Physical Therapy

Our goal is to help restore your functional mobility after injury or surgery. We use the following therapies depending on each patient’s needs:

• Therapeutic exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion, balance, coordination and endurance
• Heat packs and cold compresses to reduce swelling or relieve pain
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy
• Manual therapy
• Assistive and adaptive device training (including crutches, prosthesis, orthotics and wheelchairs)
• Home exercise instructions
• Traction for back and neck pain
• Patient education

The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help your loved one relearn skills and abilities and return to productive, independent living. 

Stroke rehab therapies include:

• Cognitive skills development
• Manual therapy
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Assistive and adaptive device training (including crutches, prosthesis, orthotics and wheelchairs)
• Home exercise instructions
• Patient education

Scripps also offers the full continuum of care for stroke patients who require rehabilitation, ranging from our brain injury day treatment program to outpatient stroke rehab and home health rehabilitation. Learn more about our comprehensive stroke recovery services.

Scripps Health offers a sophisticated gait analysis laboratory at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services, for patients who have walking abnormalities. Gait analysis is used to assess and treat patients with conditions affecting their ability to walk due to neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease, as well as neurological or orthopedic injuries ranging from traumatic brain injury (TBI) to sports injuries.

Gait assessment process

In order to receive an evaluation at our gait assessment laboratory, you will need a referral from your physician. Your doctor will need to write a prescription specifically for gait cycle analysis and physical therapy.

The first step in the comprehensive walking and running gait analysis is to be evaluated by a physical therapist. This assessment will determine your muscle length and strength, joint range of motion, balance, and presence of spasticity (problems controlling the muscles due to rigidity or spasms).

After the assessment, you’ll undergo a 3-D motion analysis that is recorded by seven specialized cameras, two video cameras, two force plates, an electromyogram (EMG) system to record electric activity in your muscles and reflective markers that are placed on various joints across your body. During the motion analysis, a computer will record a variety of measurements, including your joint angles, joint force, real-time muscle activity and body mass displacement.

The combination of tests results in a precise report detailing your specific gait deficits. Your referring physician or physical therapist will use this report to customize a treatment plan that addresses your specific gait impairments and improves your ability to walk.

Call 760-633-6507 for more information or to schedule a gait analysis. You will need a referral from your physician before making an appointment.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who relies on a wheelchair, then you know how important it is that your chair is comfortable and functional. By finding the best-fitting wheelchair for your needs, you can enjoy greater mobility, comfort and quality of life.

The Scripps wheelchair seating program at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services offers comprehensive seating and wheelchair evaluations by licensed physical therapists and assistive technology professionals.

Whether you’re in need of your first wheelchair or have relied on one for years, our seating program will help ensure your wheelchair addresses fit, function and mobility.

Results of the personalized wheelchair evaluations and recommendations are sent to your referring physician and insurance company to expedite the authorization and delivery of the most appropriate wheelchair for you. In addition, we can provide you with a letter of medical necessity.

In order to schedule an appointment for a wheelchair seating evaluation, you will need a referral from your physician and valid medical insurance. Once you have a referral, please call Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services at 760-633-6507.