If you or a loved one has a physical or developmental disability that began in childhood, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Transition and Lifespan Clinic can help you move from pediatric to adult rehab care. We treat people into adulthood, striving to help them be as healthy and independent as possible as they age.
Even if a person has lived with a physical, intellectual or neurodevelopmental disability for a long time, their goals may change over the years. They may face new challenges or need different therapies, equipment or technology as they age and their body changes.
The PMR Transition and Lifespan Clinic exists to provide health care guidance and help each person maintain independence, learn about their own health and continue to remain active in the community. We’re also here to support caregivers as their own role and responsibilities shift.
Why use a transition of care and lifespan clinic?
Many families find the right rehab services during childhood, but they’re often left to navigate health care on their own once in adulthood. This can be a difficult or confusing process, and many people become discouraged or fail to get important care. Changing to a new doctor after years with the same pediatric PMR provider can be especially hard.
Because a chronic disability can lead to challenges that continue throughout life and may worsen with age, Ohio State’s PMR Transition and Lifespan Clinic exists to ease this process:
Clinic director, Jessica Prokup, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) specialist, works with her pediatric PMR colleagues to understand each person's unique health journey, and then partners with families to create a personalized rehabilitation and support plan.
As families navigate within the new adult model of care, she provides ongoing guidance, treatment and helpful referrals to other medical specialists.
Starting adult care at Ohio State
We’re here for every stage of life, with a person-centered and family-centered approach.
- In our clinic, you’ll gain a personal champion –– someone who encourages and challenges you and connects you to the support and services you need.
- If you prefer to continue routine care closer to home, we also welcome partnerships with your regular doctor.
- If you’re already a patient of the Comprehensive Cerebral Palsy Program or the Spina Bifida and Myelomeningocele Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Prokup can see you in these clinics and collaborate with your multidisciplinary team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It is common for adults to see Dr. Prokup at both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State.
Conditions treated at the PMR Transition and Lifespan Clinic
We provide comprehensive care and support for adults with childhood-onset disabilities. Some of the most frequent conditions we manage include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Down syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Genetic disorders
- Childhood spinal cord injury
What support and services are available through the Transition and Lifespan Clinic?
As younger people transition from pediatric to adult PMR , we work together to help them to be as independent as possible. We also provide an appropriate level of health care education for them, to improve their understanding of their condition and how their decisions and actions can impact their health.
Some of the services provided in our clinic include:
- Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal and neurologic symptoms, with referrals to other medical experts as needed.
- Management of spasticity using botulinum toxin injections, intrathecal baclofen pumps and other treatments.
- Prescriptions for braces and orthotics
- Referrals for:
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Prescription for, adjustment of or fitting of adaptive equipment and wheelchairs through our Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Clinic
- Evaluation and management of communication devices (i.e., AAC, SGD) with a speech therapist
- Smart home and adaptive driving evaluations through our Assistive Technology Center
- Social work support, to connect you to helpful community resources
What to expect during a visit to the PMR Transition and Lifespan Clinic
During every visit, we strive to provide a positive, supportive environment, and we offer accommodations to minimize anxiety.
- People are welcome to do a walk-through of our rehabilitation offices at Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care to see the space and meet our team before their first appointment. If you’d like to do this, please call ahead to make sure our staff will be available for the best visit.
- We can stage a mock procedure to answer questions and help you understand each planned procedure beforehand.
- Individuals can come with their caregivers or bring any physical items, such as toys, music or videos, to serve as distraction or comfort.
Meet clinic provider
Read more about the opening of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Transitions of Care Clinic.