Let's Get Back at It

The outpatient Spine Rehabilitation Program at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Covenant HealthCare helps patients of all ages manage spine and joint pain without surgery. Dr. Kevin Orloski, a physician who specializes in physical medicine, leads a team of occupational and physical therapists who select from multiple treatment options based on your individual condition and goals.

At the heart of it all are relationships built on communication, said Emily DeFouw, medical group operations manager at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation.

“The goal is understanding you – your pain, exploring a number of treatment options and then developing a plan to get you back to enjoying life and the activities you love,” she said.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, elite athlete, grandparent or working mom, everyone’s different. So is your pain.

That’s why you’ll be evaluated by a physician and a therapist at your first appointment. They’ll listen to your concerns and, together, develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your condition, treatment paths may include:

• Physical therapy evaluation and treatment, including the McKenzie Method®
• Occupational therapy evaluation and treatment
• Electrodiagnostics to test nerve and muscle function
• Functional capacity assessment for work-related activities
• Return-to-work therapy
• Brace fabrication and fitting
• Pain injections
• Referral to a highly recommended specialist, when appropriate

The McKenzie Method is a special approach to spine care. This highly specific assessment process addresses numerous musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck and joint pain. Therapists complete a three-part certification process beyond the scope of their traditional training.

"You’ll be re-evaluated after four to six visits to ensure you’re seeing results", DeFouw said. "Here again, great relationships and communications come into play. The physician and therapist are right there together consulting on how to move on to next steps to achieve required results while saving you time and money.”

Best of all, the outpatient Spine Rehabilitation Program at Mary Free Bed at Covenant is accessible. Referrals are not necessary unless required by insurance. Even then, you can make an appointment with confidence, knowing the program’s office staff will do the legwork of getting that referral for you from your primary care provider.

If you have acute or chronic back or joint pain or an athletic injury, schedule an appointment by calling 989.583.6386 or click here for more information.

Posted Date: 1/6/2022