Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Getting you moving again
People who have had joint replacement surgery, bone trauma, a musculoskeletal injury or a degenerative joint disease often have limited function and mobility, pain and other complications. The orthopedic rehabilitation specialists at Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital help individuals like you recover the skills, strength and strategies to confidently resume their daily activities.
Male patient in blue shirt stacking yellow tube onto green tube.

The Penn State Health Difference

Where a person goes for treatment can make all the difference in recovery. Studies1 show those treated in a specialized rehabilitation hospital – like Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital – have greater improvement, fewer complications and return home sooner than patients at nursing facilities. We provide a comprehensive program of medical, nursing and therapy care.

1Assessment of Patient Outcomes of Rehabilitative Care Provided in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) and After Discharge. Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC. 2014.

  • Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital draws on the expertise of medical rehabilitation specialists to address the range of physical and functional issues that occur following injury, joint replacement or other bone-related conditions.

    This interdisciplinary team is led by a physiatrist, a physician board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists; dietitians; pharmacists; case managers and other clinical and support staff, as needed.

    In addition, your family members are an important part of the care team. They may be asked to participate in therapy sessions to understand your condition and how to help support you.

  • Because every patient is different and has varied challenges, goals and expectations, treatment will be tailored to your individual needs to help:

    • Restore physical abilities
    • Build strength and endurance
    • Minimize pain
    • Improve balance and mobility
    • Enhance skills to perform daily activities
    • Avoid complications
    • Optimize independence
  • Your therapy sessions will include hands-on activities with some aided by high-tech therapy equipment. Sessions will be provided three hours per day, five days a week or 15 hours over a seven-day period, depending on your tolerance and ability to actively participate.

    Your care plan may focus on:

    • Mobility skills training such as transfers, standing and/or walking
    • Strengthening, coordination and endurance exercises
    • Tactics to improve communication, swallowing and/or vision
    • Daily living activities such as dressing, eating and bathing
    • Strategies to improve memory, concentration, judgment and problem solving
    • Medication management
    • Strategies for returning home and to community life
    • Community reintegration strategies
    • Caregiver education and training

    It’s important to remember that recovery takes time. Each patient is different and your stay with us will depend on your diagnosis, rehabilitation needs, goals and daily progress.

  • To help you return home and resume work, school, community and/or social activities, Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital provides an unparalleled continuity of care. We help manage your health from inpatient to outpatient care.

Zach wearing green hoodie while sitting in hospital room  and smiling
Our patients say it best
Zach's story
“I achieved most of the goals I originally had, and I even surpassed goals I thought I would not achieve. I’m on pace to continue my journey.”

How can we help you? 

We will work closely with you, your family, physician and/or the referring hospital to ensure a smooth transition to Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital for your recovery.