Special Services Available at Silver Cross Hospital

Hand Therapy

Silver Cross is the only hospital in the greater Joliet area with a Certified Hand Therapist on staff offering highly specialized hand therapy for patients affected by conditions involving the hand and upper extremity, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trauma, nerve or tendon damage, and much more.

Hydro-Track Therapy

Patients who have undergone knee or hip replacement and those suffering from knee pain, arthritis, or foot and ankle problems may benefit from Hydro-Track therapy. The Hydro-Track is a revolutionary piece of exercise equipment that is an underwater treadmill and reduces the amount of weight that an individual bears on his or her joints.

McKenzie Therapy

The McKenzie Method is a therapeutic approach to evaluate and treat common back and neck problems by promoting the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, or surgery. With the McKenzie Method, patients learn to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on medical intervention.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech-Language Pathologists at Silver Cross Hospital provide treatment for both pediatric and adult populations. They treat children with autism, speech/language delays, voice disorders, apraxia and oral motor/feeding difficulties. Our therapists also treat adults diagnosed with stroke, aphasia, apraxia, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), dyoarthria, TBI, vocal cord dysfunction, pre/post laryngectomies and voice disorders. Not only is treatment provided to the patients with these diagnosis, but education and training is provided to their families as well.

Vestibular Therapy

Silver Cross Hospital offers therapy for individuals suffering from a variety of balance disorders. Patients who suffer from vertigo may benefit from a specialized therapy program targeting the mechanisms of the inner ear and central nervous system. Silver Cross has therapists who are specially trained in treating benign positional vertigo (BPV), which is the most common form of vertigo. In most cases a neurologist or ENT physician would diagnose the vertigo condition then refer the patient for outpatient vestibular therapy at the hospital. Vestibular therapy consists of repositioning techniques targeting the inner ear canals as well as teaching the patient strategies to avoid the provoking position. With a solid treatment plan, most cases of BPV can be treated successfully within two to three treatment sessions.

Our therapists are trained to successfully treat other balance disorders related to stroke, generalized muscle weakness, and central nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Developing a fall prevention plan and performing caregiver training is also key in helping someone who is at risk to avoid future falls.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Silver Cross is the only hospital in the Joliet area that offers Vocal Cord Dysfunction treatment. Vocal Cord Dysfunction is a disorder that affects a patient’s ability to breathe and mimics asthma. Through treatment with a Speech Language Pathologist, patients learn to recognize signs of Vocal Cord Dysfunction and utilize strategies to open their vocal cords and breathe normally.