HSS Nearly Doubles Presence on Long Island

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has spread its wings in Uniondale, Long Island, New York, adding roughly 18,000 square feet and nearly doubling the facility size to 37,000 square feet. The expanded facility includes a new, state-of-the-art physical therapy center with specially trained HSS physical therapists who must meet specific standards set only by HSS. The facility also hosts a second MRI suite.

Mark Drakos, M.D., medical director of HSS Long Island explained to OTW about the process of expanding HSS’s footprint in Long Island. “HSS has had the Long Island office since 2000. Back then, there were only six physicians. In 2013, HSS completed the first major renovation, doubling office space from 7,000 to 14,500 square feet. Two physicians also joined the practice, bringing the total number of doctors to 18. The number of exam rooms increased from 9 to 18 in 2013.”

“The 2013 expansion included the addition of an MRI suite and a Special Procedures Unit for pain management treatments. A third x-ray room was also added in 2013. Over the years, HSS has steadily added to its office space, welcomed new physicians, and expanded services to meet patient demand.”

In addition, Dr. Drakos described the interesting range of physical therapy amenities/services: “The new HSS Long Island Rehabilitation and Performance Center offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy, and other specialized services. People come to our center for rehab after surgery or for PT after an injury or chronic pain condition, such as arthritis or back pain. Our specialized physical therapists also offer occupational therapy and hand therapy, as mentioned above.”

“We also offer several personalized programs designed to improve performance, prevent injuries, and help individuals achieve their fitness goals, such as one-on-one sports and fitness training with an exercise physiologist. Training can be either in person or virtually.”

In addition, the center will provide a virtual nutrition service that gives patients personalized assessments of their diet and works with each patient to develop a nutrition action plan whether it’s for training, competition, or wellness goals. The center also offers follow-up sessions to track progress, address obstacles, and maintain motivation.

Individualized Work Environment Assessments

Furthermore, HSS built into the new Long Island Rehabilitation and Performance Center programs ergonomic assessments, which are available virtually so patients can access the services literally anywhere. The assessments include evaluation of desk station, monitor, keyboard/mouse, chair, and additional office space considerations. Body mechanics and posture are assessed to determine potential causes of discomfort or other factors limiting productivity.

HSS invested in state-of-the-art equipment and techniques for patients to use during recovery or training—for example, a DARI 3D motion analysis system, which tracks a patient’s movements and generates muscle, bone, and joint health data. Physical therapist or exercise physiologists use that data to design therapy programs, minimize the injury risk and track progress.

Finally, the center has an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which uses positive air pressure to reduce gravitational forces on the body—legs feel lighter, joints have less pressure and each step is easier, more pain-free but the treadmill sill helps to restore and build muscle strength, range of motion and balance.

And of course, supporting it all is the legendary HSS staff.