Our therapists take part and lead many special services and clinics here and in the community. These include:
- Balance and vestibular services: Our physical therapists are trained to help you overcome dizziness and vertigo. The vestibular system sends information to your brain when your head moves or you change positions. Problems in this system could cause you to be dizzy, lightheaded or woozy. You may also experience a spinning sensation known as vertigo. Balance therapy can help treat your dizziness.
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) clinic: In this clinic, our physical therapists educate patients and their families. We teach them the technique of chest physical therapy. For someone with CF, chest physical therapy is an integral part of a person's daily routine. It helps keep lungs from blockages that may lead to infection. We test the musculoskeletal system with particular emphasis on cardiovascular fitness. We teach people with cystic fibrosis to maintain a healthy active lifestyle. This includes working with physicians, dietitians, nurse-coordinators and social workers.
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- Hemophilia Treatment Center: The Hemophilia Treatment Center includes physical therapy. This clinic for people from New Hampshire and Vermont who have hemophilia. We hold this clinic several times each year. Research has shown that these clinics can improve outcomes for those with hemophilia. The physical therapist assesses and provides education, and designs exercise programs as needed.
- Orthopaedic clinic: This clinic is in the Orthopaedics department. We address the injuries people may have with many orthopaedic conditions. In this clinic, you have a full program in the outpatient physical therapy department.
- Spina Bifida Clinic: This clinic services children with spina bifida throughout New Hampshire. The therapist provides recommendations on exercise programs and follow-up care. We address orthotic and assistive devices, surgical intervention, equipment needs, and school programs.
- Sports Medicine Clinic: We work with sports medicine providers to help athletes return to activities and sports. Our therapists have training in return-to-sport rehabilitation programs and testing.
- Wheelchair clinic: A wheelchair plays an important role in the degree of independence and quality of life of many. This clinic specializes in evaluating and recommending appropriate wheelchairs. A person needing a wheelchair has many special needs. Ordering equipment for the wheelchair can be challenging and requires extensive problem-solving.
- Work-site education: Work-site education includes instruction for workers in methods of preventing work-related injuries. We customize programs for specific jobs within a company or individual companies. We help managers with their role in preventing injuries for their employees. We train in various departments within Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and sometimes off-site at local businesses.
Lymphedema therapy
Lymphedema therapy treats conditions related to the lymphatic system. These may include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Lipedema
- Phlebo-lymphostatic edema
- Post-traumatic edema
We have certified lymphedema therapists who treat uncontrolled swelling using specialized techniques.
Neurology interdisciplinary clinics
The Neuromuscular clinic meets monthly offering services to help manage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) including:
- Neurology
- Nursing
- Nutrition services
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Pulmonary medicine
- Social work services
- Speech language pathology
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) clinic This clinic meets once a month and offers:
- Neurology
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Social work services
Therapists work with the team to address issues that arise with neuromuscular diseases. In both clinics we provide you and your family with help for mobility and daily activities. We help you with exercises and assistive devices for walking. We provide tips to help people stay active. We help with information about mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and stair climbers.
Oncology
Physical therapists can help with early and late effects of cancer treatments. We recommend exercises that help you regain range of motion, strength, and balance. Treatments can help restore function, decrease pain, and improve quality of life. Our department also has physical therapists who specialize in breast cancer rehabilitation.
Pelvic floor therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves the pelvic floor muscle group. These muscles support the pelvic organs. They are a part of bowel and bladder control and contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm. We treat both men and women for pelvic floor issues. These include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
- Incontinence
- Painful intercourse