Inpatient Rehabilitation

Helping Patients Achieve Independence

Our mission is to help patients achieve the highest level of independence, using the most advanced therapies available.

Patients admitted to the Inpatient Rehabilitation units participate in three hours of therapy per day (or at least 15 hours per week) with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy, depending on their needs.

The rehabilitation team also educates patients about the challenges they face and trains families in necessary supportive skills. The program emphasizes the provision of follow-up services to maintain and improve patients’ levels of function, safety, and independence.

A discharge plan that includes community resources and facility services is developed by the rehabilitation team to identify opportunities to further patients’ rehabilitation process.

Conditions We Treat

• Amputations
• Brain injuries
• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Strokes

Inpatient Rehab: Treatments and Technologies

The UT Southwestern treatment team – including physicians, therapists, and registered nurses who have specialty training in rehabilitation – custom designs a treatment program for each patient, which can include one-on-one therapy, team activities, and various medical treatments.

We offer a variety of therapies, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Psychology
• Social work and case management
• Nutritional counseling
• Respiratory therapy
• Family rounds

Patients benefit from the latest technologies and advancements in rehabilitative medicine and an exceptional level of support. Our treatments include:

• Ekso exoskeleton: Wearable machine to promote mobility after stroke or spinal cord injury
• Body-weight support system with treadmill: A weight-bearing device that supports patients undergoing rehabilitative treatment by adding stability 
• Biofeedback: A technique that teaches patients to control their bodily functions
• Bioness H200: A device that delivers mild electrical stimulation for rehabilitating the hand
• Bioness L300: A device that delivers mild electrical stimulation for rehabilitating the foot
• LiteGait: A weight-bearing device that supports mobility and walking
• VitalStim: A device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to help patients with difficulty swallowing
• SaeboFlex: Orthotics that help position hands and wrists
• Nintendo Wii therapy: Motion, balance, and coordination therapy using video games

About the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

UT Southwestern’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is a 36-bed facility located on the sixth and eighth floors of Zale Lipshy University Hospital. The unit provides 24/7 rehabilitation nursing care to patients age 18 or older. Exceptions for patients under 18 are made on a case-by-case basis.

• Therapy services are available seven days a week, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Social work services are available Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Care coordination services are available Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Psychology services are available Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Inpatient Rehabilitation units offer private patient rooms and suites, fully equipped therapy gyms, a dining room, and a team conference room. In addition, a specialized “activities of daily living” room allows patients to practice daily living skills before returning home, such as making a bed, preparing a meal, or doing laundry.

Inpatient Rehab: Accreditation

We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, with an accredited Stroke Specialty Program. UT Southwestern Medical Center was also designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, and we are recognized as a Magnet Designated Hospital, the highest honor awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.