To celebrate the opening of the new CHC Orthopedic and Physical Therapy Center, the Community Health Center of Branch County will be hosting an open house.  On Monday, September 10, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the public, past and current patients, and physicians are invited to stop by for refreshments, health screenings, and education. Those attending will be able to see all of the various therapies the Community Health Center of Branch County’s Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services offers and will be able to tour the new Orthopedic Center, and meet the staff.

 The Community Health Center of Branch County Orthopedic Center is opening its new 4700-square-foot facility. The new construction is connected to the current CHC Physical Therapy building allowing one entry way and shared registration for patients.

Dr. Mark Mayer, Orthopedic Surgeon, has moved from the temporary space located at the CHC Community Care and Conference Center to the new office.  The new office is equipped to allow CHC to bring on an additional orthopedic surgeon in the near future.  Mark Mayer, M.D., joined CHC as an orthopedic surgeon in December 2011.  He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and recently completed his orthopedic surgery residency at William Beaumont Hospital Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dr. Mayer is also a licensed Physical Therapist.  Dr. Mayer is assisted by Steve Heckel, P.A.  Steve received his degree from Grand Valley State University in 2004 and has been employed by CHC since May 2012.

The CHC Houghton Family Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center opened in its current location in 2000 providing a wide variety of therapies for the Branch County Area.  This state of the art, 8,400 square foot rehabilitation facility offers many great resources for physical, occupational, and speech therapy for the residents of greaterBranchCounty as well as aquatic therapy. 

The current staff consists of physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, occupational therapists, physical therapy aides, and contracted speech therapy services.  All of the therapists are focused on serving their patients with the best knowledge and techniques available.  This is achieved by continuing education and specialization. 

Specialties include:

• Basic physical therapy, focusing on restoring function secondary to loss of strength, flexibility, and balance
• Staff specially trained in manual therapy, a hands on approach to restoring joint mechanics, mobility, and function using muscle energy technique, myofascial release, strain/counter strain, manipulation, and cranio-sacral therapy
• Lymphedema treatment – this requires additional training with focus on the management of chronic swelling of a limb due to permanent obstruction of the lymphatic pathways; pediatric physical and occupational therapy –focusing on the developmental and functional needs of a child; vestibular rehab – treatment for poor balance, dizziness and vertigo; urinary incontinence – biofeedback training for pelvic floor musculature and promotion of awareness to prevent urinary incontinence; and aquatic therapy – which provides a non-weight bearing environment allowing for a slow progression of resistance and decreased pain. 

Therapy and rehab is not the only thing theHoughtonCenteroffers; public classes are available. These include:  Aquatic Arthritis Class – targeted for those with arthritis who need a buoyant environment, Back on Track – a 10 week weight management class, and Moms in Motion – aquatic pre/post natal class. Call 517-279-5457 for more information.

The Community Health Center of Branch County is a non-profit acute care hospital providing access to safe, comprehensive, high quality healthcare services and accredited by The Joint Commission.  For more information about the open house, please call the CHC Marketing Department at 517-279-5282.