Inpatient Rehabilitation

Located at Bridgeport Hospital, our team of experts work together to provide the highest-quality care ranging from topical treatments to skin grafting. The burn team includes surgeons, specially trained burn nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, dieticians, and physical and occupational therapists.

The care team oversees treatment and rehabilitation for the patient’s entire stay, which can last up to several months depending on the severity of the patient’s injuries.

Learn more at The Connecticut Burn Center

This assessment is used for patients experiencing swallowing difficulties that may be associated with injury, cancer, neurological conditions and changes in muscle function to determine the safety and efficiency of the swallow. The assessment is performed by a speech language pathologist and evaluates the structure of your throat and voice box, the movements of the swallow during saliva management, and efficiency during liquid and solid food consumption. Your provider will recommend a diet and/or strategies to improve function and potential therapy.

A MBSS is for patients who are experiencing swallowing difficulties. A video x-ray used to evaluate eating, drinking and swallowing as material passes through the mouth, throat and into the esophagus. This study is completed in the x-ray department with a speech language pathologist and radiologist to assess swallowing function.

Pediatric rehabilitation at Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, offers individualized care for children from birth through adolescence experiencing functional challenges due to trauma, developmental delays or illness.

Our interdisciplinary team, comprised of pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists develop customized treatment plans that focus on helping children achieve meaningful developmental milestones. Therapy may include play-based activities, motor exercises, caregiver education and the use of adaptive equipment.

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Physical therapists (PTs) support children in building gross motor skills such as strength, coordination, and movement. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), PTs focus on early developmental interventions. They guide families on how to position their baby for optimal development, respond to cues of stress or readiness, and encourage movement through age-appropriate activities like tummy time and toy play. PTs help caregivers foster bonding, track progress, and prepare for ongoing therapy if needed after discharge.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) help children develop the skills necessary for daily life, from self-care and play to school and social interaction. Services include feeding therapy, fine motor coordination, sensory integration, and use of adaptive tools or splints.

In the NICU, OTs support infants in early “occupations” like bonding, feeding, and interacting with their environment. They assess feeding readiness, assist with safe oral feeding, and help caregivers learn how to nurture developmental progress. Each baby’s needs are carefully evaluated, and therapy plans are adapted accordingly, with continued care coordinated if needed after discharge.

Pediatric Speech Language Pathology

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) help children develop communication, social, speech, and feeding skills. They guide children and families providing education about functioning levels and early milestones.

In the NICU SLPs provide swallowing assessments to ensure safe oral intake. They assess feeding readiness and intake methods, provide positioning and feeding strategies, and educate parents.