Pine Run Therapy & Rehabilitation

“We’re going on a cruise in August and I’m determined not to bring my electric scooter,” says Irv Thompson, a Pine Run Villager, one week after total knee replacement surgery. Thompson is currently doing intensive physical therapy three days a week in his home to regain strength and balance. His motivation in therapy is “to be in less pain, to walk again without having to worry, and to be the best that I can be.”

Pine Run Retirement Community is focused on maximizing wellness for all of our residents. The Pine Run Rehabilitation Services Department, made up of a multidisciplinary team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists specifically trained in senior wellness, is dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and promoting not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness and quality of life as it relates to movement and health. Whether residing in Pine Run’s independent living cottages or apartments, our personal care residence, skilled nursing for a rehabilitation stay or long term care, or our memory care facility, all residents can benefit from the therapies offered.

The Pine Run therapy gym on our Ferry Road campus serves our independent living residents in the therapy gym, in a resident’s home, and in our fitness center pool and gym as someone is transitioning out of therapy, often in cooperation with our fitness team members. The therapy programs are as unique as each individual we serve, because they are tailored to and developed in consultation with our residents, their physicians, and health care teams with each person’s goals in mind.

“Some residents begin therapy because of aches and pains, to treat a sports or overuse injury, to improve balance and flexibility, to restore strength and range-of-motion following surgery, to adapt one’s home to changing physical needs, to set up programs to improve cognitive health, or even to work on strengthening before a surgical procedure in a ‘pre-hab’ program to speed recovery time after surgery,” said Maria Santangelo, Pine Run Executive Director, who began her career in senior living as an Occupational Therapist.

 

“Our philosophy is that we are always treating a person, not a diagnosis, so getting to know our residents and their motivations plays a large part in determining treatment,” she continued. “The goal of running a marathon after knee replacement requires a very different plan and strategy than helping to restore someone’s ability to live safely in their home on their own after a stroke,” said Santangelo.

“Pre-hab made a big difference in preparing for surgery,” said Thompson. “Under the direction of the Pine Run Therapists, I did a combination of strengthening and range of motion exercises, squats, lunges, and on alternate days I added in exercising in the pool.” Thompson continued, “I wanted to be as strong as possible going in to surgery, and it’s made a big difference so far in my recovery and ability to do post-surgical therapy.”

Pine Run Therapists are able to utilize a wide variety of treatments and adaptive devices to set the stage for the best quality of life possible. “Aches and pains are not normal, even in the aging process” said Santangelo. “With the proper treatment plan, we work with each individual to help get them back to living their life and feeling good again.”

“The Pine Run Therapy Team has made a big difference in my life,” says Pine Run resident Millie Graf. Knee pain had sidelined her from many of her usual activities, and she was facing a significant decrease in mobility, and independence.

“Walking without pain means my freedom,” said Graf. After having had a knee replacement, Graf works with the Pine Run Therapy Team three times a week. “It’s serious business in that gym,” she continues, “but every day I can do more, and I’m excited by the possibilities.”

Therapy always begins with a prescription from a physician. Pine Run Rehab staff will then meet with the individual for an evaluation to develop a treatment plan to address their goals. Treatment plans vary based on insurance coverage as well as an individual’s tolerance of and acceptance of the therapy program.

Rehabilitation Services also are offered in the Pine Run Health Center, consistently rated five stars by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and chosen as a US News and World Report Best Nursing Home and Best Short-Term Rehab for 2022. Both short-term rehabilitation stays and long-term care require careful therapy plans.

“Each person comes to us with their own combination of goals and motivation,” said Santangelo. Restoring function after a hospital stay or deconditioning can involve multiple disciplines such as physical and occupational therapy. A resident may require several of these disciplines focusing on a variety of needs – physical therapy to strengthen muscles and restore range of motion and occupational therapy to make sure someone is able to transfer and navigate their home.

“Shower seats, grab bars, and other adaptive equipment can make a significant difference in people’s lives if they are dealing with a change in mobility or cognition and proper training is essential,” said Santangelo. Pine Run’s Rehabilitation Department in the Health Center includes a gym as well as a functional kitchen for occupational therapy.

Rehabilitation Services also are offered at Pine Run Lakeview, our personal care residence on Lower State Road in Doylestown and in The Garden at Pine Run, our secure memory care neighborhood on the top floor of the Health Center.

“Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the therapies that we offer,” said Santangelo. Pine Run utilizes the Jintronix system in its therapy program that features immersive real-life activities, competitive sports, and fantastical and functional environments using a fun, interactive, video-game-like atmosphere. Pine Run also utilizes Jintronix to challenge balance to improve function and outcomes.

Whether the goal is to reduce pain, avoid or recovery from surgery, improve balance or reduce falls, or better manage chronic or new medical conditions, a customized therapy plan can help. To learn more about wellness at Pine Run, visit www.pinerun.org.