Whether it’s a woman walking gingerly between two parallel bars, seeking to regain mobility after a stroke, or a man standing in front of a touch screen that offers tests to strengthen reflexes and vision, the St. Mary’s Life Center offers people of all ages—children to seniors—the opportunity to rehabilitate from any number of conditions, diseases, illnesses or falls.

“All of the services here at the Life Center are focused on getting people back to work and play,” said Karl Zander, administrative director of rehabilitation and bariatric services.

“Whether you have an injury or a disability, we are focused on giving you the tools and treatment you need to get back to your daily living.”

Located at 2686 Patterson Road, the Life Center is a one-stop haven for occupational, physical, speech and language therapy for all ages. Zander estimated as many as 150 people walk through the center’s doors daily to receive supervised treatment.

Still in the workforce? The Life Center staff will help you recover from almost all types of injuries through occupational therapy.

Victim of a stroke? The neuro-rehabilitation program can help you regain skills lost from the episode.

Arthritis sufferer? The pain management service offers tools to help you live with the condition.

“There isn’t anything we don’t do when it comes to rehab services under this roof,” Zander said.

The center’s therapy gym is an expansive, open space with dozens of different types of exercise equipment. Each is within sight and earshot of licensed therapists. Smaller areas for individual work are also available.

Recently, the Life Center acquired new equipment and offered more staff training to enhance its rehabilitation services for those with Parkinson’s or lower back issues, Zander said.

Although the Life Center is part of St. Mary’s umbrella of care in the Grand Valley, it’s open to anyone referred there by a physician. Treatment from St. Mary’s Hospital is not required.

“If you feel like you’d benefit from these services, contact your physician,” Zander said.

Life Center staff will determine an individual’s eligibility and covered benefits prior to starting any program offered. Typically, clients visit the Life Center an average of seven to 10 times before treatment is complete, Zander said.

Although the center’s rehabilitation services are by physician referral only, the center also offers continued education to the public on such topics as diabetes and pre-diabetes, fall prevention and nutrition.

For a complete list of all the services the Life Center offers, call 298-6100.