Recent News

Congratulations to Joan for being the April Appreciation Station Winner! Joan has been nominated for this award because of her hard work, dedication, and great patient care.  Most recently, Joan went above and beyond with a patient who was very close to dropping from a VH to a H. She was able to pull out 502 minutes. This happens often, but this was a particularly difficult patient and Joan was able to pull through in a clinically appropriate manner. Joan, thank you for all you do. You are appreciated!

At ATS we pride ourselves on having the newest cutting edge technology, as well as highly trained staff to operate new equipment. This puts ATS ahead of the game, and as Clinical Speech-Language Pathology Specialist Tamara Althoff knows, having an expert knowledge of new therapy techniques is key to helping people succeed on their pathway to recovery.

“That’s a lot to Swallow”

At ATS our Speech Pathologists evaluate and treat many different areas of impairment such as speech and language, cognition, and the ability to swallow food and liquids safely. 

Our Speech Pathologists have participated in education and certification to provide NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct to traditional dysphagia/swallow therapy and exercise.  Utilizing this tool called Vital Stim ® during assessment and treatment sessions, we are able to target key muscle groups to enhance muscle function and increase strength and coordination for better swallowing.  The ability to swallow safely is important to reduce aspiration risk and choking potential while consuming foods and liquids.   This treatment can be essential for those who have suffered a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

By:  Tamara Althoff, M.S., CCC-SLP

ATS Clinical Speech-Language Pathology Specialist

ATS clearly sees the importance of using all available tools for our patients. Stay tuned for more posts from our Clinical Team to keep you updated and informed.

ATS is proudly announcing the new Aquatic Classes offered at the ATS Aquatic Therapy Pool in Apple Valley! Developed specifically for people with arthritis, this water exercise program has been documented to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness while keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. With specially trained staff on hand to guide you through your aquatic therapy, you can feel confident knowing that your chronic pain and stiffness will melt away in our 94° F heated pool. The ability to swim is not required, so mark your calendars for this exciting opportunity.

Six week sessions begin this Fall. Classes are offered on either Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:15 pm or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 4:45 pm.

 

Register today: (952) 236-2549

aquatictherapy@augustanacare.org

14650 Garrett Avenue, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Congratulations to Katie for being the March Appreciation Station Winner!  Her rehab director shared one of the many reasons why Katie is so deserving of this award: “I’m sitting in my office right now listening to you explain to a patient why it is so important to bend her knee even though it hurts.  She can be a bit stubborn at times but you are doing an extremely nice job of reasoning with her and explaining the importance of what you are doing.  She seems to be responding so well to your approach. Great job with your patient education.” This is what we love to see! Congratulations and keep up the great work Katie!

Congratulations to Jenna for being February’s Appreciation Station Winner! Jenna is a very caring and kind individual. She recently worked with a patient who had a stroke and was non-verbal upon admission. Due do Jenna’s work, the patient is now beginning to speak, which has been a tremendous source of joy for the family. Thanks Jenna for all you do and for never giving up on your patients. You are appreciated!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have concerns about falling? Many older adults experience concerns about falling and will restrict their activities as a result. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

In the class you will learn to:

• View falls as controllable
• Set goals for increasing your activity
• Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
• Exercise to increase strength and balance

The program consists of classes once a week for 8 weeks. It is open to the public and there is no cost.  Sign up for our next class that starts on March 22nd in Hopkins, MN!

To sign up, or for more information please call Steph Brodegard at 612-238-5434.