MOR Rehab Expanding Services for Patients in Mercer County

CELINA — MOR Rehab is expanding its services and staff as it works to provide more rehabilitation options for patients in Mercer County.

Grand Lake Health System Director of Rehab Services Matt Dwenger discussed the facility during an appearance on WCSM’s Spectrum.

MOR Rehab operates as part of the Kemmler Orthopaedic Center in Celina. Dwenger said Grand Lake Health System has been involved with the rehabilitation operation for approximately 10 years, while therapy services have been available at the location for about 20 years.

Recent staffing changes have allowed MOR Rehab to consider additional opportunities for growth.

Dwenger said rehabilitation has become increasingly specialized during his nearly 30 years in the profession. In addition to traditional exercises for neck, back, hip and leg problems, patients may now receive treatments such as dry needling, pelvic-floor therapy and other specialized services.

Dry needling uses a very thin filament inserted near a tight or painful area of a muscle. Dwenger said the treatment does not involve injecting medication and may help the body respond to the affected area.

He said some patients who were initially reluctant to try dry needling later experienced relief after other approaches were unsuccessful.

During a patient’s first visit, a therapist conducts a complete evaluation and asks questions about the person’s pain, medical history and daily activities. Therapists also evaluate flexibility, strength and movement to determine where the problem may originate.

Dwenger said the location of a person’s pain does not always identify its cause. Leg pain may originate in the back, while a nerve problem in the wrist can sometimes produce symptoms farther up the arm.

Following the evaluation, therapists create a personalized treatment plan. That may include hands-on treatment, exercises that can be completed at home and follow-up appointments to measure progress and adjust the plan.

Dwenger said MOR Rehab added a new physical therapist and physical therapist assistant following a staffing change in April. An occupational therapist is expected to begin working at the Celina location three days a week later this month.

The organization also plans to add speech therapy at the facility in the future. Dwenger said the expansion could allow more Mercer County patients to receive several forms of rehabilitation in Celina instead of traveling to St. Marys.

MOR Rehab treats patients recovering from injuries and surgeries, along with people experiencing pain or difficulty completing everyday activities.

Dwenger said free screenings may be available for people who are uncertain whether rehabilitation could help. A complete initial evaluation is generally scheduled for approximately one hour and includes questions, physical assessment and the development of an exercise or treatment plan.

The amount of therapy required varies by patient. Some people may improve after only a few visits if they consistently complete their prescribed exercises, while others may require changes to their treatment plans or an evaluation by another medical specialist.

Dwenger said therapists may recommend that a patient see an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, family physician, massage therapist or another specialist when rehabilitation does not resolve the problem.

The Grand Lake Health System rehabilitation program also provides vestibular therapy for patients experiencing dizziness, balance problems or vertigo. Dwenger said specific exercises may help address problems involving the inner ear.

Therapists also work with high school and recreational athletes recovering from ankle, knee, ligament and other sports-related injuries. Return-to-play assessments may compare the strength and movement of an injured limb with the unaffected side before an athlete resumes competition.

Pediatric rehabilitation services are available in St. Marys for children experiencing challenges involving movement, communication, socialization or eating.

Grand Lake Health System also offers inpatient rehabilitation in St. Marys for patients requiring more intensive treatment following a stroke, traumatic injury, complicated surgery or other serious medical condition.

Dwenger said MOR Rehab in Celina and Grand Lake Rehab in St. Marys work together to connect patients with the most convenient location and appropriate services.