Innovative Care
At St. Luke’s, we’re our patients’ biggest advocates. Guided by state-of-the-art therapies and unparalleled medical rehabilitation leaders, we help individuals of all ages overcome challenges and continue their inspired journey to recovery. Our hallmarks include:
- Trailblazing technology and unparalleled patient engagement
- Compassionate, holistic care for patients and their families
- Physical and behavioral restorative therapies
- Sports and recreational activities
- Practical life skill therapies
- An interdisciplinary approach to recovery
There’s no “I” in “Recovery”
Our approach to care is as unique as each of our amazing patients. We carefully assemble a dedicated team of specialists to meet the needs of each individual, and foster a teamwork environment to ensure that care is comprehensive, interdisciplinary and, of course, filled with hope.
Patient care teams can include any combination of the following specialists:
- Physiatrists, who work closely with patients and their care providers to treat a wide variety of conditions
- Case managers, who coordinate patient care
- Rehab nurses, who help patients prepare for change and navigate the journey ahead
- Therapists, who help patients regain practical, physical, lifestyle and communication skills
- Dieticians, who encourage health and wellness based on individual needs
- Vocational counselors, who prepare patients to return to work or school
Unparalleled Healing Innovation
From award-winning technology systems to novel therapy solutions, St. Luke’s is on the leading-edge of rehabilitation care. Each day, our innovations enhance our patients’ recoveries in astounding ways, including an adaptive garden, terrain park, wheelchair accessible playground, driving simulator and the ZeroG® Gait and Balance System to name a few.
ZeroG® Gait and Balance System
The ZeroG® Gait and Balance System is a robotic body-weight support therapy equipment designed to help people relearn to walk and gain balance. The ZeroG is being used to aid patients with conditions such as spinal cord and brain injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and even lower-extremity amputations. It is the only device of its kind in the Inland Northwest and serves 1,000 pediatric and adult patients each year.
The ZeroG offers patients a reduced gravity-like environment, allowing them to engage in innovative physical therapies so they can practice a wide range of activities without the fear or risk of falling. Patients wear a harness that connects to the ZeroG robot as it tracks their movements from above.
The Restorative Therapies Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Therapy Bike
St. Luke’s state-of-the-art FES Therapy Bike uses low levels of stimulations to assist muscles in pedaling. Our clinic is one of few nationwide who have access to this unique, effective therapy, which improves cardiovascular fitness in patients with neurological injuries causing paralysis. The FES Therapy Bike was developed by Dr. John McDonald, the lead neurologist for Hollywood icon Christopher Reeve.
Lokomat® therapy
St. Luke’s is the only clinic in the region that offers patients Robotic Lokomat® therapy. Through this innovative physical therapy, individuals who have suffered stroke or injury to the spinal cord can improve their walking movements using a robotic gait-assist treadmill. The Lokomat is known for helping leverage neuroplasticity within the nervous system.
Independent Living Apartment (ILA)
St. Luke’s Independent Living Apartment helps patients and their caregivers transition from inpatient rehabilitation to their daily lives at home. Inside this fully simulated apartment, patients recovering from an injury or illness can practice daily home routines such as making meals, getting in and out of the shower and making the bed.
The ILA is equipped with a computer-activated control system that allows for complete environmental control of the apartment, from turning on lights or the TV, to opening and closing window blinds—all at the touch of the iPad or wheelchair controls. This innovative apartment helps St. Luke’s patients regain independence and self-confidence before they return home.
Assistive Technology Lab (AT Lab)
The Assistive Technology Lab is home to advanced technology that helps patients with physical and cognitive disabilities utilize technology to enhance their daily lives. Fully certified by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, our AT Lab specialists work hand-in-hand with patients to provide new avenues for communication. The lab is fully equipped with a range of technologies to meet the needs of each patient, including those with limited arm or hand function, or full-body paralysis:
- Dragon Naturally Speaking, the latest in “voice to text” software
- iPads with smart covers
- Web cams that allow patients to communicate via video chat
- WiVik 3, software which enables individuals to use an all-in-one touchscreen computer with ease
- Smart TV, a beneficial tool for group classes and patients with restricted eyesight
VitalStim® Therapy System
St. Luke’s speech-language pathologists use the VitalStim® Therapy System to treat dysphagia, or swallowing disorders. A mobile device and standalone machine called the Experia uses low-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the front of the patient’s neck to retrain the muscles used for swallowing. This painless, noninvasive procedure is performed while the patient is conducting traditional swallowing exercises recommended for those with dysphagia.
St. Luke’s Community
A 2,200-square-foot therapy area within the main campus, St. Luke’s Community is an interactive hub where patients practice daily activities under the supervision of highly trained therapists. In this hands-on facility, patients master proper techniques for tasks such as getting in a car and putting on their seatbelt, loading a grocery cart, using a computer, crossing streets and navigating curbs, withdrawing funds from a bank and even boarding a plane or bus.