Rehabilitation Services (PT/OT/SLP)

Rehabilitation Services

• Physical Therapy (PT)

• Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Speech & Language Pathology (SLP)

Recovering from an injury, illness or surgery can be challenging. The Androscoggin Valley Hospital Rehabilitation Services team can help! Our expert therapists will design a program to get you back to optimal functioning as soon as possible, using a wide variety of therapies and equipment.  With two convenient locations:

• AVH Rehabilitation Services at Androscoggin Valley Hospital, 59 Page Hill Road, Berlin
• NCH Patient Care Center at 167 Main Street, Gorham

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs:

Physical Therapy

Using evidenced based practice, our physical therapists help patients achieve maximum levels of physical mobility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination.  Manual techniques, exercise, stretching, weights and electrotherapy equipment such as TENS may be used.  Physical Therapists also work on relieving pain, allowing patients to move easier.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists offer unique and individual support and services to people of all ages and in all circumstances of life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things that others take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school, performing work tasks, or eating unassisted. OTs help people of all ages participate in the activities that are meaningful to them through the therapeutic use of everyday activities and utilize a holistic and customized approach to evaluations, interventions and outcomes. Client centeredness, enabling occupation and empowerment are only a few of the keywords every occupational therapist bears at heart.

Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work to prevent, assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Some of the populations that SLPs work with include patients with stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stuttering, swallowing difficulty, memory loss, and head/neck cancer.

Specialized Services:

Aquatic Therapy

Working in water dramatically reduces stress on joints, bones and muscles; minimizes swelling of an injured limb; and provides a safer environment in which to address balance difficulties.  Aquatic therapy is a valuable form of treatment for people of all ages and abilities – from those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back problems, to those recovering from a sports injury or surgery, such as total hip or knee replacements or ACL repairs.

Aquatic therapy is provided by AVH therapists at the NCH Patient Care Center in Gorham.  Please note that it is not necessary to be able to swim in order to have aquatic/pool therapy.

Ergonomics: Preventing Workplace Injury

The AVH Rehabilitation Ergonomics Team can help you ensure that everyone feels comfortable and safe in the work environment. We help fit the workplace to the people who do the work, making it an easier, more productive experience. The members of our ergonomics team begin by assessing the work environment and consulting with employees, then apply their experience in physical and occupational therapy to deal with functional positioning and adaptive solutions.

Inpatient

Any patient requiring physical, occupational or speech therapy can receive rehabilitation with a doctor’s order.  Along with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, our therapists provide treatment to help patients regain their functional mobility and independence and return to their previous lifestyle.  Staff is part of the discharge planning process to make life safer and easier when returning home.

Schools

AVH provides physical therapy services to the Gorham, Milan and Errol schools (SAU 20).  School based physical therapy aims at helping students access their education and may include improving gross motor skills such as walking, running and jumping. Students who receive school based PT must be found eligible for this service and is typically part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are used to determine the client’s level of work ability as defined by the Department of Labor Standards and the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Performed using the OccuPro System of Work Evaluation, each FCE is customized for the client by the therapist, based on the diagnosis. A baseline FCE addresses the full range of physical tolerances. A job-specific FCE addresses physical tolerances in comparison to the task demands of the target job. Appropriate return-to-work recommendations are made. This evaluation is thorough, detailed and executed by a certified therapist. It takes approximately three to four hours to perform.

Certified Lactation Counselor

Provides comprehensive support for breastfeeding and postpartum musculoskeletal concerns, including maternal posture, pain management, and infant feeding mechanics. Early conservative interventions such as manual therapy and ultrasound may address issues like clogged ducts or mastitis. Therapy includes education and collaboration with medical providers to optimize feeding and recovery outcomes.

Concussion Management

Addresses multi-system effects of mild traumatic brain injury, including balance deficits, dizziness, headaches, visual or cognitive changes, and exercise intolerance. Therapy may include vestibular, cervical, and ocular motor training, graded aerobic conditioning, and symptom-guided activity progression. Interventions are individualized to support safe return to daily activities, school, or sport.

Lymphedema Management

The goal is to reduce swelling, improve function, prevent complications, and support long-term self-care. Treatment follows Complete Decongestive Therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression, therapeutic exercise, and skin care education. Patients are trained in

self-management strategies such as compression garment use, home exercises, and techniques to reduce infection risk and maintain limb health.

Pelvic Health Specialist

Evaluates and treats pelvic floor and related musculoskeletal conditions affecting bowel, bladder, sexual function, and pelvic pain. Care includes internal and external assessment, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and patient education. Therapy aims to restore function and improve quality of life across all genders and life stages.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

Addresses musculoskeletal and pelvic floor conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Services include management of pelvic pain, incontinence, diastasis recti, birth preparation, and postpartum rehabilitation. Therapy uses individualized exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to support safe return to daily activity.

Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

These often occur together in infants, as tightness in the neck muscles (torticollis) can cause a baby to consistently hold their head in one position, leading to flattening of one area of the skull (plagiocephaly). This limited neck motion can affect head shape, facial symmetry, and overall movement patterns. Early intervention with physical therapy focuses on improving neck range of motion, strengthening, positioning, and caregiver education to promote symmetrical movement and reduce pressure on flattened areas. Timely treatment can help improve head shape, neck mobility, and support typical motor development.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

The focus is on disorders of the inner ear and balance system that cause dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. Treatment typically includes vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve gaze stability, postural control, and spatial orientation, as well as habituation and adaptation strategies to reduce symptoms. Therapy aims to improve balance, reduce symptoms, and support safe functional mobility.

Wound Care and Diabetic Wound Care 

Physical therapy evaluation and treatment of acute or chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers. Interventions include debridement, dressing selection, offloading, application and management of negative pressure wound therapy (wound vac), and patient education to promote healing, prevent infection, and restore function. Therapy emphasizes strategies to reduce recurrence and complications.

For an appointment in Berlin, please call (603) 326-5738.

For an appointment in Gorham, please call (603) 342-5060.