MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Physical therapy offers multiple experts to help patients. At the top is Melissa Brentlinger, Charmaine Grumo and Toni Giltner in the middle, and at bottom, Cindy Woodall and Cheryl Bates. Advertisement

The Physical Therapy Department at Evergreen Convalescent Home has flexed its muscles by moving to a new location within the facility.

The old area only had 500 square feet and limited the options to patients. Their new digs have 3,000 square feet, allowing more equipment and services.

Equipment was donated by charitable members of the community and is maintained by the facility's maintenance department.

Care now available is provided by a full-time physical therapist, Cheryl Bates, a full-time occupational therapist, Charmaine Grumo, full-time speech, language pathologist Toni Giltner, full-time patient therapy assistant Melissa Brentlinger and a full-time certified occupational therapy assistant, Cindy Woodall.

The department has a combined experience of 90 years, from working on a degree program to holding a Ph.D.

A general misconception of occupational therapy is that only those with work-related injuries receive the available care. In fact, it applies to a wide range of individuals rehabilitating from strokes, cancer surgery, head injuries, other physically disabling injuries and heart attacks.

Other areas addressed are patients with dementia, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), daily care of bed ridden patients, or those who require help in regaining their ability to perform daily activity functions.

Giltner works with patients who have memory problems as well as speech and other dysfunctions.

"I help them stay intellectually active and able to give back to the community," she said.

Even though she could retire at any time, she said "It's still a challenge and a passion. I love working with people."

Some of the issues treated by therapists involve orthopedic surgery such as knee and hip injuries or replacements, wound care, back injuries, rotator cup repairs, and general rehabilitation regarding muscle weaknesses and other related problems.

Brentlinger, the department manager, said "It's really great to have a larger area where we can offer more rehabilitation options to our patients."

One of the newer pieces of equipment is the Scifit Pro II upper body motion recumbent bike which can be made wheelchair accessible.

"We are the only ones in southern Nevada to offer all three disciplines, which will allow us to add more services in needed areas. Even now we are receiving inquiries about our department from Las Vegas physical therapy departments.

"Our department will be participating in the Nathan Adelson Hospice Senior Resource Carnival and will use every option to spread the word about our services," said Brentlinger.

The department provides services to both inpatients and outpatients.

Physical therapy is offered Monday through Saturday, and occupational therapy is offered Monday through Friday. For information and appointments call 775-751-8664.