Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital was one of the first facilities in the country to offer traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury rehabilitation and has remained one of the best rehabilitation hospitals for brain injury in the Philadelphia region for more than 30 years. Our brain injury program is the most comprehensive in the region and is a center of excellence. The program is fully accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Nearly half of our brain injury program patients are survivors of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), often caused by motor vehicle accidents and falls. The other half come to us with nontraumatic conditions such as:
Over 400 brain injury patients each year travel to Bryn Mawr Rehab for our industry-leading technology, creative therapeutic approach and compassionate care.
We create specialized treatment plans based on individual patient need and severity of condition. Some of our patients come to us with extremely severe brain injuries but through our protocol of three hours of intensive therapy a minimum of five out of seven days—not to mention our creative approach which includes tailoring therapies around what motivates each patient most—many patients leave with remarkable recoveries.
For example, since restoring balance is a critical skill to relearn, we sometimes recommend equestrian therapy to develop core strength and improve stability. As skills improve, the therapies increase in complexity.
We also use technology with our patients, to help them regain the physical and mental skills they had prior to the brain injury. These technologies include:
For mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), often referred to as an "unseen injury," or postconcussion syndrome, we provide evaluations and tailored treatment plans. (Find out more about the classifications of brain injury.) Mild traumatic brain injury can change a person's personality, disrupt the senses and interfere with cognitive abilities, even when initial symptoms like dizziness, headache and nausea disappear. Ongoing symptoms may include memory and learning problems, unexplained mood swings, impaired planning or organizational skills and depression. Our multidisciplinary team works together to address these symptoms and improve the patient’s condition.
Our inpatient brain injury rehab patients spend an average of 23 days on the unit, some spending much less time and others spending much more time, depending on the severity of their injury. In our 41-bed unit, specially trained neurologists, physiatrists, certified rehab nurses, therapists, care managers and psychologists collaborate on an interdisciplinary care plan to establish and accomplish realistic goals. Our care unit also includes:
Additionally, patients have access to a simulated apartment that allows them to practice skills needed to return home as well as facilitate overnight trials in a safe, supportive environment.
Every brain injury inpatient receives care 24 hours a day from physicians and nurses specially trained in brain injury rehabilitation. Each rehab program may include a mix of high-intensity physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology and more. During daily sessions with their therapists, patients work to build strength, range of motion, balance and coordination. Psychologists provide support and counseling to promote family relationships. On a regular basis during every patient's stay, the care team meets to review progress, identify barriers to independence and create solutions tailored to the patient.
Brain injury patients also have access to the following rehabilitation services:
This support group is open to patients who have experienced a brain injury. The group is led by a psychologist with a focus on adjustment and coping issues.
The inpatient brain injury support group meets on Mondays at 3:00 pm in the Maple Unit Dining Room. For more information, call 484.596.5430.
Consumers, their families, and the public look for CARF accreditation as assurance that providers strive to offer the highest quality services. CARF International is an independent, accrediting body of health and human services. CARF-accredited service providers have applied CARF's comprehensive set of standards for quality to their business and service delivery practices. This means that they have demonstrated conformance to proven standards for business practices and are committed to continuous quality improvement. Each provider’s commitment to excellence is periodically evaluated on site and reconfirmed annually.
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital received accreditation for the following inpatient rehabilitation programs: comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation program (adults); amputation specialty program (adults); brain injury specialty program (adults, children, adolescents); spinal cord system of care (adults); stroke specialty program (adults); and interdisciplinary outpatient medical rehabilitation programs: brain injury specialty program (adults, children adolescents); spinal cord system of care (adults).
Our lymphedema therapists help you achieve best results early and with continued treatment at outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Even in cases of chronic lymphedema, an active management program can reduce swelling and improve symptoms.
A hand therapy specialist is well-versed in a variety of methods and works to develop a personalized regimen for the unique needs of every patient. Our patients come from all walks of life—from young athletes to long-term arthritis sufferers to accidental burn victims.
Our multidisciplinary approach to inpatient and outpatient speech therapy rehab includes expert diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders led by master’s-level, licensed and certified speech pathologists.
Equine-assisted therapy provides physical as well as cognitive benefits for a person’s recovery. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve the person’s balance, coordination and strength and muscle tone through the trunk and legs. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning.
Occupational therapy and sensory integration helps patients who’ve experienced a debilitative injury or illness return to activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, eating, writing, shopping, toileting and driving.
Inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation treatment and complex stroke treatment. We develop a unique stroke rehab therapy plan that help patients immediately build on their strengths and learn to compensate for limitations.
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital was one of the first facilities in the country to offer traumatic and nontraumatic inpatient brain injury rehab as well as outpatient brain injury rehab and has remained one of the best rehabilitation hospitals for brain injury treatment in the Philadelphia region for more than 30 years.
Through the aquatic therapy program at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, warm water helps patients relax, enhances functional movement, and boosts confidence and ability.
