

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury affects the nerves that transmit signals from the spine to the arm, shoulder and hand. Symptoms include lack of muscle control, a weak or paralyzed arm and lack of feeling in the hand or arm. Tumors, inflammation or shoulder trauma can also cause brachial plexus injuries.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of health disorders that affect balance, posture and movement. The condition occurs when the brain doesn’t develop normally or is injured before, during or after birth. Cerebral palsy may cause abnormal muscle tone and developmental delays. It may be treated using aquatic therapy.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain causes a wide range of discomfort, including stinging, burning or aches and pains that last for an extended period of time. Injury, infection or ongoing illness such as cancer, arthritis or fibromyalgia may cause chronic pain. In some cases, there is no known reason for chronic pain. It can be treated with aquatic therapy or pain management.

Feeding Disorders

Feeding disorders occur when a child refuses to eat or limits eating due to extreme food selectivity. Children can base this selectivity on numerous factors such as texture, color or shape. Feeding disorders may cause weight loss, failure to thrive, developmental delays and chronic health issues. Children with feeding disorders often fuss when eating or drinking or refuse nourishment altogether. They may also take a long time to eat and spit up or gag while eating. Feeding disorders may be treated using feeding therapy.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes muscle loss and weakness. Several types of muscular dystrophy exist, but all forms worsen over time as the muscles lose function and strength. Children with muscular dystrophy may have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. They may trip or fall excessively and experience pain in their leg, arm or face muscles.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that affect the development of the brain. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, can benefit from occupational therapy and/or speech therapy.

Neurological Complications From Brain and Spine Tumors

A brain or spine tumor is a mass of cells that grows and divides abnormally in the tissues inside the spinal cord or brain. The tumors may have originated in the brain or started somewhere else in the body and moved to the brain (metastatic tumors). Symptoms vary according to the tumor's type, location and size. They may include headaches, nausea, weakness, mood changes and fuzzy thinking.

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders affect the nerves, tendons, joints, muscles, cartilage and spine. They can lead to several conditions, including tendonitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. In addition, disorders of the muscles, bones and joints may cause pain, interrupted sleep, aching, stiffness and fatigue.

Premature Infants

Babies born before 37 completed weeks of gestation (more than three weeks before their due date) are considered premature. Labor that begins before 37 weeks is called preterm labor. Premature infants have less time to develop in the womb making their organs more vulnerable to weakness and illness.

Spasticity

Spasticity causes rigid or stiff muscles. It occurs when the portion of the brain that controls movement or nerves is damaged. In these cases, signals from the brain to the spinal cord are interrupted. Spasticity may affect speech or lead to abnormal posture, physical disabilities and repetitive motions.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida occurs when a baby’s spinal column does not close completely before birth, leaving a portion of the spinal column exposed. Spina bifida damages the exposed spinal cord and nerves. It may cause mobility issues, learning difficulties and urinary or bowel problems.

Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord carries signals between your brain and body through a bundle of nerves located down the center of your back. A spinal cord injury disrupts that process and prevents the signals from successfully transmitting. Spinal cord injuries may be complete and prevent all movement below the injury or incomplete with some movement and sensation.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Other Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy affect the nerves that control the body’s muscles and interrupt the communication between the muscles and nerves. As a result, they may cause muscle weakness and shrinking (atrophy) that limits mobility and movement. Symptoms of neuromuscular disorders include spasms, pain and twitching.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden injury damages the brain. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, confusion, behavioral changes and reduced ability to concentrate or think clearly. For example, a bump or blow to the head or an object penetrating the skull can cause a traumatic brain injury. Children who incurred a traumatic brain injury may benefit from physical, occupational and/or speech therapy.

Steven's Outpatient Rehabilitation Story

Steven's Outpatient Rehabilitation Story

Call us to make an appointment or to learn about our rehabilitation services

954-265-4000

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Cardiac patient Deacon surrounded by his family, Svetlana Shugh, MD and Maryanne Chrisant, MD

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