Care Team

When you choose El Camino Health for rehabilitative care, you can depend on an expert team of professionals who understand the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of rehabilitation and recovery.

Whether you require inpatient rehabilitation or are seeking outpatient therapy services, our multidisciplinary team combines their knowledge, expertise and experience to bring you exceptional care.

Advanced Rehabilitation Expertise

Our rehabilitation professionals are focused on helping you meet your goals, often working with specialists in other areas — such as heart and vascular, pulmonology, orthopedics and pelvic health — to develop a personalized care program.

Your rehabilitation care team may include:

• Physiatrists – Doctors who specialize in treating nerve, muscle and bone injuries, and illnesses that affect how you move. They prescribe therapeutic exercise, orthotics, prosthetics and adaptive devices, as well as develop and oversee rehabilitation care plans.
• Neuropsychologists – Clinical psychologists who specialize in brain-behavior relationships. They assess and treat people with brain injury, neurologic disease and other disorders of the central nervous system. Neuropsychologists use a variety of tests to assess your ability to reason, concentrate, solve problems or remember, and they also assess mood and behavior. They use the results to plan and assist with treatment and recovery, as well as monitor progressive neurologic disease. Additionally, they provide individual and family counseling, and behavioral strategies for pain management.
• Physical therapists – Rehabilitation professionals who focus on reducing pain and improving or restoring mobility. Physical therapists develop programs to improve strength, endurance, agility, balance and coordination. In addition, they provide education about health conditions and injury prevention, as well as offer assistance with wheelchairs and other adaptive devices.
• Physical therapist assistants – Licensed healthcare professionals who provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist. They implement the treatment program as directed by the physical therapist and ensure safety and comfort of therapy participants.
• Respiratory therapists − Healthcare professionals who help treat and restore function for patients with airway and breathing problems. Through the Acute Pulmonary Rehabilitation program, they educate participants and provide assistance with breathing exercises.
• Occupational therapists – Rehabilitation professionals who work with ill, injured or disabled people who need assistance to perform daily activities. They help people develop and improve the skills necessary for living and working independently, such as brushing your teeth, bathing, cooking or other everyday tasks.
• Speech-language pathologists – Healthcare professionals who asses, diagnose and treat speech, language, communication, voice, fluency and swallowing disorders — often due to brain injury or illness. They develop a care plan that incorporates a variety of exercises to help improve function, as well as educate patients and caregivers.
• Specialized nurses – Registered nurses who specialize in caring for people with chronic illness or physical disability. They provide 24-hour care in our designated inpatient rehabilitation facility. In addition to managing daily medical care, they provide support, encouragement, and patient and family education. Nurses with specialized training in cardiology, pulmonology, orthopedics, neurology and other specialty areas provide support in our rehabilitation programs.
• Certified lymphedema therapists – Clinicians (physical or occupational therapists, nurses or massage therapists) who have specialized training in complete decongestive therapy for lymphedema.
• Exercise physiologists – Certified healthcare professionals who evaluate physical fitness and develop personalized exercise programs to meet healthcare needs and fulfill fitness goals. They play an important role in assessing Cardiac & Pulmonary Wellness Center program participants and developing customized fitness programs to reduce risk factors.
• Registered dietitians – Clinicians who develop specialized dietary plans according to people’s health conditions and personal goals. They provide nutrition education, develop menu plans, and help people modify eating behaviors. They work as part of the inpatient rehabilitation care team, as well as provide nutrition counseling and education to Cardiac & Pulmonary Wellness Center program participants.
• Social workers/case managers – Clinicians who work with patients in our inpatient facility to plan and prepare for their discharge. They help individuals and family members deal with social, financial and emotional effects of illness and injury. In addition, they offer assistance with insurance issues and long-term care planning.

Your Opinion Matters

Because your comfort and well-being are important to us, we encourage you to take an active part in your care and welcome your feedback. Nurse managers are available to speak with you, and you may also call or write the patient experience team at 650-962-5836 or patient_experience@elcaminohealth.org.