Rehabilitation

The UCSF Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation program provides comprehensive rehabilitative services for infants, children and adolescents with permanent and temporary disabilities. We also promote advocacy, education and research for children with special health care needs. Our goal is to maximize the abilities of each child and minimize the effects of their impairments. By meeting medical, physical and emotional needs, we aim to help patients reach full functional independence and become happy, healthy and productive adults.

We specialize in treating and managing disabilities related to:

• Acquired brain injuries
• Amputations
• Cancer
• Cerebral palsy
• Complex genetic conditions
• Neurologic and neuromuscular disorders including brain tumors
• Orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders
• Rheumatic conditions such as arthritis
• Trauma including head injuries

We also provide prosthetic evaluation and training.

Our Team

Our experts include pediatricians, pediatric nurses, social workers, child life specialists, physical and occupational therapists and speech pathologists. We practice family-centered care, encouraging families to actively participate in their child's rehabilitation.

• Dr. Amy Houtrow, medical director of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program and Spina Bifida Program
• Lisa Boice, registered dietician
• Christina Conneely, occupational therapist
• Nora Chun-Uba, occupational therapist
• Jennifer Dineen, dysphagia clinical specialist
• Sherina Fong, physical therapist
• Cindy Lazzaretti, registered nurse
• Jim Peterson, special education teacher
• Helen Sang, occupational therapist
• Karen Schanche, social worker
• Cam Sutter, child life specialist
• Jeanine Totilo, physical therapist
• Kari Wharton, physical therapy aide

Services

Using a team approach, we coordinate medical, therapeutic and support services in the hospital and clinics. Our rehabilitative specialists create individualized therapy plans to help patients and their families achieve their goals for development and recovery.

Comprehensive Hospital Program

Hospital care provides tools that help kids get on the right track, including a pediatric gym, therapeutic pool, family resource room, playroom, schoolroom, the All Stars Technology Room — a place for kids to use computers — and community activities.

The hospital program consists of three hours of therapy per day, six days a week and a coordinated team approach that includes:

• Evaluation and planning meetings upon your child's admission
• Weekly team meetings
• Family meetings
• Community re-entry planning
• School program with special education teacher
• 24-hour medical coverage by in-hospital pediatricians
• Spiritual services

Consultation Services

In addition to providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology services, our experts also see patients in the hospital on a consultative basis. We provide assessments and make recommendations for treatment plans and ongoing care for children with complex rehabilitative needs.

Comprehensive Clinic Services

Our clinic provides care for patients with congenital and acquired conditions, ranging from those with severe disabilities to patients who are fully functioning but have musculoskeletal complaints. At our clinic, we consult with families, conduct follow-up appointments and provide continuing care. We also coordinate medical, therapeutic and support services.

Spina Bifida Program

UCSF Children's Hospital has a specialized spina bifida program, including experts in pediatric rehabilitation, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, social work and nutrition to provide children with spina bifida the best possible comprehensive care.

Research and Innovation

Our experts are involved in health services research for children with disabilities and other special health care needs. Current research focuses on evaluating health screening and guidance for children with and without special health care needs.

More Information

A referral by a doctor is necessary to receive treatment in our hospital program or clinic. If your child has a condition that resulted in physical limitations, please talk to your primary care doctor about a referral or contact Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at (415) 476-3899.

Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital Program

Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic

For adult services, see rehabilitation at UCSF Medical Center.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated February 18, 2008