The PEAK Center at Craig Hospital

Membership and Information:

Julie Waldie, PT, DPT
Health and Wellness Coordinator
303-789-8325
jwaldie@craighospital.org

Introduction

In response to consumers and Craig’s desire to stay at the forefront of innovation and technology, the Physical Therapy and Outpatient Departments opened The PEAK Center at Craig Hospital on September 15, 2011. The PEAK Center is a health and wellness center not only for Craig patients, but persons with neurological injuries in the Denver area. The mission of the PEAK Center (Performance, Exercise, Attitude and Knowledge) is to provide advanced care for people with neurologic injuries and disease by facilitating neuromuscular recovery, creating lifelong fitness and wellness plans to maintain optimal health and by empowering individuals with neurologic disabilities to maximize their quality of life through knowledge and activity. The PEAK Center was made possible by a generous pilot grants from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Daniels Fund, Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, and will be sustained by outpatient revenues and memberships.

Background

Craig Hospital has long understood that neurological injuries are lifelong injuries that require the support of an evolving and growing health care system. The continuum of care at Craig Hospital starts with an inpatient rehabilitation stay that provides patients and their families with a strong foundation for coping with these devastating injuries. This care can then be extended into the outpatient system where patients continue working on goals to restore their independence and function. Following traditional outpatient treatment, the PEAK Center offers persons the opportunity to continue working on restoration, fitness and wellness.

Customized Levels of Service

The PEAK Center was created to provide customized services to individuals with neurologic disabilities who are seeking to optimize their recovery and prevent the secondary complications associated with immobility. State of the art services and customized treatment plans are provided to clients in a highly motivated environment after traditional rehabilitation services have been completed. To maximize access, the PEAK Center provides three levels of service to its members catering to a wide variety of individual physical needs, economic situations, and commitment levels. Individuals with neurologic disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the following three programs:

1. Wellness Membership: Fully adapted fitness center with knowledgeable staff onsite to design and provide guidance for fitness programs that are specific to an individual’s abilities and goals

2. Fitness Classes: Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling classes; upper extremity ergometry cycling classes; seated classes focused on strength and conditioning; and adaptive yoga

3. Activity Based Training: 1:1 training utilizing cutting edge technology by staff who specialize in neurologic injury and disease

Equipment:

The PEAK center utilizes cutting edge technology, including but not limited to: body weight supported (BWS) treadmill systems (LiteGait), BWS treadmill systems with robotic assistance (LokomatPro V6), functional electrical stimulation (FES) bikes for the upper and lower extremities (Restorative Therapies RT300 series), upright elliptical training with FES (Restorative Therapies RT600), lower extremity FES systems designed to improve over ground walking (Bioness L300 and Bioness L300 plus) and whole body vibration (WAVE proelite).

Additional Services

Along with the physical aspect of recovery, the PEAK Center provides access to massage therapy, education classes, and peer support to promote a healthy lifestyle with a balance on mind, body and spirit. The recreational therapy department at Craig Hospital also plays a valuable role in achieving this balance by providing PEAK Center members access to amazing recreational activities including white water rafting, scuba diving, competitive sports and hand cycling.

This is a hopeful time in the field of neurologic rehabilitation. Clients are motivated and empowered to reach their goals and health care professionals are committed to support research focused on discerning which interventions at what dosage, combination and intensity facilitate best long term outcomes in the realms of health, fitness and wellness. The PEAK Center is committed and excited to be a part of the community that is providing these opportunities for individuals with neurologic disabilities.

Membership and Information:

Julie Waldie, PT, DPT
Health and Wellness Coordinator
303-789-8325
jwaldie@craighospital.org