Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Winter 2018

www.bartletthospital.org 11 expenditure and average power. “That’s what I like about that bike,” says Prewitt, “seeing that progress. Every single week he’s been improving. But we still want him to do things on his own to strengthen his muscles and create new pathways and connections with his own abilities. We also gave him activities he can work on at home.” Also key to Hunter’s recovery therapy is stretching and strengthening exercises on the mat and walking on the treadmill. “With the bike, you’re activating key muscles for walking, but you actually need to walk to strengthen those muscles in a functional way,” says Prewitt. “So getting him on the treadmill is really important too.” Hunter’s first sessions on the treadmill required the support of two therapists and a strapping system. But six months later, Hunter walked into the Bartlett Physical Therapy gym for the first time. At that point, the FES300 Cycle was used as a regular stationary bike for aerobic and endurance training. Prewitt was impressed. “You went from 6.5 miles to 8.6, without stimulation. That’s two more miles than last time you did this. That’s amazing!” “I think the combination of the bike and walking has been huge,” Prewitt says. Returning to regular activities Hunter is an active kid. He enjoys soccer, playing percussion in the school band, snowboarding and camping. He Hunter’s next goal is to return to snowboarding. His therapists are seeking an adaptive snowboard for Hunter so he can hit the slopes this season. BARTLETT REGIONAL HOSPITAL’S Rehabilitation Services Rehabilitation is an important part of managing a condition or disability or recovering from an illness or injury. We have 10 physical therapists (PTs), four occupational therapists (OTs) and three speech therapists (STs) here to help you get better. When is rehab needed? Rehabilitation helps optimize the abilities you have and aids you in maximizing your functional skills. We work with both inpatients and outpatients at the hospital. The goal of our multidisciplinary physical rehabilitation team is to help speed recovery and restore the maximum level of wellness and function. Patients are evaluated to determine specific needs. Goals and individualized treatment plans are developed with each patient’s wishes and overall health care plan. When appropriate, we involve the patient, his or her family members, and other caregivers in developing an overall care plan that achieves these goals. Our STs work with patients with voice, swallowing and communication disorders, and they help with cognitive retraining after an injury. Pediatric PTs, OTs and STs work with patients with conditions including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, genetic disorders, Down syndrome and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. is back to two of those activities. He plays percussion in the band and also plays in the pep band at basketball games. In July, Hunter wanted to go camping for his birthday. Cummins brought in her tent and taught him how to do camping activities from his wheelchair. “Every week there’s been such progress that we weren’t surprised when he was walking and feeling more confident,” Debbie says. Since the accident, Hunter’s had the enthusiastic support of his soccer teammates. After an annual rival game with Juneau Douglas High School, they held a bake sale to raise funds for his and Debbie’s travel to Seattle. Debbie was thrilled that Hunter could have long-term rehabilitation at home in Juneau. “It’s something about being in your own community, because the cost of being out of town would have been out of this world. It is a win-win!” she says. Next up: Snowboarding Hunter’s next goal is snowboarding. “Winter is my favorite season,” he says. “I’ve been snowboarding since I was six.” Hunter’s therapists are helping him improve his balance and reaction time with virtual reality training by using a Nintendo Wii, and they are seeking an adaptive snowboard for him so he can hit the slopes this season. REHABILITATION SERVICES Learn more about our physical and occupational therapy programs at Bartlett. Visit www.bartletthospital.org/rehab-services .