Lymphedema Services Now Available at MRHC

Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

“For those experiencing swelling due to lymph node removal or cancer treatments, lymphedema services can be very beneficial,” explained Occupational Therapist Amanda Arneson, MOTR/L, CLT, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center. Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

Lymphedema is a pooling of lymph fluid that results in swelling in a portion of the body. If left untreated, the collection of protein-rich fluid provides a culture rich for infection and inflammatory processes. Reduced oxygen transport then decreases healing to compromised tissues and wounds.

Lymphedema is a progressive condition characterized by:

  • Excessive protein in the tissues
  • Excessive fluid in the tissues
  • Chronic inflammatory reactions
  • Excessive deposition of fibrous tissues

“We began seeing more and more patients experiencing the effects of lymphedema, so Amanda became certified to provide treatment for our patients,” said Director of the therapy department, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT.

Patients will now be available to receive the following treatments at MRHC:

  • Manual lymph drainage
  • Compression bandaging
  • Compression garments
  • Exercise and elevation
  • Education in self-management

To schedule a lymphedema consultation with Amanda at MRHC, call (712) 655-8298.

MRHC Therapy Department Evolves to Improve Patient Experience

Sadie Schwartz, new speech therapist at MRHC

The therapy department at MRHC has undergone several changes within the last few months in order to improve the overall patient experience and convenience of appointments. Most recently, a new speech therapist, Sadie Schwartz, M.A. CCC-SLP, has joined the therapy team. Sadie Schwartz, new speech therapist at MRHC

Schwartz is now offering speech therapy services at MRHC that can address issues with speaking, reading, listening, writing, thinking, and swallowing.

“There are many different ages and areas that we focus on with speech services: cognitive, articulation, expressive/receptive language and swallowing. I typically serve school age but have experience with adults as well,” said Schwartz.

Schwartz graduated with her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Dakota in 2016. She worked for Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (AEA) in Eastern Iowa for three years while her husband was in dental school. Sadie and her husband, Dr. Derek Schwartz, dentist at Manning Dental, moved to Templeton in 2019. Sadie currently works full-time as a Speech Therapist for Green Hills AEA.

“I was hired at MRHC as a PRN employee, so I work as needed and after hours of my full-time job,” shared Schwartz. “The hospital is convenient for me and close to home.”

In addition to speech therapy, the therapy department offers physical and occupational therapy. To provide convenient and flexible care for physical therapy patients, new hours have been announced. Physical therapy appointments are now available on:
Monday and Wednesday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday 7:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The therapy team is also trying to transform the perception of physical therapy. MRHC Physical therapist Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT reminds everyone of the benefits it can have.

“Many people associate physical therapy only with rehabilitation after suffering an injury or recovering from surgery, but physical therapy can also help those who may be dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain,” shared Nelson.

According to Choose PT, here are five reasons to choose physical therapy for pain:
1. Get better safely, without fear of causing further injury
2. Stay physically active to avoid risk of surgery and the need for pain medication
3. Recover as soon as possible
4. Avoid other problems caused by chronic pain
5. Achieve your goals

“In the therapy department at MRHC, our treatment philosophy first focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain or dysfunction, then developing an individualized treatment plan to address muscle imbalances that may have contributed to the injury, pain, or are a result of your condition,” said Nelson.

Nelson and the physical therapy team utilize an exercise-based approach in their treatment plans, whether that be strengthening or stretching certain muscles, or hands on techniques to facilitate movement of stiff joints or tightness within the muscles.

One thing that has remained the same is the therapy team’s continuum of care close to home.

“The past few years have taught us that receiving high quality healthcare should not be something you expect to travel multiple hours for,” said Nelson. “Our goal is to listen to each individual and identify the cause of your symptoms, what important activities in your life have been limited by your condition, develop a plan to reach your goals, and communicate with your health team on what is going on.”

To schedule an appointment in the therapy department, call (712) 655-8298.

MRHC Welcomes New Physical Therapist

Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome new Physical Therapist, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT. Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Nelson is an Iowa native, excited to be back working close to home. “My wife and I are originally from Exira. We moved to Maine for about two years and then just recently made our transition back to the area. So, I’m looking forward to starting our family here, getting to know the community and taking the hospital to a new level with PT services,” he shared.

Nelson is a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, which uses an exercise-based program to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems. He also specializes in orthopedic type conditions, implementing a multifaceted approach, including hands on and exercise treatments to help patients achieve their rehab goals.

After graduating from Central College in 2015 with a degree in Health and Exercise Science, Nelson obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England in 2019. He then worked as a physical therapist at Proactive Physical Therapy in Lewiston, Maine for two years.

A knee injury in high school requiring extensive rehab inspired Nelson to pursue a career in physical therapy. “The whole rehab process and having a good experience is what led me to this field. Especially in small towns, we’re kind of limited on how many healthcare professionals we have here. We didn’t really have the option of driving to Omaha or Des Moines for everything, so that’s what made me interested in coming back to this area – just having a place for everyone to receive high-quality, evidence-based care here.”

MRHC Physical therapist helping high school boy exerciseEvidence-based practice includes the integration of best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances related to patient and client management, practice management, and health policy decision-making, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

Physical therapy can help those with back, neck, muscle and joint pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke, sprains and strains, orthopedic or sports related injuries, weakness or loss of motion, body misalignments and more.

MRHC also offers additional rehabilitative services such as occupational and speech therapy. Occupational therapy provides services for people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental, or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Speech therapy can address issues with speaking, reading, listening, writing, thinking, and swallowing.

To schedule a physical therapy appointment at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, call (712) 655-8298.