Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network has opened a 4,000 square-foot area on the second floor of its Health & Technology Center in Allentown, which allows for expansion of many services that focus on performance, function and recovery.

"By providing care in an enriched environment with clinicians trained in these specialized services, we will maximize the functional recovery and performance of each patient," said Frank Hyland, MS, PT, vice president, Rehabilitation Services, and administrator of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital.

The newly-renovated therapy suite integrates a variety of neuro and orthopedic outpatient rehabilitation services, including:

Additional space for locomotor (movement) training, including use of several Ekso robotic exoskeletons and new technology;

ZeroG, a system that uses a ceiling track and body harness to partially support body weight and reduce fall risk;

ProtoKinetics Zeno Walkway, a state-of-the-art gait and balance analysis system said to not be available anywhere else in the region;

A 500 square-foot gym for physical therapy-based Pilates, a form of exercise that focuses on re-training one's body to move more efficiently, strengthening core muscles and learning how to control movement;

Two additional vision therapy rooms to help those with visual coordination problems that affect function and balance. Demand for the Vision Therapy Program has necessitated expansion from one to seven rooms in less than four years;

Oncology rehabilitation, an interdisciplinary program focusing on the rehabilitative needs of those recovering from cancer;

Private space for women's health services, which address issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction and works in concert with the oncology rehabilitation and Pilates programs;

An expansion of the vestibular program, featuring the Bertec balance system that uses immersive virtual reality to help people recover from balance disorders; and

Neuro-IFRAH, an integrated therapy program for people effected by lesions of the brain stem and higher. It is an approach to rehabilitation aimed at treating the whole person, not just the condition.

Good Shepherd is nationally-recognized for the use of technology to enhance lives and augment rehabilitation. In August 2014, Good Shepherd became the first organization to achieve more than 1 million steps using the Ekso Bionics exoskeleton and has logged more steps than any other provider in the world.

In addition, Good Shepherd was recently awarded the 2014 Innovation Award from the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association for implementing technologies and therapies that are maximizing recovery for people with neurological disorders.

"Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network continues to challenge the limits of rehabilitation with leading-edge technology and a highly specialized staff," said John Kristel, MBA, MPT, president & CEO.

"New equipment, like the Bertec Balance Advantage, ProtoKinetic Zeno Walkway and Zero G, make our outpatient rehabilitation truly unique and position Good Shepherd among the top tier post-acute programs in our country," Kristel said.

Information: GoodShepherdRehab.org