Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Service
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Overview
The Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (MSR) Service at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre (TOHRC) provides specialized assessment, treatment and education for adults with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
These may include orthopedic injuries, joint problems or limb loss that require a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
The MSR Service offers two programs:
- The Complex Orthopedic Program
- The Amputee Program
All patients are first assessed by a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation) to determine if the Service is right for them. Once accepted, patients work with an multidisciplinary team to set personal goals and follow a customized rehabilitation plan.
Goals
The goals of the MSR Service are to:
- Deliver specialized rehabilitation care, including assessment, preventative measures, treatment and discharge planning.
- Help patients improve their ability to move and function in daily life.
- Support education, research and advocacy for people living with musculoskeletal conditions and amputations.
Who we help
We care for adults who need rehabilitation after serious injuries or medical conditions affecting their bones, joints or muscles. This includes:
- People who have had a lower or upper limb amputation.
- Patients recovering from multiple fractures, trauma or severe burns.
- Individuals with general weakness or low endurance after a long hospital stay.
Patients are assessed by a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in rehabilitation) to determine if they are eligible for the program. We focus on those who will benefit most from a comprehensive team approach to rehabilitation.
Services
We offer a range of rehabilitation services to support patients and help them return to daily life. These include:
Inpatient rehabilitation (16 beds)
For patients who need intensive rehabilitation and who:
- Cannot safely manage at home.
- Have complex medical needs.
- Require nursing support or supervision, and / or
- Face transportation or distance challenges.
Patients are encouraged to take weekend leave, when safe, to practice new skills and prepare for discharge.
Locomotor Integration Rehabilitation (LIR)
Some patients may qualify for this program, which allows them to spend the day at the hospital receiving therapy and nursing care, and return home in the evening.
Outpatient services
We also provide follow-up care, assessments and treatment for patients who do not need to stay in the hospital.
Throughout all programs, our team works closely with patients, families and community care providers to support a smooth transition home and continued recovery.
Team
Our dedicated team is made up of professionals from:
- Clinical nutrition
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Spiritual care
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology and neuropsychology
- Recreation therapy
- Social work
- Vocational rehabilitation counselling
We can also consult other professionals as needed.
Referrals and eligibility
To be admitted to the MSR Service at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, patients must first undergo a medical evaluation to determine if they need comprehensive rehabilitation and whether they qualify for inpatient or outpatient care.
Eligibility
Patients may be considered for the program if they are 18 years or older, have a referral from a doctor, and:
- Are medically stable.
- Have had a limb amputation and are able to safely use a prosthesis.
- Have experienced multiple injuries or prolonged hospitalization resulting in significant weakness.
- Can bear weight on affected limbs.
- Can sit up or get out of bed for at least two hours, twice a day.
- Are able to maintain functional gains made during rehabilitation.
For patients aged 16 to 18, TOHRC will work with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) to determine the most appropriate care setting.
Contact us
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
613-737-7350 ext. 75508
613-733-8336
505 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M2