UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Hospital - Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic
Current Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Information
Number of patients waiting reflects the current number of patients waiting to be seen. This number changes frequently and is not exact.
About Us
At St. Luke's Neuro Rehabilitation Clinic, we specialize in delivering evidence-based, interdisciplinary care for those recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, concussions, and other complex conditions. Our therapy team includes nationally certified therapists and seasoned clinicians with over 20 years of experience in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
We offer an interdisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling. Each patient's care plan is thoughtfully tailored to meet their unique needs and goals.
Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and coordinated approach.
- Activities of daily living (dressing, combing hair, brushing teeth and hygiene)
- ARC-EX is a spinal cord stimulation
- Cognition focusing on memory, organization, and attention
- Community re-entry (IADL’s, cooking, cleaning, return to work, school and play)
- Concussion management
- Drivers’ evaluation and driving assessments
- Dynavision
- Fall reduction/home safety
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike for upper extremities
- Low vision evaluation and training
- Modified constraint-induced movement therapy
- Parkinson’s disease LSVT BIG® (two OT’s and two PT’s certifications)
- UE prosthetics
- Wheelchair seating and positioning clinic
- Xcite Electrical stimulation device for UE exercise
- Amputee Clinic
- Baclofen Trials
- Balance and fall prevention
- Balance rehabilitation using the Neurocom balance master
- Body weight supported treadmill
- Community re-entry activities
- Concussion management
- Hydroworx Treadmill
- NPH Trials
- Orthotic and prosthetic management
- Parkinson’s disease LSVT BIG® (two OT’s and two PT’s certifications)
- Solo step Fall prevention system
- Spasticity Management Clinic
- Spinal Cord Injury cCinic
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic
- Xcite electrical stimulation device to use with LE exercise
- Augmentative and alterative communication device evaluations and treatment
- Cognitive communication therapy due to neurological diagnoses
- Dysphagia evaluation and treatment
- Modified barium swallow study
- Concussion management
- Language therapy for aphasia
- Motor speech therapy for dysarthria and apraxia
- SPEAK OUT!® Voice therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
- Swallowing evaluation and treatment
- Treatment for speech-language, cognition, voice and vocal-cord dysfunction
- Vocal cord dysfunction (PVFM) evaluation and management
Spinal Cord Injury Outpatient Clinic
When you come to the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Outpatient Clinic, you will meet with a nurse and Dr. Elissa Zakrasek. The nurse will take your vitals, including a weight measurement, and review your medications and medical history. Dr. Zakrasek will review your medical history as it pertains to your spinal cord injury, including discussion of your function, pain, spasticity, bowel function, bladder function, skin, and more.
If you are new to the SCI clinic or coming for a comprehensive annual evaluation, your evaluation will include a detailed neurologic exam. This may require you to transfer to the exam table and wear a medical gown. We are here to support you and will provide assistance with transfer or dressing if needed.
You may be referred for testing including imaging and/or laboratory analyses. Testing may include imaging of your spine, bladder and kidneys, and bone density testing. Please tell the staff if you have preferred location or facility to perform these tests.
You may also be referred for physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy. Please notify the staff if you have an existing relationship with a therapist or facility that you would prefer to use.
The Interdisciplinary Advantage
You will be given the option for interdisciplinary visits (initial and annual visits) where you will meet with Dr. Zakrasek, a physical therapist and/or an occupational therapist on the same day. "Interdisciplinary" means more than one parallel evaluations. Your care is integrated through shared goals and real-time communication. Research shows this model leads to better coordination, fewer complications, and improved outcomes.
Amputee Clinic
Our Amputee Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to restoring independence and confidence, tailored to your pace and goals. Adjusting to life after amputation takes time, support and strength. We honor your emotional journey and physical transformation with a holistic care model that includes:
- Long-term psychological care
- Prosthetic training
- Surgical support
- Therapy
Together, we'll guide you through every transition—pre and post operative, acute rehab, pre prosthetic training, prosthetic fitting and use, adaptive driving, sports, and lifelong follow up.
Comprehensive Custom Treatment Approach
Spasticity Management Clinic
Spasticity or dystonia are conditions characterized by involuntary muscle stiffness, spasms and pain. Both can significantly disrupt daily functions like walking and self-care. These symptoms often result from neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or ALS. While challenging, symptoms can be managed effectively.
Our Comprehensive Spasticity Management Program uses a patient-centered, evidence-based approach. Our medical and rehabilitation team is skilled in advanced neurological techniques and therapies aimed at reducing muscle tone and improving quality of life.
What We Treat
Spasticity arises from damage to the brain or spinal cord impacting motor control. Common effects include:
- High muscle tone and stiffness
- Frequent spasms and pain
- Difficulty with movement, speech and everyday tasks
By addressing both neurological and physical components, we aim to restore comfort and function in your everyday life.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
- Neurotoxin injections (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport): Temporarily blocks the nerve signals to relax muscles and reduce spasms
- Oral medications: Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics
- Baclofen therapy: Oral for systemic relief, intrathecal via pump for controlled dosing
- Nerve blocks: Temporary relief by interrupting problematic signals
- Physical Therapy: Stretching, strengthening, mobility, balance
- Occupational Therapy: Daily living tasks, adaptive equipment training
- Orthotic Services: Custom braces and devices for posture and movement
We closely monitor your progress, adjusting treatments and therapies through regular follow-ups to ensure your care evolves with your goals.
Vestibular Clinic
Our expert team specializes in vestibular rehabilitation (VRT), a proven, evidence-based approach to treating dizziness and balance disorders.Vestibular dysfunction affects over one-third of American adults over 40, nearly 69 million people, with dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, and increased fall risk. When caused by injury, aging, or neurological conditions like concussion, it can profoundly disrupt everyday activities, from walking and driving to enjoying hobbies.
A provider referral is required for vestibular rehabilitation.
What We Treat
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Cerebellar Stroke, Acoustic Neuroma, Peripheral Neuropathy
- General Dizziness & Imbalance
- Ménière’s Disease
- Post-Concussive Syndrome (mTBI)
- Unilateral & Bilateral Vestibular Loss
- Vestibular Migraines & Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (3PD)
- Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis
What to Expect
- Physical therapists board certified in neurologic and geriatric specialties.
- Vestibular specialists with multiple advanced certifications.
Your customized treatment plan may include:
- Gaze stabilization (eye/head coordination)
- Canalith repositioning (Epley maneuver for BPPV)
- Balance/postural training
- Habituation (reducing motion sensitivity)
- Gait and strengthening
- Home exercise assignments to reinforce progress
- One-on-One supervised sessions
We prioritize individualized attention—guiding you every step and adjusting therapy based on your response.
- Reduction in dizziness and vertigo
- Improved balance and stability, significantly reducing fall risk
- Enhanced gait and functional mobility
- Better gaze control during movement
- Faster return to daily activities and sports post-concussion
Concussion Clinic
Our Complex Concussion Clinic supports individuals at all stages of recovery, whether you're in the acute phase or facing persistent symptoms. A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs after a sudden jolt, bump, or blow to the head or neck. Common symptoms include dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, memory difficulties, irritability, and sleep issues. While most people recover within two to four weeks, some experience prolonged symptoms that affect everyday life.
We tailor treatments to each patient's unique needs.
- Physical Therapy: Balance, vestibular, neck issues
- Occupational Therapy: Vision, daily living, sensory integration
- Speech-Language Therapy: Cognitive and communication difficulties
- Vestibular & Balance Specialists
- Vocational Rehabilitation & External Specialists: Work and school re-integration.
Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that includes only the specialists needed to address their unique pattern of symptoms.
We coordinate with your primary care and specialist providers, sharing progress and recommendations to ensure seamless continuity of care. Referral for each discipline is required if the patient is needing all three disciplines.
- In-depth evaluation across physical, cognitive, vestibular, vision, emotional, and vocational domains.
- Targeted therapies such as vestibular exercises, vision retraining, cognitive therapy and psychological support.
- We use specialized equipment including Invision, and Balance Master System, DynaVision, and Blaze pods.
Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Clinic
At our Wheelchair Seating & Positioning Clinic, we provide a comprehensive and personalized evaluation. A properly fitted wheelchair isn't just about comfort, it’s essential for your health, independence, and daily productivity. Correct positioning helps:
- Promote good posture, aiding breathing, digestion, balance, and functional movement.
- Prevent pressure injuries and skin irritation by optimizing pressure distribution and encouraging movement
- Minimize pain, prevent contractures, and preserve mobility through proper support.
Our interdisciplinary team is composed of occupational and physical therapists who are certified in seating and positioning. A representative of your choice from a local medical equipment vendor will be present for the evaluation.
Start Your Journey to Comfort & Mobility
Let us empower you with a wheelchair that supports your body and your independence. Contact us to schedule your personalized assessment. A physician referral is required.
What to Expect
Based on your evaluation, we recommend a tailored system with evidence based supports. This may include:
- Specific cushions (foam, gel, air, or custom-contoured foam) to reduce interface pressure.
- Adjustable backrests and headrests to support spinal alignment.
- Pelvic, trunk and limb supports for stability and positioning.
Parkinson’s LSVT® and SPEAK OUT!® Clinic
LSVT BIG® is a validated, research-backed therapy designed to restore natural, large-amplitude movement in daily tasks. Rooted in the acclaimed LSVT LOUD® speech protocol, its been adapted for physical and occupational therapists to enhance motor function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
SPEAK OUT!® is a specialized speech therapy that emphasizes intentional speaking. This synergistic approach helps address both movement and vocal communication challenges, and is provided by certified clinicians.
- What is LSVT BIG®?
- What is SPEAK OUT!®?
- Our Multidisciplinary Care Model
- Why Combined Therapy Is Effective
- Referral
- Structure: 16 individual one-hour sessions, typically scheduled as four days a week over four weeks.
- Core elements:
- Daily high-effort exercises focusing on high energy large movements whole-body movements.
- Functional and hierarchy tasks—breaking down complex activities into parts and practicing them deliberately.
- Homework and carry-over exercises to incorporate big movement into daily life.
- Evidence of benefit:
- Improvements in walking speed, stride length, body rotation, balance and daily activity performance.
- Many maintain gains up to a year post-treatment.
At our clinic, certified physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists collaborate to create your individualized plan:
- Multidisciplinary evaluation: Joint assessment of movement, speaking and daily function.
- Customized treatment plan: Aligning LSVT BIG® and SPEAK OUT!® targets with your personal goals (e.g., walking independently, speaking assertively).
- Coordinated delivery: Treatment sessions scheduled and supported across disciplines for greater impact.
- Repetitive, high-effort training drives motor learning and neuroplasticity.
- Combining movement and speech therapies enhances overall independence and quality of life.
- Delivered only by certified clinicians—critical to ensure fidelity to the protocols.
Driving Evaluation Clinic
When health changes due to injury, illness, aging, or surgery affect your driving ability, our outpatient driving evaluations help determine whether you're safe behind the wheel. Conducted by occupational therapists trained in driver rehabilitation, the assessment process includes a clinical evaluation and on-the-road evaluation. We share the results with your referring physician and depending on the outcome, therapy or a re-evaluation may be scheduled. If needed, a referral to the DOT or driving retirement planning can be made.
In-clinic assessments measure:
- Physical Abilities: Strength, coordination, reaction time, range of motion and endurance
- Cognitive Skills: Attention, memory, judgment, decision-making, executive functioning, knowledge of road signs, rules of the road and divided attention
- Visual Functions: Acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, visual scanning and visual attention
Driving evaluations help individuals affected by:
- Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, multiple sclerosis, concussions and spinal cord injuries
- Age-related declines
- Orthopedic injuries or sensory impairments
- Anyone concerned about their safety on the road
- Enhanced Safety: Spot risk factors and implement strategies or equipment to reduce accidents.
- Increased Independence: Maintain driving privileges and functional mobility.
- Adapted Equipment: Receive recommendations on hand controls, pedal extenders, steering knobs and mirror systems.
- Peace of Mind: Know that your ability and decision-making skills are supported by expert evaluation.
A physician may order an occupational therapy evaluation and treat if there are other concerns or skills need to be developed. If only driving is a concern, an order would be for a driving evaluation including behind the wheel.
Equipment
Our Providers
Katrina Mahoney, DPT, CBIS
Physical Therapy, Vestibular Physical Therapy
Krista Watson, PT, DPT, CBIS
Physical Therapy, Brain Injury And Stroke Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Lyndsey Wheeler, PTA
Physical Therapy
Barbara West, OT, CBIS
Occupational Therapy, Neurorehabilitation Occupational Therapy
Rene Crumley, PT, DPT, NCS
Physical Therapy, Neurologic Physical Therapy, Vestibular Physical Therapy
Reginald Hochstedler, PT, DPT, CBIS
Physical Therapy, Neurorehabilitation, Brain Injury And Stroke Rehabilitation
Rosemary Russell, OTA/L
Occupational Therapy
Megan Annis, OTR/L, CBIS
Neurorehabilitation Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy
Michelle Langston, PT
Physical Therapy, Vestibular Physical Therapy
Megan Andresen, PT, ATP, CBIS
Physical Therapy, Vestibular Physical Therapy, Aquatic Physical Therapy
Carly Hayen, MA, CF-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology
Jennifer Jenatscheck, PTA
Physical Therapy
Patient Success Stories
St. Luke’s Hospital has very professional doctors and therapists, excellent facilities, and is patient friendly. Following my diagnosis for a type of neuropathy, a treatment program, which included medication as well as physical therapy was laid out for me. The Hydroworx Therapy Pool was employed as a part of my therapy. The underwater treadmill technology has helped to promote early range of motion, initiate gait training in a low impact environment, replicate the proper biomechanics of land-based movements to improve gait pattern and promote muscle strengthening.
Movement was just the prescription in the LSVT BIG® program. Each session consisted of seven exercises which included elemental movements of stretching, reaching, and stepping.
Functional tasks I struggled with, such as screwing on and off lids, or cutting vegetables and meat were worked on. I also had difficulty coordinating movements to secure my seatbelt, line dancing, or doing exercise videos, and walking. These skills were broken down and practiced. Today, I am living a quality retired life which includes the seven LSVT exercises, yoga, weights, and walking daily. Thanks to this intense therapy, I restarted after one and a half years of battling Parkinson’s Disease.
From Stroke to Strength: A Story of Resilience and Recovery
After Jon Turk started experiencing tunnel vision and weakness in his limbs, his sister convinced him it was time to go to the ER. Although in his 40s and physically fit, doctors confirmed he was having a stroke. A year after rehabilitation, Turk is raising stroke awareness for younger adults.
Support St. Luke’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Wish Wall
Your gift to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation for the benefit of St. Luke’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation will help our patients continue to make great strides on their road to recovery. Give now to bring us closer to our goal of empowering individuals to regain function, strength and mobility.