Life Care of the North Shore helps Crohnâ??s patient regain mobility

When Melissa Stevens came to Life Care Center of the North Shore in Lynn, Massachusetts, she had lost all her functional independence and mobility due to multiple compression fractures in her mid and lower back.

Stevens was further compromised from Crohn's disease, which causes the intestines to be chronically inflamed, leading to pain.

Physical and occupational therapists got to work on helping Stevens reach her goal of restored independence. They worked with her on her strength, range of motion, balance and endurance, as well as her ability to take care of herself.

On Feb. 3, 2017, Stevens was able to walk out the door of Life Care Center of the North Shore and through the door of her own apartment. She was on no pain medication, and she did not need an assistive device for walking. She could even manage two flights of stairs!

"She worked hard to gain back her strength and confidence, completing a personalized exercise program under the guidance of the staff," said the rehab team.