Bioness offers award-winning medical devices designed to benefit people with stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Cerebral Palsy, and spinal cord injury. These products use electrical stimulation to help people regain mobility and independence, to improve quality of life and productivity.

Hand Rehabilitation System
The NESS H200 is an advanced therapy system designed to use mild electrical stimulation to improve the way your arm works. It may help you get the most out of therapy, and reduce complications including muscle spasms. If the H200 is right for you, it may make it easier for you to drink from a glass, reach for things, write, and use two hands again. Plus, the H200 may help your rehabilitation because it trains your hand so one day it might work better on its own. It is designed to be easy to use and can be put on with just one hand.

Foot Drop
The NESS L300 is an advanced foot drop system designed to use mild stimulation to lift your foot to help you walk more safely and easily. If the L300 is right for you, it may be easier to walk on flat ground, up and down stairs, as well as on uneven surfaces. This light-weight device is designed to fit just below your knee and to be put on and taken off with one hand. Use of the L300 may eliminate the need to wear a rigid, heavy orthosis.

VitalStim therapy administers small electrical currents to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing while the swallowing therapist re-educates the muscles through rehabilitation.

Changes in voice clarity and loudness can result from a variety of medical causes, functional misuse of voice or aging. Videostroboscopic evaluation of voice by a Speech Language Pathologist helps identify the cause of the voice problem. This information makes it possible for the therapist to establishing an individualized voice therapy program and/or to make appropriate medical referrals.

The Fit for Function program is a collaborative effort between Kettering Medical Center and Kettering Parks and Recreation Department. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals with chronic neurological disorders to perform an individualized long-term exercise program. The program is located at the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center.

All clients are first evaluated by a physical therapist specializing in neurological rehabilitation. If a client is suitable for the program they are instructed in strength, flexibility and aerobic exercise to meet their individual needs. This generally requires 2-8 visits. Following initial instruction, clients can then choose to become a member of the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center for their ongoing exercise program. Depending on their level of function clients may exercise independently with the assistance of a caregiver or with a personal trainer. Clients are reassessed by the physical therapist at 3-6 month intervals to update their program as needed.

To schedule an appointment or for further information call (937) 395-8882 opt. 2

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where is the program located?
  At the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center which is next to the Trent Arena at Kettering's Fairmont High School. 3351 Shroyer Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429.

  
  

• What are the days and times of the program?
  Appointments with the therapist can be made on Tuesday and Thursday from noon-3:00 p.m. You may exercise anytime the facility is open if you are deemed safe to do so.

  
  

• Do I need a doctor's prescription?
  Yes. All new participants will require a doctor's prescription and will need to schedule an evaluation with our Fit for Function physical therapist.

  
  

• Does insurance cover the cost of the program?
  Yes and No. Your initial evaluation and program set-up may be covered by insurance. This process generally requires 2-8 visits. Once you are independent with your program you will need to become a member of the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center if you wish to continue your exercise program at the facility.

  
  

• What is the cost of joining?
  There is a yearly fee of $125 for Kettering residents and $188 for non-residents.

  
  

• Will there be someone there to help me?
  Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-3:00 p.m. will be designated Fit for Function times. During these times a therapist will be on site and there will be staff available to provide some supervision. However if you require physical assistance to use the equipment you may be required to have a trained caregiver assist you or use the personal training services for an additional cost.

  
  

• If I need my caregiver do they have to pay?
  No.

  
  

• Can I exercise at a location closer to home?
  That is fine. The therapist will try to design your program using equipment similar to what may be available at your own facility. You can also be instructed in a home based program.

  
  

Balance and Vestibular Therapy is a comprehensive approach for the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. Many people have complaints of dizziness during their lifetime. Dizziness is a non-specific symptom, not a disease. Dizziness and balance problems are often frightening, causing a person to limit their activities and their independence in daily functions. The number of people identified with these problems is growing rapidly. Kettering Medical Center offers rehabilitation to successfully regain independence and safely lead an active life.

You will receive effective and efficient care. The therapists at Kettering Medical Center use the latest technology and research to provide efficient and effective care. They are nationally certified in vestibular rehabilitation. They specialize in helping people that have dizziness and/or balance problems.

What you can expect from our program:

• Comprehensive assessment

• Develop reasonable goals

• Individualized exercise plan

• Improve strength and balance

• Coordinate the eyes and head during movement

• Extensive education

• Reduce the risk of falling

How the program can change your life:

• Improve your independence in home and community mobility, and return to a more active lifestyle

• Decrease the risk for falls and fall related injuries

• Improve the symptoms of dizziness and imbalance

• Improve your independence in the management of symptoms and balance problems through education and the development of self treatment skills

What can happen if your Balance disorder is not treated?
When balance and dizziness problems are left untreated, individuals often reduce their level of activity. They can feel frightened, anxious, isolated, or depressed. Symptoms associated with dizziness and balance problems may actually worsen. Individuals limit their physical activity and may develop weakness, which may cause them to have an increased risk of falling.

Are you experiencing any of the following problems?

• Falls or fear of falling

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• A sense of spinning

• Trouble walking - unsteady on your feet

• A sense of imbalance

If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, you may have a balance disorder. Additional information on balance and vestibular disorders can be found on the web at vestibular.org.

Suggestions for those with balance disorders:

• Use night lights to help prevent a fall

• Try to stay as active as possible

• Exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of falls and decrease symptoms of dizziness

• Reduce trip hazards by keeping objects (including throw rugs) off the floor

For additional information on the Balance and Vestibular Rehabilitation Program offered by Kettering Medical Center call (937) 395-8882 (chose option 2)

Urinary incontinence is something no woman likes to talk about, yet 10 to 20 million women, in the United States alone, suffer from urine leakage.

What is Normal?
Normal frequency of urination is considered to be 6 times per day and once per night - more is NOT NORMAL. Any leakage of urine is NOT NORMAL. Many women accept frequency and leakage to be a normal part of the aging process, but it doesn't have to be the case! Help is available through Kettering Rehabilitation Medicine's Bladder Confidence Program.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
The main types of urinary incontinence are stress, urge, and mixed.

Stress incontinence occurs with urine leakage during coughing, sneezing, lifting, exercise or any time you put downward pressure on the bladder. If the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to hold the urethra closed there is a funnel effect and urine flows out. Therefore, the main cause of stress incontinence is weak pelvic floor muscles. Weak pelvic floor muscles can result from:

• Multiple vaginal births

• Not using the pelvic-floor muscles

• Being overweight

• Smoking

• Estrogen deficiency

• Chronic cough

Urge incontinence occurs when the bladder contracts involuntarily. Caffeine and other dietary irritants can contribute to this. These bladder contractions can be caused by something as simple as hearing water run or the action of putting "your key in the door" as you return home. Sometimes a urinary tract infection can cause urge incontinence. Often there is no medical explanation for it.

Mixed incontinence is a combination of both stress and urge.

Is Surgery Necessary?
Ninety percent of urinary incontinence can be significantly improved or cured with proper treatment! Since there are various reasons for incontinence, it is important to discuss urine leakage with your physician as soon as it becomes a problem. Too many women suffer in silence when there are simple treatments available.

What Treatments Are Available?
Kettering Rehabilitation Medicine's Bladder Confidence Program offers the very latest, state-of-the-art equipment and treatment methods for urinary incontinence. Curing the problem may be as simple as being instructed by our physical therapist specially trained in the following procedures:

• RUSI (rehabilitative ultrasound imaging)

• Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles

• Bladder retraining

• Electric stimulation

• Biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles

• Posture and body mechanics training

• Kegel exercises

• Abdominal, buttock and leg exercises

• Strategies for bladder management

Be In Control
Don't be embarrassed to talk to your physician about urine leakage. Remember, incontinence is a very common problem affecting half of all women sometime during their lifetime.

A referral from a Primary Care Physician, OB/GYN or Urologist is necessary for treatment through the Bladder Confidence Program.

Offered at Two Convenient Locations:

Kettering Medical Center
3535 Southern Boulevard
Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 395-8882

Sugarcreek Health Center
6438 Wilmington Pike
Dayton, OH 45459
(937) 558-3810

This is a specialized treatment to improve speech clarity of Parkinson’s patients so they can be better understood by family and friends.

Speech-language pathologists with specialized certifications provide this therapy.

It is a chronic disorder characterized by localized collection of protein rich fluid that is caused by improper lymph drainage due to a compromised lymphatic circulatory system. The Lymphatic system is made up of vessels that collect and remove waste from the cells of the body. The vessels carry this fluid to the lymph nodes and the waste materials are filtered. If the lymph system is damaged, fluid can build up resulting in swelling known as Lymphedema.

• Primary Lymphedema - This has no known cause and can develop at any age.
  
  

• Secondary Lymphedema - This is caused by illness or injury to the lymphatic system. Surgical removal of lymph nodes as a cancer treatment is an example of ways this can occur.

Protect and avoid injury to the affected limb. Buts, scrapes and burns can all lead to infection, which can cause lymphedema. Protect yourself from sharp objects. Avoid shaving with a disposable razor. Never have blood drawn from the affected arm.

Rest your arm or leg. Exercise and stretching are needed to promote proper circulation. When doing strenuous activities such as painting, vacuuming, or lifting be sure to take frequent rest breaks.

Avoid heat on your arm or leg. Do not apply heat, such as a heating pad, to your affected limb. Heat can increase blood flow to the area which can cause increased swelling.

Elevate your arm or leg. Let gravity help pull fluid towards your central circulatory pump, the heart.

Avoid tight items. Avoid anything that could constrict your arm or leg, such as tight fitting clothing or jewelry. If your arm is affected, ask that your blood pressure by taken on your other arm.

Keep your arm or leg clean. Make skin and nail care high priorities in your daily life. Any open areas can lead to infection and increase your chances of lymphedema occurring.

If left untreated, lymphedema creates an area of protein rich stationary fluid that can cause the tissues to become hardened. This can lead to decreased range of motion, increased size of the affected area and more importantly a decreased quality of life.

Our goal is to educate you on how to independently manage this condition long term and to prevent any further complications.

You can schedule your appointment with the lymphedema specialists at Kettering Medical Center by calling 395-8882 (option 2). Since the treatment we provide is specialized, we will need a physician referral to begin treatment. This can be obtained from your primary care physician, oncologist, or any other physician who is helping treat your lymphedema. By obtaining a referral, we will know that your doctor has cleared you medically and it is safe to begin treatment.

Lymphedema is not curable but I can be controlled which will greatly increase your quality of life. Our certified Lymphedema Specialists' program includes:

• Evaluation of the Affected Limb
  Measurements are taken so we can show your objectively how much you have improved.
  
  

• Manual Lymph Drainage
  Specialized massage techniques will help redirect lymph fluid.
  
  

• Compression Bandaging
  Special short stretch bandages are used to wrap the affected limb to help reduce swelling. You will learn how to wrap your affected limb so you can reapply bandages daily when needed.
  
  

• Exercise Prescription
  You may be instructed in exercises that can help improve circulation and lymphatic flow.
  
  

• Compression Garment
  As your swelling decreases, a therapist may recommend wearing a compression garment daily to keep swelling under control.
  
  

For addition information call (937) 395-8882.

• Wheezing

• Throat Phlegm

• Sensation of Choking

• Hoarse Voice

• Chronic Dry Cough

• Heartburn

• Lump in the Throat

• Can't Get a Full Breath

• Foamy/Stringy Breath

• Difficulty Swallowing Food

• Chest Pain (non-cardiac)

• Difficulty Swallowing Liquids

• Air Gets Cut Off (Laryngospasm)

These are symptoms associated with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). Please report all of your symptoms to your physician. To rate your symptoms, see the Reflux Symptom Index Scale.

• Pneumonia/Bronchitis

• Asthma

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Reflux, hiatal hernia, esophagitis

• Ulcers or stomach surgery

• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma

• Stroke/neurological problem

• Radiation treatment to head, neck or chest

• Throat or voice box surgery

Facts About GERD

• Many GERD medications must be taken in the morning

• Several weeks of GERD medication are needed to reduce symptoms

• Stress and emotions can affect your swallowing

• Feeling full after a few bites may be a sign of swallowing problems

• Dry mouth may be a symptom of swallowing problems

• Shortness of breath may be a sign of swallowing/reflux problems

• Liquids can go into the lungs without your coughing

• Chronic bronchitis/frequent pneumonia can be a sign of swallowing problems

• A sensation of choking may not be blockage in your windpipe

Reducing or eliminating the following may improve your breathing and swallowing.

• Overeating

• Smoking

• Caffeine

• Soda Pop

• Peppermint

• Alcohol

• Fatty foods

• Orange/Tomato juice

• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime

• Sleep on a wedge pillow

• Elevate the head of the bed on blocks 4-6"

• Do exercise

• Sip water after swallowing a bite if your food feels like it is sticking

• Sit upright to eat to reduce choking and help food travel to the stomach

• Take smaller bites and sips

• Try pills in sherbert or applesauce

• Drink plenty of water. A dry throat and esophagus can cause food to stick. Check with your doctor before changes in diet

• Take medication as prescribed

• Take relaxing breaths prior to eating. Stress can impair the clearance of food through the esophagus

To reduce acid reflux symptoms

• Elevate the head of the bed on blocks 4-6 inches

• Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime

• Sleep on a wedge pillow

• Avoid or reduce overeating, smoking, caffeine, soda pop, peppermint, alcohol, fatty foods, orange juice, tomato juice and other tomato products