Get a Grasp on Things: Cenla Health - Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

For many patients who suffer from upper extremity paralysis, ordinary activities like holding a pen, raking the yard or even opening the refrigerator can seem next to impossible. Now, patients in Cenla can re-train the function of their hand with an innovative orthotic device called SaeboFlex.

SaeboFlex is a customized orthosis that allows neurologically impaired individuals, commonly stroke survivors, who suffer from upper extremity paralysis, to flex their fingers and grasp even the smallest of objects. SaeboFlex helps patients to grasp and release objects with their hand to allow them to perform activities that require their hand to open and close throughout their rehabilitation process.

“Compared to traditional therapies, therapy with the use of SaeboFlex allows patients to begin using their hands sooner--- with the therapist and at home," said Pam Fontenot, Director of Therapy Operations at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Alexandria. “Their progress is measured on a daily basis because they can use the device everyday. Essentially, the patient's habits of non-use are replaced with regular, daily use."

SaeboFlex is designed for patients who have some shoulder and elbow movement but no hand function.  However, even patients who are up to 20 years post injury show improvements in strength and control of their affected arm with use of the orthosis.

To treat patients with the use of SaeboFlex, specially trained Occupational and Physical Therapists custom fit the orthosis to the patients affected arm and hand. The device positions the wrist and fingers into extension in preparation for functional activities.  Then, the patient grasps an object by voluntarily flexing the fingers. he devices spring-loaded system assists the patient in reopening the hand to release the object.

Typically some or all of the cost is covered by insurance as long as the order for the orthosis is accompanied by a physician prescription and a letter of medical necessity.

Because each insurance company has different requirements, be sure to inquire of your specially trained therapist about working with your insurance company to identify what will or will not be covered by your particular insurance company.

There are several ways to find out if you can “get a grasp on things" with the use of SaeboFlex. One way is to call 318-449-8331 and speak with one of the specially trained therapists at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Alexandria about your current arm/hand function. Another way is to ask your physician for a referral to a Saebo trained therapist which can be located on the Saebo website.

Debbie Jones is the Director of Marketing Operations at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Alexandria. There are several Saebo trained therapists at Healthsouth who can offer this treatment modality. For more information, please call 318-449-8331.