Life Care Center of Treasure Valley rehabs man after car accident

Grigory Pyatigorsky was involved in an automobile accident that left him with multiple broken bones, including a fractured spine and hip.

After surgery at the hospital, Pyatigorsky came to Life Care Center of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho, on April 11, 2017. When he arrived, he was in bad shape. He was on a feeding tube because he couldn't swallow safely, and he could not put his body weight onto his left leg. As a result, he needed extensive assistance to transfer from one surface to another and to perform most of his daily self-care tasks.

Pyatigorsky underwent rehab six days a week, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. ST taught him how to swallow safely again, using VitalStim^® electrical stimulation to improve his mouth and throat movements. OT trained him in how to take care of himself again with activities such as grooming, bathing and getting dressed. PT focused on strength and range of motion to get him mobile again.

"Grigory was very proactive in his rehab and motivated to make improvements," said Don Rupe, occupational therapist.

"I love Kevin [Rousseau, physical therapist assistant]," said Pyatigorsky. "He helped me with exercises to strengthen me and my hand."

The hard work paid off. Pyatigorsky was able to discharge on June 6. He was walking with assistance and was able to tolerate three hours of extensive rehab. He was off the feeding tube and was eating and drinking normally again.