Johns Hopkins Outpatient Intensive Post-Acute Rehabilitation

an older male patient consults with his physical therapy team

The Johns Hopkins Outpatient Intensive Post-Acute Rehabilitation Program is designed to meet the continuing rehabilitation needs of those who have experienced a prolonged hospital stay or acute illness and continue to struggle with being able to return to their previous baseline of function and activity. Patients may have already received rehabilitation services while in the acute care, inpatient or home settings, but feel like their abilities are not where they should be. If you think you could benefit from ongoing rehabilitation to return to your previous level of function and activity, our team of rehabilitation specialists can help.

Continuum of Care in Rehabilitation: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

  • Studies have shown that prolonged hospitalization, especially with an ICU stay, often results in impairments to strength, endurance and function that can be long-lasting in many people.
  • Our Outpatient Intensive Post-Acute Rehabilitation team includes therapists with specialized training to work with patients who have experienced an acute illness or have a complex medical diagnosis that limits their mobility and function.
  • A rehabilitation specialist who is board certified in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy leads the program

Conditions We Treat

Our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team provides individualized treatment for patients who experience impairments following an acute hospitalization or extended illness which may include weakness, limited endurance, balance problems, difficulty walking and a decreased ability to perform daily activities. We evaluate and treat patients who may be recovering from:

  • Any medical or surgical condition complicated by an extended hospital stay
  • Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)
  • Medically complex conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema
  • Transplant surgery 
  • Weakness and balance problems that have worsened after an acute medical illness and interfere with daily activities and normal function

Our Rehabilitation Approach

Our team will craft a care plan around your needs, abilities and goals. You will work with rehabilitation specialists to progress in your recovery. Throughout your rehabilitation, you can expect:

  • Evaluation of your goals for rehabilitation
  • Thorough assessment of strength, balance, exercise tolerance and function
  • Exercise progression, including strength, balance, endurance and functional training
  • Referral to other appropriate health care providers if needed

Our Rehabilitation Technology and Equipment

a woman works with a therapist in a pool during aquatic therapy
  • Anti-gravity treadmill: Reduces the gravitational pull on the body by as much as 80%, allowing for increased support for walking and weight-bearing activities.
  • Instrumented treadmill: Measures the force of your steps as well as your balance and timing with gait to identify gait issues that may play a role in balance, fall risk and ability to walk and move around.
  • Aquatic therapy: Available at our Timonium clinic, aquatic physical therapy allows for early weight-bearing and balance training in warm water. Pool exercises can help strengthen core muscles as well as improve gait, strength and endurance early in the rehabilitation process. Physician clearance required.
  • Strength and aerobic training: Full access to the Coppermine Health & Fitness Center in Timonium with physical therapist supervision during therapy sessions.

Our Rehabilitation Team

Jennifer Zanni, PT, DScPT, CCS

Program Leader

headshot of Jennifer Zanni

Our Locations