Article by WellSpan Chambersburg
As world champions complete the Olympics in Paris, patients at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital have been competing in their own games – the Rehab Olympics.
Instead of the 100-meter dash, golf, and javelin throw, patients are competing in similar events, such as a wheelchair obstacle course, putting and airplane toss. They are split into three teams, red, white and blue, to compete over two weeks and earn gold, silver, and bronze “medals” that they wear proudly during their stay.
Trina Schenzel, who has worked at WellSpan as a physical therapist in the rehabilitation unit for almost 20 years, said the Rehab Olympics help keep patients motivated during what can be a rough time in their lives.
“Being in rehab can be hard,” Schenzel said. “Many are looking at the same four walls each day and some patients can stay for up to six weeks. The games give them something to look forward to and help them stay motivated. They also help patients to continue working on goals to recovery, even if they don’t realize it.”
While the games help to improve patients’ balance, strength and coordination, some of the games also engage the patients mentally and socially. They compete to see who can remember the most sports teams. Working together in teams, socializing, and encouraging each other has had a positive impact on their mental health.
The Rehab Olympics were created during the 2020 summer Olympic games to help patients have fun as they recover. Rehab team members and Olympic “coaches” include: Deborah Jones, director of rehabilitation services; Kelley Bishop, manager; Sharon Peppernick, physical therapy assistant; Christian Parker, occupational therapist; Sandra Sakala, certified occupational therapist; Kirsty Yocum, certified occupational therapist; Tina Culbertson, registered nurse; and Chrystal Krichten, registered nurse.
Thelma “Sammie” Coccagna is a rehabilitation patient in WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital and has been undergoing physical therapy for the past three weeks due to fluid around her heart. Since this was her first time in rehab, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But the Rehab Olympics and kind team members supporting her have helped to make the experience something she will never forget.
“The people here have taken wonderful care of me,” she said. “From the nurses to the individuals who bring me my meals – everyone is so cheerful. I’ve never experienced care like this and I’m in awe!”
Karrie Carter, who has also worked at WellSpan for 20 years, has noticed a big difference in the patients’ overall attitude since the start of the Rehab Olympics.
“The number of smiles and volume of laughter I’ve seen from all of the patients is so encouraging and brings a smile to my face as well,” Carter said. “Their camaraderie towards each other is so inspiring and the positive energy created really encourages them. The love and care shared amongst these individuals truly helps them to heal.”
The therapy has also allowed Coccagna to do things she couldn’t before. “I’m able to walk much further now,” she says. “I can walk up and down steps more comfortably. It has helped me a lot.”
Her favorite Rehab Olympics event? The wheelchair obstacle course! She also received a bronze medal in the airplane toss. “I’ve had so much fun participating and can’t thank this team enough,” said Coccagna.
