The acute care Physical Therapists at UMC treat a broad range of medical diagnoses for pediatrics and adults. Other specialized treatment areas include outpatient burn and wound care in the region's only burn clinic.

Occupational Therapy (Acute)

In the acute care setting, our occupational therapists treat patients in the earliest stages of the rehabilitation process. In the most acute stages of illness or injury, occupational therapy focuses on basic performance areas needed to prepare for improved functional independence. These treatment/performance areas include: upper extremity range of motion, upper extremity strengthening, activity tolerance, fine motor skills, infant massage, positioning/splinting of upper or lower extremities, cognitive re-training, self-care tasks, developmental play and edema control. Due to the fast paced nature of acute care, OT staff are often consulted to assist with discharge planning/recommendations. Recommendations for patient disposition are made based on the patient's medical status, cognitive abilities, and progress with functional tasks.

The acute care occupational therapists at UMC treat a broad range of medical diagnoses for neonates, pediatrics and adults. These diagnoses include: trauma, orthopedic, burn, and neurological injuries, as well as developmental disorders.

Speech-Language Pathology

Our acute care team of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) leads the region in the evaluation and treatment of communication and swallowing and/or feeding disorders across the lifespan. We treat patients with a variety of diagnoses resulting in dysphagia, speech and language disorders, cognitive disorders and pediatric feeding disorders.

The team's advanced skills include:

• velopharyngeal competency testing of children, following cleft palate repair
• laryngectomy care and voice prosthesis fitting
• modified barium swallow studies
• treatment of infant feeding delays and disorders
• use of Passy Muir speaking valves
• diagnostic testing with the use of videostroboscopy and flexible endoscopy

Members of the acute team consistently take advantage of opportunities for professional growth through continuing education and implement the latest evidence-based practices in the field of speech-language pathology. The team also presents at state, national and international conferences and participates in research opportunities by partnering with physicians at UMC and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

UMC Speech Pathology team members are active in several speciality clinics including: UMC Cleft Palate Clinic, the UMC head and neck cancer clinic and the TTUHSC Infectious Disease Clinic, providing valuable care to patients throughout our region.

For more information or to contact any of the departments mentioned above,
please call the PM&R Department at 806.775.9224.