The Citizen’s Aquatic Therapy Program uses water exercise to gradually build up muscle strength and help with pain or compression. Water decreases the gravitational pull on the body, reducing joint and spinal compression. This creates a unique pain-reducing environment.

Each session is tailored to your individual health needs. Aquatic Therapy is recommended for those who suffer from:

• Sports injuries

• Fibromyalgia

• Lower back and neck disorders or pain

• Spinal disorders

• Chronic pain

• Neurological conditions

• Arthritis or degenerative joint disease

• Gait and balance disorders

• Joint replacements

• Post-surgery movement inhibition

Getting Started in the Program

Citizen’s HealthPlex requires a physician referral for aquatic therapy services. Once this referral is made, one of our experienced Occupational/Physical Therapists will evaluate you to determine what type of aquatic program is right for you. He or she will develop goals for your program and implement a treatment regime.

Your medical history and this evaluation will allow us to create a completely personalized program for your rehabilitation needs. Our therapists will be in constant communication with your physician to update him or her on your progress.

Aquatic Therapy Stages

Outpatient

The first stage of our program includes your personalized program that was developed for you during your initial evaluation. The goal at this stage is to obtain your optimal functional outcome.

Maintenance

Following successful completion of the outpatient portion of your program, you will enter the maintenance stage. This is an ongoing, optional stage for those who want to maintain the progress they made at the outpatient level. This part of the program does require a monthly fee.

Goals of the Aquatic Therapy Program

The ultimate goal of the Aquatic program is to increase function, which will also increase the patients’ quality of life. Specific goals of the program include:

• Reduce edema secondary to hydrostatic pressure

• Improve stability while bearing only partial body weight

• Facilitate muscle relaxation during exercise

• Decrease the degenerative effects of an injury or disease

• Decrease the compressive forces that are present in land-based therapies

• Provide for a faster entrance into other types of therapy programs

• Increase performance levels and increase confidence

The Citizen’s HealthPlex program was developed in accordance with the American Occupational/Physical Therapy Association, the Texas Board of Occupational/Physical Therapy Examiners, and the Aquatics Rehab Institute.

For more information about the Citizens Aquatic Therapy Program or any other therapy program, contact the Rehab department at (361) 582-1109 or (361) 572-5030.

The Arthritis Program at Citizen’s HealthPlex follows recommendations from the Arthritis Foundation. Our program is designed for anyone that suffers from arthritis or fibromyalgia. This program will help decrease joint pain or stiffness and increase range of motion.

Education and Meeting Component

Program members receive e-mails that include general arthritis information, exercises to do at home, and program meeting information. The program includes meetings that feature guest speakers, arthritis information, support, and an opportunity to socialize.

Exercise Component

Our Arthritis-focused classes use warm water exercise to help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. These slower, easier movements will also help gradually increase your range of motion. The water lessens joint strain that is usually associated with land exercises.

Participating in this type of program can also increase overall well-being, assist in weight management, and increase energy levels. Arthritis Foundation certified instructors conduct all of our group Arthritis classes. Find the class schedule here.

Program Details

The e-mails and group meetings are offered to both HealthPlex members and non-members. However, the Arthritis exercise classes are only available to members.

For more information about the Arthritis Program or to enroll, call (361) 570-5433.

Our program involves a team of experts, including a physician, exercise physiologists, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, to help patients move toward recovery and independence. The program has been developed according to national standards set forth by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

Our program also helps patients learn how to reduce activities that will contribute to the reoccurrence of heart disease, including inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, smoking, diabetes, and stress.

Who Can Benefit from this Program?

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is designed for anyone who has recently suffered from heart problems, including:

• Heart Attack

• Stable Angina

• Coronary Bypass Surgery

• Angioplasty (“balloon” procedure)

• Stent Implants

• Heart Transplant

• Valve Surgery

Entering the Program

We require a referral for patients to enter the Cardiac Rehabilitation program. Following the referral, we will arrange for exercise testing, ECG testing, and necessary blood work. Once you have undergone these tests, we will use the results and your medical history to create a personalized rehabilitation program that fits your needs. The therapy you receive with us will complement care provided by your regular physician.

Program Details

Our program consists of three phases:

• Phase I (Inpatient)

While you are in the hospital, our staff will help you with the early stages of your program by providing education and resources so you can become knowledgeable about your particular condition. The focus at this stage is recovery so you can get back home.

• Phase II (Outpatient)

After you leave the hospital, we will develop your personalized rehabilitation plan. Monitored exercise sessions are offered with the program. The exercise component is designed to get you back on your feet so you can safely return to your daily activities, job, hobbies, and independent living.

• Phase III (Encouraged)

Phase III is a continuing, optional program for those who have finished Phase II. It is offered for those who want to maintain the benefits they achieved in Phase II, including continued participation in the exercise program. This portion of the program will require a small monthly fee.

For more information about the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, contact a member of our team at (361) 582-1109.

Our occupational therapy program wants to help you regain “skills for the job of living.” We help our patients work toward leading independent and satisfying lives after an injury, crisis, or accident.

The Citizen’s Medical Center Occupational Therapy Program includes a comprehensive group of extensively trained professionals. These rehabilitation experts all work toward providing you with everything you need to restore function after an accident or injury.

Our program has been developed in accordance with the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

Who Can Benefit From an Occupational Therapy Program?

If you have any of the following conditions, our occupational therapy program can help.

• Work-related injuries, including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries

• Limitations after a heart attack or stroke

• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions

• Birth injuries or developmental disabilities

• Mental health or behavioral problems, including Alzheimer’s disease

• Eating disorders or substance abuse

• Burns, spinal cord injuries, amputations

• Broken bones or other injuries related to falls, sports, or accidents

• Vision or cognitive problems that threaten the ability to drive

Getting Started with Our Program

To use our services, we require a physician’s referral. Once you are admitted into the program, one of our experienced Occupational Therapists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. He or she will work with you to develop treatment goals. These goals and your medical history will allow us to create a program that is uniquely tailored to your individual needs.

Your physician will receive periodic updates about your progress. We can also contact your insurance company to establish pre-certification for the program and ask about coverage before you begin the program.

Our Program

The ultimate goal of our program is to restore you to optimal function. We will work with you to improve your ability to perform daily activities, increasing your independence. We will also provide resources and education for your family members or other caregivers, if necessary.

Inpatient. The program begins with the inpatient stage. Your Occupational Therapist will direct and supervise your activity while you are in the hospital. He or she will also provide you with education and resources about our program, your condition, and the recovery process.

Outpatient. Offered either following the inpatient stage or as a “walk-in,” this stage includes the evaluation and development of your personalized program. During this stage, you will implement your program and work toward obtaining your highest level of function.

Maintenance. This optional ongoing program is available for those who have completed the outpatient portion of the program. This stage is for those who want to maintain the benefits that they achieved during the outpatient stage. We offer continuing exercise programs and education programs for a monthly fee.

For more information about Citizen’s HealthPlex Occupation Therapy Program, contact us by calling (361) 582-1109 or (361) 572-5030.

Our Physical Therapy program uses a clinical approach to help restore physical function. Our program can help reduce the onset and progression of certain impairments, disabilities, limitations, and changes in physical function. We work with you to help you obtain your highest level of function and increase your quality of life.

Our program has been developed in accordance with the American and Texas Physical Therapy Associations and the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

Who Can Benefit from Physical Therapy?

Those who benefit most from physical therapy have the following attributes:

• Gait, poor locomotion, or poor balance

• Neurological disorders (resulting from stroke, brain injuries, etc.)

• Chronic pain

• Use Orthotic, prosthetic, and other supportive devices

• Poor posture

• Poor joint integrity or mobility

• Anthropometric characteristics (lymphedema, traumatic edema, etc.)

Getting Started with the Physical Therapy Program

To be admitted into the program, you must have a physician’s referral. Your Physical Therapist will then complete an extensive evaluation to assess your condition and establish treatment goals. We will use this information and your medical history to develop a treatment plan for your unique needs. We will also decide whether a land or aquatics program will work best for you.

Most insurance plans will cover our Physical Therapy Program. We are happy to contact insurance companies on your behalf to inquire about coverage.

Our Physical Therapy Program

Our program is offered in three stages, with the underlying goal of helping you acquire your highest level of functioning possible.

Inpatient. The first stage takes place in the hospital. Our specialists will direct your activity program while you are in the hospital and provide you with information about the recovery process.

Outpatient. This stage is offered after inpatient care or as a “walk-in.” At this stage, we complete your evaluation and develop your personalized treatment plan. We will also continue to provide information and resources for you and your loved ones.

Maintenance. This optional stage is available to those who have completed the outpatient portion of the program. If you want to maintain the progress you made in the outpatient stage, then this stage may be your best option. A small monthly fee is required for this service.

For more information about Citizen’s Medical Center’s Physical Therapy Program, contact our Functional Restoration Department at (361) 582-1109 or (361) 572-5030.

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program strives to help those with pulmonary disease return to their maximum level of independence, social interaction, and functioning. We incorporate a wide range of specialists to achieve this goal, including respiratory therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and dietitians.

We use monitored rehabilitative exercises to increase the functioning of your pulmonary and muscular systems. Our team will also teach you effective ways to cope with your condition. Our program was developed in accordance with national standards created by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Getting Started with Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

We require your physician’s approval before admission into our rehabilitation program. We will then begin your program with an evaluation. We use the evaluation results and your medical history to develop a program that will fit your unique needs. We also work with your regular physician to create a complete care plan and will continually update him or her on your progress.

If necessary, we can contact your insurance company to ask about coverage before you begin the program. The outpatient stage of our program is covered by most insurance companies.

Our Program

The overall goal of our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is to help those with pulmonary disease regain function and independence. We also place great emphasis on education and providing resources for you and your loved ones.

• Inpatient. While you are in the hospital, our specialists will provide you with education and information about your condition and your potential treatment plan. We will begin teaching you breathing techniques that will decrease your overall shortness of breath. Monitored walking will also be available.

• Outpatient. In the outpatient stage, we will develop your personalized plan using your evaluation results and medical history. We will also work with you and your family to create a plan to help you manage your condition.

Ultimately, we want to help you improve your quality of life by teaching you techniques and exercises to rebuild strength and endurance. Part of your program will include a lifestyle modification program that is designed to help you take medications, prepare meals, and perform other daily tasks. Exercise sessions that monitor your heartrate and breathing are also an intricate part of our program.

This portion of the program generally lasts 8 weeks, but the length may vary depending on your individual situation.

• Maintenance. The third portion of the program is an optional continuation of the outpatient program. If you want to maintain the functional level that you achieved during the outpatient phase, then the maintenance phase can help. A small monthly fee is required.

For more information about our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, speak with any member of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team by calling (361) 582-1109.

In addition to our other rehabilitation and therapy services, we offer a well-designed speech therapy program for individuals suffering from communication and swallowing disorders.

What is a Speech Therapy Program?

The Speech Therapy Program is a provision of a hospital-wide service that is an integral part of the Physical Rehabilitation Services Department, whose focus is primarily on communication and swallowing disorders. Our Speech-Language Pathologists maintain a Texas licensure along with a clinical certification and hold at least a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders from a state accredited university, followed by a post-graduate clinical internship.

The Speech Therapy Department of Citizen Medical Center focuses on:

• Preserving the rights and dignity of the patient

• Reducing patient frustration

• Assisting the patient and family in gaining an understanding of the communication and swallowing dysfunction

• Assisting the patient in achieving his or her highest level of functional speech

Who can benefit from a Speech Therapy Program?

• Speech and swallowing limitations following a stroke or traumatic brain injury

• Birth injuries, learning problems, or development disabilities

• Cognition difficulties

• Mental health or behavior issues

• Neuromotor disease processes, i.e., multiple sclerosis, ALS, muscular dystrophy

Common conditions that may impact communication and swallowing:

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Stroke

• Head and neck cancer

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Benign lesions of the throat

• Traumatic brain injury

• Pulmonary conditions

The Speech Therapy program is offered in two stages:

Inpatient

During a hospital stay, the Speech-Language Pathologist will direct and supervise your immediate activity program and provide you with education regarding your recovery process

Outpatient

At this level of rehabilitation, the Speech-Language Pathologist will complete a comprehensive evaluation, develop a working speech therapy diagnosis, establish an outcome and select direct interventions, and provide patient- and family-related education. The overall objective at this stage is to obtain the most optimal functional outcome possible for the patient.

How do you begin a Speech Therapy Program?

A physician’s referral is required for both inpatient and outpatient speech therapy services. Once the referral is made, the Speech-Language Pathologist will complete your evaluation, determine intervening modalities, establish diagnosis-related goals and implement a treatment regime. This information, along with your medical history, will help us to develop your individualized speech therapy program. Communication occurs with your physician through written progress reports that monitor your progress through the Speech Therapy Program.

Insurance companies cover inpatient and outpatient Speech Therapy. We would be glad to contact your insurance company to establish pre-certification and to inquire about coverage prior to beginning the program. For more information about the Citizens Medical Center Speech-Language Therapy Program, contact the Speech Therapy Department at (361) 572-5030.