DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Center for Stroke Recovery focuses on building stroke patients' independence and strength.
DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Center for Stroke Recovery
When Greta Scott suffered a stroke at age 45, the single mother has a lot going through her mind. “I thought about my job,” she says. “I thought about my home – everything goes through your mind when it happens. You feel devastated; it’s unbelievable, shocking that it happened to you.”
Thankfully, Greta soon found that one of the most advanced stroke recovery programs in the nation was close by, and part of the Detroit Medical Center: the DMC Center for Stroke Recovery at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, with several locations.
Unlike other programs, stroke recovery at DMC focuses on the recovery of nerve cells damaged during stroke, or neuro-recovery. It’s an intensive program geared toward patients who want to regain their mobility and independence. It includes every aspect of therapy – occupational, physical and speech. “Intensity is very much key,” explains Paula Denison, Administrative Director of Specialty Services for the DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. “Research shows that you have to do a lot of work and give a lot of input to get the nervous system to change. The central nervous system doesn’t budge easily, but if you give it enough input of the right kind, then you have a chance for actual neurological changes and recovery.
Unfortunately for many stroke patients, traditional recovery therapy does not provide the intensity that the DMC program has – and instead focuses on “workaround” – strengthening the areas not damaged by stroke.
“You don’t get neuro-recovery that way,” says Dennison. “you have to force the use of the side that’s been damaged. You have to increase the intensity.
RIM therapists work with patients for an average of nine hours every week. In spite of the long hours, most patients enjoy it and appreciate the time the DMC invests in their recovery. Occupational Therapist Missy Rugh explains why the job can be so satisfying. “To see someone come in here in a chair and leave walking, or someone who is living with family and is dependent on family, who leaves here independent is just wonderful.”
Greta sums up her experience in this way: “I don’t think I would be where I am if I didn’t experience this quality of therapy here – speech, as well as occupational and physical, it was just…I can’t describe it. It was great for me.”
Imagine, after suffering a stroke, being ready to work as hard as you needed to, to regain the life you had. Now imagine one place, The Detroit Medical Center, telling you “We’re with you 100 percent.”
To request an appointment, call 888-DMC-2500.