Overview
At the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, our board certified specialists use cutting-edge technology and customized exercises during one-on-one individualized treatment sessions.
Our physical (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and speech-language pathology (SLP) programs are specifically tailored to the needs of those experiencing the effects of brain disorders. By incorporating patients’ interests and hobbies and offering socially enriching experiences, we work to increase our patients’ mobility and agility while decreasing fatigue and falls. We also work to improve all aspects of communication and cognition, as well as address swallowing challenges.
Our goal is to leverage research, provide expert care to patients and their caregivers, and empower patients to live as independently as possible.
Thanks to a grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation, the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health expanded its neurorehabilitation program by adding new equipment to both physical and occupational therapy programs.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with patients and their caregivers to improve an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities with greater ease, satisfaction and independence through education and physical and/or cognitive interventions.
Occupational therapy at the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is recommended when symptoms arising from cognitive issues, fatigue, or physical impairment make it difficult for an individual to perform:
- Activities of daily living: Bathing, dressing, grooming, driving, self-feeding and toileting
- Home management tasks: Preparing meals, cleaning or doing laundry, managing medication
- Work-related tasks: Typing, dialing or manipulation requiring fine motor skills
If you are experiencing decreased independence with self-care as a result of fatigue, memory or concentration impairments, or physical decline, ask your doctor how an occupational therapist might help.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
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People with brain disorders often limit activities and forget to move. Yet when we don’t use it, we lose it.
At the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, physical therapists utilize a variety of treatment techniques, cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices during individualized treatment sessions in order to optimize recovery and achieve the highest possible level of function. Interventions include:
- Aerobic conditioning
- Caregiver training
- Comprehensive balance testing and training
- Flexibility and strength training
- Individualized home exercise programs
- Partial body weight-supported treadmill training
- Functional mobility training
- Wheelchair assessments
We offer a comprehensive program featuring one-on-one PT for patients with degenerative brain diseases, including memory impairment, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Speech Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), commonly referred to as speech therapy, addresses communication limitations, (speech, language, voice) and swallowing disorders. At the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, our approach to SLP is tailored to the needs of those with brain disorders.
Following a referral from a neurology provider, our board certified speech therapist works one-on-one with patients, evaluating each individual’s specific needs and selecting a combination of techniques that may include:
- Articulation improvement
- Aphasia/language therapy
- Cognitive retraining for memory and attention as well as organizing and planning
- Computer-aided speech or alternative non-vocal communication
- Swallowing therapy/modified barium swallowing exam
- Stuttering/fluency
- Voice improvement
- Patient and family education
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized therapeutic goals. At Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we tailor our specialized music therapy program to those living with neurological disorders.
A board-certified and licensed music therapist will use music as a tool to help you manage common challenges including:
- Motor skills.
- Language and communication.
- Memory and perception.
- Mood and coping.
A collaborative approach
We offer multiple approaches to help you thrive while managing life with a brain disorder. Music therapy can coordinate with our physical, occupational and speech therapy teams to help you and your care partner maximize progress as you work towards your goals. Additionally, we’ll discuss whether our collaborative clinic — sessions in which you would be treated simultaneously by a music therapist and a physical or occupational therapist — are appropriate for you.
Individual or family sessions
Our music therapist will conduct an initial assessment, followed by individualized therapy designed to meet your specific needs and goals.
Individual music therapy is available at no cost upon referral by a Cleveland Clinic Nevada neurology provider.
Haven’t seen a Cleveland Clinic neurologist? Contact us to request a neurology appointment.
Group music therapy
Group music therapy is designed to support specific goal areas such as improving movement, speech, or memory — all while building community and promoting social interaction. Following our collaborative model, many of our groups incorporate additional types of therapy alongside music therapy. And you don’t need any music experience to benefit.
Additionally, some of our group music therapy programs are also open to the community outside of Cleveland Clinic.
All music therapy programs are offered at no cost due to generous donor support.
