Alternative Therapies

Integrative medicine is a relatively new term that implies a holistic approach to healthcare. It rests upon, and strongly embraces, the osteopathic and naturopathic concept that we human beings possess a self-regulating, self-healing system that gives us a natural tendency towards health and healing. The human body has within itself certain limits - the capacity for repair, correction and adaptation. As Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy, suggests, "Within our body there is a capacity for health. If this capacity is recognized and normalized, disease can be both prevented and treated."

Kishwaukee Community Hospital
Integrative Medicine Pain Management......................................815.748.2987

Physical therapists at Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine are trained in treating lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatments. Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid that causes swelling in an extremity and may also include the trunk region. The build-up occurs because the path to drain the fluid is altered by surgery, radiation or chemotherapy in a lymph node region. Recent studies are showing that this condition can be effectively treated.

Lymphedema must be treated promptly or it can lead to increased swelling and hardening of tissue. This may result in decreased function and mobility in the affected limb. It can also lead to chronic infections.

Patients must have a prescription from their doctor to begin physical therapy treatments. Therapists at Unlimited Performance will then work closely with the physician to develop a therapy plan to effectively manage lymphedema conditions.

The benefits of incorporating massage helps muscles to automatically contract around any painful site to support and protect the area. If pain is resolved quickly, muscles relax. If pain persists, muscles can become habitually contracted. Sometimes contractions press on nerves causing tingling, numbness, and more pain. Massage helps by stretching tight muscles and by stimulating the nervous system to relax muscle tension.

If receiving radiation therapy, please check with your radiation oncologist prior to scheduling a massage.

Unlimited Performance Rehabilition & Sports Medicine.................815.748.8900

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring function, and/or preventing disability following disease or injury. It incorporates exercise and modalities to improve range of motion, strength, posture and mobility, enabling the patient to perform the activities of daily living.

Unlimited Performance Rehabilition & Sports Medicine.................815.748.8900

KishHealth Counseling Services offer a team of professional and licensed therapists who specialize in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Each therapist holds the highest level of licensure for her respective field and offer more than 60 years of combined experience.

KishHealth Counseling Services..............................................815.748.8999

A dietitian is available to meet with any patient or family member either per request of if recommended by staff. Either let the staff know or call the dietitian.

Hospital Food and Nutrition Services
Kishwaukee Community Hospital........................................ 815.756.1521 x153337