Contacts
Get Information
Share
Acute Rehabilitation Unit
Physiatrist and physical therapist work with a patient using gait therapy stimulation.
Rehabilitation Extras
Proper stretching tips with Vici Ruthenburg, PT 
Tips for preventing back injury while gardening
Falls pose serious health risk for older adults 
VitalStim helps patients with swallowing disorders
Rehabilitation in the News
St. Louis Medical News: Physician Spotlight on William Feldner, DO 
STLToday: Fall victim shares story of courage, hard work
STLToday: Physical therapy can be key to maintaining an active lifestyle
St. Louis Medical News: Sport-related concussions not always an easy diagnosis
St. Louis Medical News: Rx: Physical Therapy
ideo | 
udio | ews
Advanced Technology
To maximize rehabilitation, St. Anthony's invests in state-of-the-art technology, such as adaptive devices, muscle stimulation systems, interactive technology and strength building equipment.
Examples of advanced technology:
Muscle Stimulation
St. Anthony’s Acute Rehab Unit is the first in the region to offer the Bioness® L300 and H200 systems, designed to stimulate, re-educate and strengthen weakened leg or arm muscles. Compared to traditional braces that often restrict joint and muscle movement, these systems use a programmable sensor to stimulate muscles.
Learning to Walk Again
The L300 foot drop system can help stroke patients walk more safely, with a proper gait. The system uses a special sensor in the patient’s shoe coupled with a leg cuff that is strapped below the knee to electrically stimulate a nerve. By using a software program that times the stimulation, a therapist can trigger a patient’s foot to rise at the right time as he or she moves forward. Besides stroke patients, other patients that could benefit from the L300 include those who have foot drop because of traumatic brain injury, incomplete spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.
Help with Upper Extremities
The Bioness® H200 system achieves rehabilitation of the upper extremity using the same technology as the L300 uses on the lower extremity, helping patients improve hand function and voluntary movement. Surface electrodes, embedded in a device that rests over the patient’s hand and forearm, stimulate muscles in the hand and wrist. A microprocessor allows the user to program the device with a series of exercises customized for each patient. Clinical trials support the effectiveness of the H200 in facilitating return of function for patients following stroke and brain injury, as well as for select patients whose injuries are years old.
Help for Dysphagia
A new speech therapy technique uses external electrical stimulation to help patients with dysphagia who are unable to swallow foods or liquids. Small electrodes are placed on the patient’s throat to stimulate the swallowing muscles, strengthening the throat muscles over time, and re-educating the muscle to enable patients to swallow.
Supportive Gait Therapy
For patients unable to support their own weight with their lower extremities (e.g., patients with spinal cord or head injuries, dementia or stroke), a supportive gait-therapy device called LiteGait® uses a harness to control posture and balance while also supporting the patient, either on the floor or over a treadmill. Therapists gradually reduce support until patients can bear weight on their own. Studies show body weight-supported treadmill training can improve outcomes and sends patients home sooner.
For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.
At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.