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 and Language Pathology

The acute care department of speech pathology at UMC Health System is an innovative team who are leaders in the region in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, cognitive deficits, voice disorders, speech and language deficits, and pediatric feeding. Advanced skills include velopharyngeal competency testing of children (following cleft palate repair), voice prosthesis fitting, modified barium swallows, rehabilitation of infant feeding delays and disorders, use of Passy Muir speaking valve, and the use of videostroboscopy and flexible endoscopy.

Members of the acute team consistently take advantage of opportunities for professional growth through continuing education opportunities as well as presenting at state, national and international conferences. The team participates in research opportunities, often partnering with UMC and Texas Tech Physicians.

UMC Speech Pathology team members are active in several speciality clinics including: Cleft Palate Clinic, head and neck cancer clinic and infectious disease clinic. These provide valuable care to patients throughout the region.

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