Rehabilitation

Meet Joanne Walder, MS, PT – Director of Rehabilitation

Joanne Walder received her degree in Physical Therapy from California State University, Long Beach in 1980. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Allied Health Education from the University of Kentucky in 1983. Following graduate school, Joanne returned to Southern California, where she practiced as a Physical Therapist and served as faculty at California State University, Long Beach in the Physical Therapy program, as well as at Cerritos College in the Physical Therapy Assistant program. In 1987, Joanne relocated to Auburn, California, where she partnered with three orthopedic physicians to establish Mercy Court Physical Therapy. In 1990, she co-founded Sierra Therapy and Hand Rehabilitation (STHR Therapy) in Auburn alongside Laurie Meadows, OTR, CHT. Joanne joined Auburn Ravine Terrace in 2002—now known as Auburn Ravine Healthcare Center—where she currently serves as Director of Rehabilitation. In this role, she oversees rehabilitation services for the broader community as well as the Auburn Ravine campus, which includes independent senior living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. With a strong clinical interest in osteoporosis prevention and management, Joanne completed the Onero Training and Accreditation program and is licensed to provide the Onero Exercise Program at Auburn Ravine Healthcare Center. She is also certified in Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) through Functional Movement Systems.

Individualized Therapy Programs

We understand that our residents come to us with very different and specific rehab needs, which is why we have a team that will create individualized therapy programs that directly answer those specific needs. Our ultimate goal is to help our residents live a more independent lifestyle.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy provides rehabilitation services to assist patients in regaining their ability to walk, transfer between surfaces, and balance. The focus is on mobility, safety, strength, and regaining independence.

• Full-time, one-on-one physical therapy
• Training in mobility, gait stability, ambulation, posture, and positioning
• Custom exercise programs to re-educate muscles, increase muscle function, and improve coordination
• Specialty programming and technology to promote balance and fall prevention
• Joint and soft tissue mobilization to increase range of motion and manage contractures

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy instructs patients regarding strategies for improved activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing. Occupational therapy also instructs patients in techniques for loss of strength, cognition, balance, and sensation.

• Education and training in dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming
• Activities for memory, orientation, and cognitive integration
• Adaptive techniques and equipment to overcome physical disabilities
• Strengthening and coordination exercises
• Exercises to reduce the effects of arthritis or other conditions, to maintain normal joint movement
• Therapeutic environment for activities of daily living re-training

Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy evaluates and treats impairments of speech, language, and cognition As well as swallowing difficulties caused by accident or illness.

• Exercises designed to recover speech, language, and memory skills
• Programs to strengthen verbal and non-verbal communication, including hearing-impaired
• Functionally appropriate diets
• Focus on oral muscle strength and functions required for speaking and swallowing

Advanced Acuity Rehab

If you are a patient out of the ICU who needs more time to recover and receive important, critical care, choose us! Our experienced team is ready to provide the custom therapy you require to heal with fewer complications. Quality rehabilitation will lead to increased walking ability, overall functional capacity, and muscle strength.