Outpatient Therapy

You need a referral from your physician to have physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Your physician's office may call to set up your first visit, or give you a referral and ask you to schedule the appointment.

Check with your insurance plan to determine your plan's coverage for therapy services. Some plans require pre-authorization before therapy begins. Other plans don't require pre-authorization but have a maximum number of visits or a maximum amount of billed services that are covered. Some insurance policies require copays for each visit; others do not. You must understand your individual coverage and tell your therapist so plans for your care can be made accordingly.

• Insurance card
• Photo ID
• List of medications you're currently taking
• List of allergies
• List of prior illnesses or surgeries that may relate to your current condition
• Comfortable, roomy clothes
• Goals you would like to achieve
• Positive attitude

Your first appointment will be an evaluation. Your therapist will decide if therapy can help you. You'll work together to set up a treatment plan and schedule additional appointments as needed. We share all information about your treatment with your referring physician.

The length of your visit and the number of recommended visits depends upon your evaluation. Another key factor in your recovery is whether or not you follow your therapist’s instructions while you are at home. Doing your exercises at home is crucial and will enhance your recovery. For more information about Springfield Memorial's Outpatient Therapy Care call, 217-862-0400.

Aquatic physical therapy consists of exercises that are performed in the water. Benefits include the buoyancy provided by the water, the viscosity of the water to provide resistance, the hydrostatic pressure to improve proprioception and decrease swelling as well as the water temperature which can increase blood flow. Aquatic physical therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing pain, weakness, limited mobility, neurological conditions and balance issues. People who cannot participate in weight bearing exercise or who are pregnant can also benefit.

If your therapists feels you would benefit from aquatic therapy, they will recommend it as a treatment tool to aid in your recovery. The goal is to transfer to a land-based program to continue building on the skills gained in the water. Patients interested in aquatic rehab can talk to their physician about a referral.

Aquatic Therapy is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)

A functional capacity evaluation, or FCE, is a test of an individual's ability to perform work-related tasks.

FCEs are known by other terms, such as: physical performance testing, work capacity evaluation, physical ability testing, etc. FCEs typically include testing to determine the worker’s ability to handle material (weight), walking and balance abilities, and positional tolerances such as sitting, standing, bending or squatting.

FCE Reports

Our partnership with WorkWell Systems, Inc., has permitted us to use a nationally recognized system that is standardized and was developed through research and 15 years of experience from many of the leaders in the industry.

Our reports include substantial amounts of information related to the client’s effort and cooperation, consistency of performance, subjective pain reports, safety, quality of movement, abilities/strengths, limitations, potential barriers to return to work and U.S. Department of Labor physical demand level. These areas of information are derived from extensive assessment over a three-hour time period and can be customized to the needs of the referral source or client.

Please note that therapists cannot complete disability paperwork.

What to expect

You should expect a rigorous physical and functional exam of your abilities. Please be open and honest with the clinician. It’s common to ask you to do an activity consistent with your occupation, but far above your current activity level. However, we will test to make sure you can be safe and limit exposure to further injury.

Our physical and occupational therapists have been formally trained in a kinesiophysical approach which permits them to quickly and accurately:

• Identify maximum objective strength of an individual
• Identify tolerance levels to activities based on objective physical observations
• Utilize safe testing procedures to ensure no injuries during the testing situations; ensures the client is aware of the difference between safe and unsafe procedures
• Link functional deficiencies to physical causes
• Identify submaximal efforts and the presence of self-limiting behavior
• Provide a clear objective summary report that includes therapist observations, conclusions and recommendations regarding work

Functional capacity evaluations are offered at:

• Memorial Therapy Care on Engineering Drive
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)

Memorial’s Hand Therapy program addresses reduced motion, weakness, numbness or pain of the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow. Our certified hand therapists are specialists in the rehabilitation of these conditions.

Common Conditions

Conditions or diagnoses that will benefit from the specialized skills of a certified hand therapist:

• Pediatric hand patients (under 16 years old)
• Any postsurgical hand condition
• Need for a dynamic splint
• Tendon laceration
• Tendon repositioning
• Carpal fracture, especially scaphoid fracture
• Finger or phalanx fracture
• Boutonniere deformity
• Swan neck deformity
• Finger or thumb joint replacement or joint reconstruction
• Metacarpal fracture

Types of treatment that may be a part of your therapy include:

• Custom-fabricated hand orthoses (splints)
• Strengthening
• Tendon and nerve gliding
• Use of heat, cold or other modalities
• Wound and scar management
• Sensation evaluation and retraining
• Edema/swelling reduction
• Functional retraining
• Work and leisure analysis

All of our therapists have undergone additional training and certification to become Certified Hand Therapists through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

Hand Therapy programs are located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center at Taylorville (located inside TMH)

LSVT-BIG and LOUD Therapy for Parkinsons are two evidenced-based therapies designed to help patients with Parkinson’s disease improve communication, mobility and movement used in everyday function. You can have any stage of Parkinson’s and benefit from the program. This program uses research-based protocols designed specifically to address the motor, sensory and non-motor symptoms that many people with Parkinson’s disease face. Outcomes include improvements in loudness and clarity of speech and improved balance and walking ability.

The LSVT program is located at: 

• Memorial Therapy Care at Koke Mill
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)

Lymphedema is swelling in one or more arms or legs and is caused by fluid just below the skin. Congenital malformations, cancer and other illnesses, traumatic injuries and surgery can lead to lymphedema. If left untreated, lymphedema tends to get worse over time. In advanced cases, skin problems, infections and loss of function in the extremity can happen.

Lymphedema cannot be cured and will require life-long management. In most cases, bandaging can be replaced by stockings or a sleeve that you will need to continue to wear. You will be ready to manage your condition on your own when you have learned how to use compression, exercise and home programs to prevent the return of swelling in the extremity.

We offer education for patients and family members so they can make an informed decision before entering into treatment.

Treatment includes:

• Skin and nail care education
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Recommendations for custom garments

In order to receive lymphedema treatment you will need:

•  A referral from your physician.
• In some cases, additional cardiac, pulmonary, renal and liver function may need to be assessed to ensure you can safely participate in the program.
• You may need an additional person to assist with applying the bandages. In that case it is important that they attend therapy sessions with you.

All of our therapists have undergone a minimum of 135 hours of additional training through an approved School of Lymphology from the Lymphedema Association of Northern America, the National Lymphedema Foundation and the National Lymphedema Association.

The Lymphedema Clinic is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)

Our interdisciplinary team of speech, physical and occupational therapists work together to provide a comprehensive treatment program to facilitate ongoing recovery from a stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or other neurological impairment. We integrate the latest technology along with years of experience and specialized training to assist our patients in meeting the goals they have set for themselves.

We cannot accept patients who are ventilator dependent.

The Neuro Rehabilitation team is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center at Taylorville (located inside TMH)

At Memorial Outpatient Therapy Care, we are dedicated to helping cancer survivors function at the highest level possible. Cancer treatments can be very toxic and often cause significant pain, fatigue and disability for survivors. Through our Oncology Rehab program, our goal is to minimize these side effects and to encourage cancer survivors to have the best quality of life possible.

Common conditions we can help with:

• Fatigue
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Joint stiffness
• Lymphedema
• Weakness
• Balance
• Memory problems
• Issues with talking
• Difficulty with swallowing/weaning from feeding tube

Treatment options include:

• Exercise prescription
• Energy conservation education and recommendations
• Pain management strategies
• Lymphedema management
• Cognitive training and memory strategies
• Recommendations to address swallowing and eating
• Voice prosthesis management

Physician referral currently required for insurance billing.

The Oncology Rehab services are located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center at Taylorville (located inside TMH)

Our experienced physical therapists and occupational therapists will create a custom care plan based on a thorough evaluation to address your needs to maximize your functional outcome.

Examples of orthopedic diagnoses we see:

• ACL tears
• Fractures
• Joint pain
• Meniscal tears
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Sprains/strains
• TMJ
• Tendinitis
• Tendon repairs
• Total joint replacements

Some of our therapists have undergone an additional certification to become Orthopedic Certified Specialists through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Our orthopedic therapy services are available at any of our clinics.

The goal of the pediatric rehabilitation program is to optimize functional outcomes and community integration for pediatric patients with developmental, neurological and orthopedic conditions in a system that focuses on evidenced based practice and interdisciplinary team approach. Because children learn through play, therapy in pediatrics usually takes the form of structured play activities to accomplish specific goals.

Physical Therapy

Treatment utilizes toys such as therapy balls, swings and riding toys to increase strength and endurance, improve balance and coordination, and improve the appearance of patterns of posture or movement and increase function. Physical therapists focus on movement dysfunction and help children learn how to move independently or with assistive devices. Our goal is to help each child reach his or her fullest potential to participate in play and activities at school, home and in the community.

Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on working with children from birth to 18 years of age. Children go through many developmental changes as they progress toward adulthood. Occupational therapy focuses on improving a child’s engagement in daily tasks by increasing his or her level of performance, compensating for limitations or making modifications within the environment.

Speech Therapy

Speech language pathologists evaluate and treat patients with communication delays, deficits or disorders as well as disorders of feeding and swallowing. Our speech pathologists will complete an evaluation to determine strength and deficit areas and find the most effective way to meet the child’s needs to improve his or her skills.

Pediatric Therapy is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center at Taylorville (located inside TMH)

We are here to help you navigate the often sensitive world of pelvic health.

Sample of conditions or changes that can affect anyone at any age:

• Leaking urine or stool with any daily activities, including exercising
• Urinary or fecal urge or frequency
• Abdominal separation after baby (Diastasis Recti)
• C-section scars or pain after baby
• Vaginal, vulvar or episiotomy pain after baby
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Painful sex
• Constipation
• Bladder pain
• Pain with sitting: tailbone, pudendal neuralgia, genital
• Genital pain – vulvar, vaginal, testicular, penile, etc.
• Any type of pain or function change after surgeries such as hysterectomy, pudendal nerve decompression, colorectal or gynecological cancers, hymenectomy or vestibulectomy, prostate surgery, hernia, endometriosis excision, and many more
• Orthopedic pelvis – fractures or muscle and ligament injuries
• Pain or dysfunction at the lower spine or tailbone

Treatment options include:

• Biofeedback/electrical stimulation
• Postural training
• Core stabilization
• Pelvic floor musculature strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy

Our pelvic heath team consists of physical therapists who have undergone additional education and training to serve the needs of this population.

The Pelvic Health Clinic is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)

A post-offer functional test, or agility test, is a functional test performed by a licensed physical or occupational therapist, or licensed therapist assistant. It can determine an applicant’s ability to safely perform the physical requirements of a specific job. Functional testing may include measuring activities such as lifting, force testing, postural tolerances, grip, push/pull, ambulation, climbing and balance abilities. It incorporates a brief physical assessment that includes blood pressure and heart rate as well as a range of motion and strength screen. The test is customized for each company and specific positions. Results are available as soon as testing is completed.

Post-Offer Functional Testing is performed at:

• Memorial Therapy Care on Engineering Drive

This program provides a nonsurgical approach to limiting progressions of a scoliosis through prescribed exercises.

Who can benefit?

This program is designed for people who are: 

• 10 years old and greater
• Pre and postsurgery
• Identified scoliosis of at least 15 degrees

What can I expect? 

• Thorough evaluation of current functional and structural limitations including review of radiological studies
• Evaluation of mobility
• Customized exercise prescription
• Education
• Ongoing follow-up and monitoring

What is the time commitment?

• A typical episode of care is 1-2 times per week for 10-12 weeks

The Schroth Method Scoliosis program is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care on Engineering Drive

Vestibular rehab is an exercise-based program aimed at alleviating or reducing dizziness or lack of balance due to inner ear problems or problems with eye movements. People with inner ear problems often experience dizziness and impaired balance resulting in limited physical activity and falls. This can also lead to decreased endurance, range of motion, inability to drive, lost work days and diminished quality of life.

Who can benefit?

Here’s a sample of conditions that can respond to vestibular rehabilitation.

• Acquired brain injury
• BPPV
• Concussion
• Dizziness/vertigo
• Vestibular neuritis
• Vestibular hypofunction
• Labrynthitis

What can I expect?

A therapist with certification and specialty training will:

• Conduct a thorough medical history
• Assess eye movements in relation to the head movements
• Assess the vestibular system. Video goggles are used for monitoring and evaluating eye movements during assessment
• Assess balance
• Prescribe an individualized treatment program

Our therapists have undergone additional education and training to serve the needs of this population.

Memorial Vestibular program located at:

• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center at Taylorville (located inside TMH)

Our wheelchair clinic is an interdisciplinary team consisting of an occupational therapist and an assistive technology professional.

Our certified therapist will conduct an evaluation to assist in identifying your mobility needs, understand your goals and make recommendations for what equipment could best meet your needs.

The assistive technology professional is the expert on the products available and how they can work together to support your goals.

Together they can help navigate through the process to help identify a solution that will work the best for you.

The Wheelchair Clinic is located at:

• Wheelchair Clinic

• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)

Our therapists work in collaboration with Memorial Wound Care to offer care to patients with open wounds.

Types of wounds physical therapy can assist with:

• Pressure ulcers Stage I-IV, unstageable

• Suspected deep tissue injury

• Vascular ulcers including venous, arterial, mixed

• Neuropathic ulcers

• Traumatic

• Surgical

• Burns including thermal, chemical, electrical

• Dermatological including psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.

• Infection including abscess, necrotizing fasciitis, etc.

Treatment options include:

• Pressure redistribution through equipment recommendation and training

• Cleansing and irrigating of wound

• Debridement: mechanical, autolytic, chemical

• Negative pressure wound therapy

• Dressing changes

• Functional mobility

Our therapists have undergone additional education and training to serve the needs of this population.

The Wound Care Clinic is located at:

• Memorial Therapy Center in Lincoln (located inside LMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)

The Feeding Clinic is a multidisciplinary team including a speech pathologist/feeding specialist, registered dietitian and occupational therapist. We work with your child's primary care physician and/or sub-specialist to improve your child’s ability to eat.

Who can benefit?

This program is designed for infants, children and teens with a history of:

• Prematurity
• Dysphagia
• Feeding aversion
• Oral motor problems
• Sensory/behavioral/motor-based feeding disorders
• Failure to thrive
• Food allergies
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Digestive tract disorders
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Sensory processing disorder
• Cerebral palsy
• Genetic disorders
• Autism
• Vision/hearing impairment
• Non-oral feeders/tube-fed children

What can I expect?

• Thorough evaluation of your child’s current eating skills, diet and limitations related to feedings
• Review of medical records and information from current providers and/or therapists
• Customized oral motor and feeding plan to expand your child’s diet
• Education
• Ongoing follow-up and monitoring
• Recommendations to implement the feeding program in the home and day care/school setting

What is the time commitment?

• A typical episode of care is 1-4 times per month for 3-6 months depending on your child’s condition
• With children that come from a distance, we work with local providers to implement a recommended feeding program

Pediatric Feeding Services are located at:

• Memorial Therapy Care in Decatur (located inside DMH)
• Memorial Therapy Care in Springfield (located inside SMH)
• Memorial Therapy Center in Jacksonville (located inside JMH)