Pelvic Floor Therapy Available at MRHC

MRHC is pleased to announce the addition of pelvic floor therapy services, now available with occupational therapist Amy Osbahr, OTR/L.

This specialized therapy is designed to help individuals of all ages strengthen and improve the function of their pelvic floor muscles, addressing common concerns such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that sometimes gets brushed off as being normal for many women,” said Osbahr. “Nearly 50% of women suffer from some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction and 1/3 of women postpartum. Although common for women, it is not normal. However, there are treatment options to improve these issues. Pelvic floor therapy can be up to 80% effective in improving the quality of life for these conditions.”

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for men and women who struggle with pain, incontinence, or other pelvic health issues. Women often seek therapy for pregnancy-related changes, menopause symptoms, or recovery after surgery, while men may need treatment for bladder control issues or post-prostate surgery rehabilitation. Through guided exercises, relaxation techniques, and personalized care, patients can regain strength and control over their bladder, bowel, and core strength, improving daily function and reducing pain.pelvic floor

Osbahr is certified in many areas, from neurological rehabilitation (for conditions like strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis) to orthopedics (managing joint replacements, wrist pain, sprains, fractures, arthritis, and more). She is also trained in pediatric therapy, ASTYM treatment, blood flow restriction Therapy (BFR), LSVT-BIG Parkinson’s management, lymphedema treatment, and vestibular rehabilitation. Osbahr can perform workstation and ergonomics assessments as well as custom wheelchair assessments.

To schedule an appointment with Osbahr, call (712) 655-8298. Most insurance companies do not require a referral for pelvic floor treatment, but it is recommended that patients check with their insurance provider to verify coverage.

 

MRHC Welcomes New Occupational Therapist, Amy Osbahr

Amy Osbahr

The therapy department at MRHC recently welcomed Amy Osbahr, OTR/L, a new occupational therapist. Trained and certified in an array of specialized therapies and experience working with all ages, Osbahr brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to MRHC.

“I have treated a wide range of patients from 3 months old to 105 years old,” Osbahr shared, a testament to her commitment to meeting the unique needs of every individual she encounters.

Osbahr is certified in many different areas from neurological rehabilitation (catering to conditions like strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis) to orthopedics (managing joint replacements, wrist pain, sprains, fractures, arthritis, and more). She is also trained/certified in ASTYM treatment, blood flow restriction Therapy (BFR), LSVT-BIG Parkinson’s management, lymphedema treatment, and vestibular rehabilitation. In addition, Osbahr can perform workstation and ergonomics assessments as well as custom wheelchair assessments.

Additional common occupational therapy services include assisting adults who have difficulties with routine care such as brushing their teeth, getting dressed, feeding themselves, or driving to work.

Pediatric therapy is another area of expertise for Osbahr. She can address conditions such as autism, developmental delays, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and more. Osbahr can also help ensure that children are meeting developmental milestones and progressing as they should, as well as helping with handwriting and behavioral health.

“I’m looking forward to using my skills in this new opportunity, and I am thankful to be part of the MRHC team,” said Osbahr.

A graduate of the College of St Mary’s in Omaha, Nebraska, Osbahr has since dedicated herself to the occupational therapy field, gaining a wide array of skills and certifications over her two-decade career. With over 15 years at RehabVisions, Osbahr has had experience with a variety of specialized therapies within inpatient, outpatient, and home health settings.

Her previous roles have been with the Glenwood Resource Center, Methodist Hospital’s ICU and medical floors, and the psychiatric unit at Jennie Edmundson Hospital. She worked on-site at Smithfield, focusing on work-related injuries and rehabilitation. Osbahr has also worked at numerous nursing homes across Southwest Iowa, demonstrating her dedication to reaching and assisting individuals in need throughout the region.

To schedule an occupational therapy appointment, call (712) 655-8100.

MRHC Helps Individuals Live at Home Longer with Occupational Therapy

aging in place

90% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Occupational therapy at MRHC can help promote aging in place to help individuals live, work, and play more independently. Therapy treatments can help with aging in place by promoting independence and safety to make activities of daily living more doable.

Aging in place refers to an individual making a conscious decision to live in the residence of their choice for as long as they can with the comforts that are important to them. As they age, adding supplementary services to facilitate their living conditions and maintain their quality of life may be necessary. These could include assistance with personal care, household chores, making meals, money management, or health care.

Family members should consider the following questions when determining the best course of action for an aging adult:

  • What is the ideal way for them to spend their retired years?
  • What type of home environment do you see them living in – individual, community, assisted?
  • What special health care requirements are needed or anticipated?
  • What other types of supplementary services are needed?
  • What options are available in case of emergencies, life changing events, accidents, etc.?

MRHC Occupational Therapists remind individuals that aging in place does not mean that you need to do everything yourself. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, can, and are capable of.

Occupational therapy at MRHC is available for people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Services can promote independence and aging in place by assisting with the following:

  • Getting around (adaptive devices: cane, walker, wheelchair)
  • Safety concerns and fall prevention
  • Home modifications (grab bars, lighting, and toilet risers)
  • Cooking
  • Laundry
  • Showering
  • Shopping
  • Medications
  • Cognition and memory
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Balance.

A doctor’s referral is required to be seen by an occupational therapist.

In addition to occupational therapy, MRHC provides a variety of other services to help community members live at home longer. Physical therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from an injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain. Senior Life Solutions offers an outpatient group counseling program to meet unique needs of adults over 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. Residential and outpatient medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol is available through the Recovery Center.

If you or a loved one would benefit from services that enable you to live at home longer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at MRHC by calling (712) 655-8100. To learn more about occupational therapy services, click here.

Lymphedema Services Now Available at MRHC

lymphedema treatment

“For those experiencing swelling due to lymph node removal or cancer treatments, lymphedema services can be very beneficial,” explained Manning Regional Healthcare Center Occupational Therapist.

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 we knew it was essential 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 at MRHC, call (712) 655-8100.