Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Therapy Services

Stroke Care

There are two types of strokes: Ischemic strokes are caused by a clot, and they’re the most common, accounting for 87 percent of all strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes are exactly what the name implies—they’re caused by a hemorrhage (bleeding) into the brain after a blood vessel breaks, an event called an aneurysm. And it’s not an old person’s disorder; 34 percent of strokes happen to people under 65.

Probably the most important point to know about a stroke is that you have to act fast and call 911 immediately. Brain cells will die within minutes, and if you don’t get help right away, the neurological damage could be permanent. It’s a true life-and-death situation, and you need to recognize the symptoms:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or inability to understand what you’re saying
  • Suddenly can’t see with one or both eyes
  • Sudden problem with walking, coordination, dizziness or balance.

When it comes to strokes, ethnicity matters: all minority groups are at higher risk of stroke than Caucasians. African Americans have twice the risk of a first-time stroke.  Age is a factor; older people are more likely to have a stroke, especially if they’re overweight, have high blood pressure or heart disease, or smoke.

Risks and Rewards: About 15 percent of strokes are preceded by a “mini-stroke,” or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), which means a blood clot temporarily blocked your blood vessels. In this case, clot-dissolving medications can reduce the damage, but only if the person is treated within three hours of the stroke. You can be sure the stroke treatment provided by Central Maine Healthcare is world-class. We recently were awarded the prestigious Joint Commission’s Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizing our top-quality stroke care. The Joint Commission mentioned our multidisciplinary approach to neurology, and for you that means your treatment covers every aspect of your recovery—speed, compassionate care and attention to every detail.

We also were granted the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With the Guidelines—GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award” for Central Maine Healthcare’s consistent excellence in stroke care, always based on the most current research.

There are 7 million stroke survivors in America today. Central Maine Healthcare treats more than 200 stroke patients each year, mostly through our Emergency Department where we can quickly evaluate and treat your condition. Once you’ve had a stroke or heart disease, your risk of stroking escalates.

Signs and Symptoms

Strokes can come on suddenly. The faster you seek help, the more brain cells you can save. Unfortunately, the damage to the brain caused by strokes can be permanent. That is why a fast reaction may help you or a stroke victim get the right treatment and have a better recovery and prognosis.

Know the Signs of a Stroke: If you notice any of the following symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a major cause of long-term disability. A critical element of a stroke is that impacts the brain, and as the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association note: “Time lost is brain lost.” In other words, brain cells that die cannot be replaced.

What is a stroke? A stroke is caused when an artery that delivers blood and oxygen to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. Brain cells deprived of oxygen die within minutes. As a result, the effects of a stroke — neurological impairment — may be permanent, since the brain cells cannot be replaced.

A stroke that is caused by a clot that obstructs blood and oxygen flow is called an ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke, occurring in 87 percent of cases. The remaining 13 percent are known as hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by a blood vessel breaking and bleeding into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by two types of defective blood vessels: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Aneurysms are vessels that have weakened and ballooned outward; arteriovenous malformations are a collection of abnormal blood vessels that are prone to breaking.

What is a TIA? A TIA is a transient ischemic attack and is also known as a “mini stroke.” It occurs if a blood clot temporarily blocks blood vessels to the brain. Because TIAs precede about 15 percent of all strokes, they should never be ignored. Clot dissolving treatments are available to reduce damage from a TIA but are effective only if received within three hours of the stroke.

Can I lower my risk of stroke? Research indicates that living a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of having a stroke. This includes:

  • Controlling high blood pressure
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
  • Staying physically active
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Managing diabetes
  • Moderate intake or abstinence from alcohol

To learn more about strokes:

Treatment

When you have a crisis as serious as a stroke, you want the finest care available. When the Joint Commission recently awarded Central Maine its esteemed Primary Stroke Center Certification, inspectors noted that ours was “among the leading programs in the nation.” That honor was affirmed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association when they presented us with their Get With the Guidelines—GOLD PLUS Quality Achievement Award for our outstanding stroke treatment. For you, these awards mean you can depend on us for the finest stroke care in the region. If you suspect you or a family member are having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Fast Action Saves Lives: When someone is having a stroke, seconds count! Our Emergency Department will quickly assess the situation, then they’ll almost certainly administer a clot-busting drug, either aspirin or an injection of TPA to restore the blood flow. Medications might be sent directly to the brain through a catheter in the groin.

If it’s appropriate, your surgeon will perform a minimally invasive clot removal to remove plaque from your arteries. Some emergency treatment also involves an angioplasty—inserting a small balloon into one of your blood vessels to widen it and improve the blood flow. Or doctors might insert a stent, a tiny mesh tube to keep the artery open.

For a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors might give you a drug to lower your blood pressure or reduce pressure on your brain. Another common procedure is “clipping,” clamping your aneurysm to stop the bleeding. “Coiling” is another option, where a surgeon inserts a tiny coil into the aneurysm to fill it and block the bleeding. Radiosurgery sometimes works as well, shooting beams of focused radiation into your brain to repair the blood vessels.

Getting a Diagnosis: Firming up a stroke diagnosis is a high-tech affair. Once the crisis is past, your doctors may want to look at your brain through a 64-slice scanner, a machine that provides faster, higher-res images than less cutting-edge scanners, and shows them a detailed, 3-D reconstruction. With this technology, doctors can identify specific parts of the brain that were affected by the stroke but might still respond to treatment.

You might also undergo a MEG (magnetoencephalography) lab test, a safe, non-invasive exam that measures your brain activity. Over the coming days or weeks, you might receive a 3-Tesla MRI scan, which will track the recovery of your brain tissue to see which parts started working normally again after your stroke.

Stroke Rehab: Once you get past the emergency stroke treatment and you’re stabilized, your neurologist will want your rehabilitation to begin as soon as possible. The faster you start your rehab, the more independence and quality of life you’re likely to regain. Every aspect of your rehab is customized to you, shaped by the collaborations between your medical care team. It’s likely to incorporate these features:

  • Occupational therapy, to help you rebuild skills for performing everyday activities. Depending on the severity of your stroke, you may need to re-learn writing, bathing, dressing and other simple tasks.
  • Physical therapy, to improve your stamina, minimize your pain, build coordination and balance, and regain control of your extremities.
  • Speech and language therapy to strengthen your ability to communicate and, if needed, to swallow.

Most rehab happens on an outpatient basis, available at centers throughout the Central Maine system. We also offer a menu of education options and support groups, both for the stroke patient and their family.

Rehabilitation: The aim of neurological rehab is to get you living independently again as soon as possible. That can be a lengthy process, especially if you have to re-learn basic skills like talking, writing and dressing yourself. At Central Maine Healthcare’s Rehab Center, we provide a long list of therapies designed to get you to the highest possible level of functioning and well-being.

If you’ve had a neurological disorder and think you’re a good candidate for rehabilitation, call: (207) 795-2927.

Types of Neurological Rehab

At Central Maine we can help you rehab from a variety of disorders, including brain injuries, movement disorders, spinal cord injuries, head and neck cancer, and stroke. While the specifics of your rehab program vary according to the disorder and your personal condition, most rehab takes you through your daily functions such as mobility, thinking abilities and communication. For neurological rehab, you may work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, exercise specialists, nutritionists and others. They’ll make up your rehab team, and they will stay in close communication with your doctor and each other, monitoring your progress as you continue. Their goal is your smooth transition to outpatient care and independent living.

Pain management is included in many neurological rehab plans, because a number of neurological disorders cause pain and you may not find total relief during your treatment. In this case, you may be referred to CMH’s pain management program, which includes education and education. If you’ve suffered back pain after an injury or spinal disorder, you’ll undergo a program to regain strength, mobility and independence in terms of caring for yourself. Aquatic therapy is especially effective in relieving back pain, with the added bonus of relaxing sore muscles, too.

Other neurological rehab strategies might be new to you, or they could be continuations of your treatment plan, such as relief from stress, anxiety or depression. You might undergo training to regain lost social and behavioral skills, and nutritional counseling to plan meals that will support your wellness.

Rehab After a Stroke

Your after-stroke rehab plan will feature a special set of skills and goals. Many of these are found in other neurological rehab programs, but almost all are likely to be part of your program after a stroke:

  • Motor-skill training: You probably will start a regimen of exercises to improve your muscle strength and coordination, including the muscles involved in swallowing.
  • Mobility training: You may need to learn how to use devices to help you move around, such as a walker, wheelchair or cane. Some patients wear an ankle brace during this phase; it supports their ankles while they get better at walking again.
  • Constraint-induced therapy: It might sound counter-intuitive, but in this therapy, your unaffected limb—say, your left arm if your right arm had been affected by the stroke—is put in restraints. The idea is to exercise your limbs that were affected, without getting “help” from the healthy limbs.
  • Range-of-motion therapy: These exercises show how far you can move your limbs in different directions, and work to increase their range.
  • Electrical stimulus: Small electrical charges are applied to weakened muscles, causing them to contract and respond when they’re stimulated.
  • Therapy for cognitive disorders: This type of rehab is highly personalized, and could include techniques for improving your memory, problem solving skills, social skills and safety awareness.
  • Speech therapy: Many stroke patients need to learn to speak clearly again.

Your rehab might happen at home, in a skilled nursing center, or in an outpatient facility such as a doctor’s office. The sooner you begin rehab after a stroke, the better your skills will be.

Outpatient Therapy

No matter what your outpatient therapy needs, CMH offers the care you need. With a full spectrum of diagnostic, therapeutic and restorative services, our mission is to get you on your feet and back to normal activities as quickly as possible after an injury or illness. Our scope of services also goes beyond care after an acute injury or illness, offering services for patients who need help maintaining mobility and other abilities. All Central Maine Healthcare outpatient therapy services follow nationally recognized best practices for quality care, meaning you can receive the optimal care you need close to home.

Services Available: Every person is unique and distinct, so the outpatient therapy services we offer are, too. At your first appointment, our first step is to gain a thorough understanding of your needs, your medical history and your lifestyle. Based on those specifics, the outpatient therapy team will put together an individualized care plan to help you achieve your goals. This care plan may include:

  • Orthopedic/Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Back and Spine Care
  • Post Surgical Rehabilitation: Continuing Rehabilitation after Hospitalization
  • Balance and Vestibular Program
  • Work Injuries
  • Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy
  • Lymphedema Management
  • Pelvic Floor Rehab – Bladder Control–Incontinence Management
  • Swallowing Therapy
  • Adult Speech/Language Therapy
  • Pediatric Speech/Language Therapy
  • Osteoporosis Program
  • Neurological Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy

When a person has difficulty performing activities of daily living due to an illness, injury or cognitive change, occupational therapy may provide solutions. Occupational therapy provides personalized guidance and intervention to help patients of all ages and walks of life participate fully at home, work, school or in social situations. For some patients, this will involve working to regain lost skills, while other patients will, with the help of the occupational therapist, learn to adapt their environment. Occupational therapy focuses on offering personalized care to help each patient reach their goals.

What Happens During Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy sessions vary from patient to patient. Specialists will tailor therapy sessions to you or your loved one’s individual goals and needs. In some cases, occupational therapists help children with disabilities learn to navigate social and school situations. Older adults experiencing physical or mental changes may benefit from an occupational therapist helping them find newer, more manageable ways to complete their daily activities. Or, for patients who have sustained injuries that make performing some tasks difficult, occupational therapy can find workaround solutions to help them improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy focuses on physical, mental and emotional needs of each patient. Specialists work with the patient and family to help build a healthy, sustainable way of life that fits the patient’s goals and needs.

How Is Occupational Therapy Different from Physical Therapy? In short, physical therapy helps improve strength, endurance, range of motion and pain management. Occupational therapy can help with these things, as well, but it also focuses on fine-motor skills, such as moving fingers and toes. It also works to improve patients’ cognitive, perceptive, and sensory-processing abilities, while physical therapy does not usually focus as strongly on these things.

Occupational Therapy at CMH: Our Acute Rehabilitation Center is a 13-bed center that offers high-quality therapeutic care, including occupational therapy. Referrals are needed for admission. To learn more about our Acute Rehabilitation Center, request a tour by calling 207-795-2495 Monday through Friday and 207-795-2600 on weekends.

Contact Us
Bridgton Hospital
25 Hospital Dr.
Bridgton, ME
207-647-6145		CM Therapy Services
690 Minot Ave.
Auburn, ME
207-753-3456		CM Therapy Services
77 Bates St.
Lewiston, ME
207-795-2122		CM Therapy Services
23 Bowdoin St. Manchester, ME
207-248-0500
Naples Physical Therapy
12 Lakes Plaza Dr., Ste 4
Naples, ME
207-693-4202		Rumford Hospital
420 Franklin St.
Rumford, ME
207-369-1099		Turner PT Services
287B Auburn Rd.
Turner, ME
207-225-2610

Physical Therapy

You may think of physical therapy in relation to injury, but it encompasses much more. Physical therapy is specialized to help regain or maintain physical abilities, including mobility, gait and function. Because every injury or illness is unique, a person’s physical therapy recommendations are also unique. A trained physical therapist will recommend a specific and individualized regimen designed to help a patient overcome deficits, reduce pain and improve overall functioning. The physical therapist works in conjunction with other members of a patient’s care team, including their primary care provider.

Why Do You Need Physical Therapy? You might need physical therapy for a variety of reasons. For example, if you experience an acute or chronic injury or undergo a surgical procedure to treat an injury, you may need physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in the affected limb. Patients who have experienced a stroke often require physical therapy to help them repair physical limitations that may occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Physical therapy can also be prescribed to help a person maintain their current level of functioning. This can be the case when a person has a progressive disease such as Parkinson’s disease, which can affect mobility over time, or when a person’s abilities begin to diminish with age.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy: Physical therapy differs from patient to patient, since therapy is individualized based on their specific needs. At your first appointment, your physical therapist will spend time reviewing your medical history and deficits you are experiencing. Based on this information, they will recommend a specific regimen to help you reach your treatment goals. Your physical therapy sessions will include guided exercises in conjunction with joint mobilization, manual therapy, strength training and, potentially, other types of therapy, including occupational and/or speech therapies.

Recovering From Physical Therapy: Because physical therapy requires you to move your body in multiple ways, it can sometimes cause discomfort. Your physical therapist or medical provider will offer suggestions on alleviating any residual discomfort. Physical therapy also often involves prescribed exercises meant to be performed at home between sessions.

Speech Therapy

Speech and language disorders affect a person’s ability to communicate. When someone has difficulty making sounds, communicating ideas or swallowing, speech therapy could help resolve the problem. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose and provide a treatment plan for a variety of disorders in children and adults.

Why Do You Need Speech Therapy? Speech therapy can help with several types of impaired speech and language skills:

  • Speech disorders such as apraxia, dysarthria and stuttering cause a person to have difficulty forming words and sounds.
  • Speech and language delays occur when a child’s speaking abilities develop slower than average. This is a common developmental issue that affects up to 10% of children.
  • Language disorders such as aphasia and auditory processing disorder affect a person’s ability to form words or understand and process language.
  • Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, are characterized by problems eating or drinking. These issues may be caused by muscle weakness, issues within the brain or nervous system, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or head and neck cancer.

Speech therapy should begin as early as possible to remedy the issue. Children who receive speech therapy before age 5 typically show better results than children who start at older ages. Adults who have a speech impediment from childhood, or a condition resulting from illness or injury, should seek professional help from an SLP. Treatment can still be effective at a later age, as adults also can see improvement after visiting a specialist.

Getting Ready for Speech Therapy: You will need to request a referral from your primary care provider to see a speech-language pathologist. They will direct you to a trusted, licensed SLP in your area. Be prepared to answer questions, as SLPs ask for specifics so they can understand the complete picture. You can bring a document that lists concerns with speech or language, a timeline of speech development and information about medical conditions that may affect speech. This helps assess the condition and create a personalized treatment plan.

What to Expect During Speech Therapy: Every session varies based on your circumstances. After a treatment plan is created, your SLP will help you decide the frequency, timing and setting. Some SLPs provide group treatment, while others work on an individual level. A session could include activities to practice language skills, articulation therapy or swallowing therapy. A SLP will guide you or your child through the entire process.

Click to learn more about our: Specialty Programs

FAQ – see if your question is answered below:

Will my health insurance cover therapy services? Physical, occupational and speech therapy are usually included under health insurance plans. Before starting therapy services, however, check with your insurance company or ask for assistance from hospital team members. You also need to know whether or not the insurance company requires a referral. CMH accepts most major insurances. For more information call Patient Financial Services at 888-869-3101 regarding payment plans or other assistance with your bill.

I don’t have health insurance. Can I still receive therapy services? Patients paying directly for services receive a same-day, flat-rate discount. We provide an economical treatment plan to keep costs down while obtaining maximal results, and we offer programs for people who are unable to pay for services.

What makes CMH Therapy Services so distinctive? Patients see an experienced therapist who works to help achieve their goals, big or small. We want you to return to life activities as soon as you are able. We offer multiple convenient locations where patients usually see the same therapists at each visit. Your home exercise program is an important part of your recovery, so your therapist will assist you with written instructions.

Research confirms that patients who take charge of their own care achieve the best results with fewer visits, resulting in reduced costs. If patients progress on schedule and are having success with their home program, we may be able to reduce the frequency of visits. We are available during the week by phone or email and will respond quickly to any questions you may have. Let us know if you notice a change that concerns you. Therapy visits last an average of 45 minutes. We strive to keep appointments on schedule and request that you arrive at your appointments in a timely manner.

How should I prepare for my first visit?

Before coming in: We will call you to schedule your appointment and complete a patient intake form over the phone. Other forms can be downloaded from the website [link to this page when it’s updated] and completed to bring to your first visit.
On arrival:
Please arrive 15 minutes early to register and complete any additional paperwork. Our friendly and well-trained front desk team members are always happy to help you. If you weren’t able to complete the medical history form at home, our front office team members can help you complete it and answer any questions you may have. If you have a prescription for therapy, please make sure you bring it to the first visit.

What should I wear? Wear loose, comfortable clothing and exercise shoes. Women with an arm or upper back problem may want to consider wearing a tank top or sports bra. If you have a knee or ankle problem, consider wearing shorts.

Where do I park? Parking is available near the hospital. If you need assistance getting out of your car or to the therapy department, we can have a therapy staff member meet you. Let us know if you need a wheelchair.

What should I do if I have questions that weren’t answered here? Please call us and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Inpatient Acute Rehab

We offer a full spectrum of inpatient acute rehabilitation services designed to help you recover and get back to normal life as quickly as possible. Because no injury or illness is the same as another, inpatient acute rehab is an individualized process. Every patient receives a care plan personalized to fit their specific needs. Your rehab plan may include:

  • Assistance overcoming balance, mobility and coordination impairments
  • Coaching and guidance to perform activities of daily living, such as feeding or bathing
  • Education and resources to help you learn how to deal with a new “normal” as needed
  • Exercises to help regain movement, strength and endurance
  • Guidance related to assistive devices and equipment that may help after you leave
  • Help overcoming communication or swallowing difficulties
  • Training of family members to help with your care or daily activities

Why Choose CMH? When you need rehabilitation, you want to receive that care close to home. CMH offers specialized care to help you regain abilities and maintain function, located in or near the setting you received your initial care. This benefits patients by providing continuity of care, promoting positive outcomes and return to normal activities. CMH believes in the power of family, allowing family members to participate in their loved ones’ care when possible.

Quality Outcomes: You can feel peace of mind knowing that CMH offers rehab services that exceed nationally recognized quality standards and best practices. CMH maintains CARF International accreditation for medical rehabilitation services. CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor, which means that our processes, procedures and outcomes have been thoroughly reviewed internally and by an external team of experts selected by CARF.

Our drive for constant improvement is evident in our quality measures. Approximately 80% of our rehabilitation patients are discharged directly back to the community on completion of their rehab program. This speaks to the quality of care and the thorough approach our providers take to identifying and implementing individualized care plans for each patient.

Acute Rehab Patient Outcomes 2023

Discharge LocationTotal # of Patients: 242CMH Acute RehabRegional AverageNational Average
Home or Community19279%76%81%
Long Term Care or Skilled Rehab2711%9%6%
Acute Hospital219%9%9%
Average Length of Stay 13.8 days11.1 days11 days

Source: Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation, Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023.

Contact Us
207-795-2600		Find a LocationFind a Provider

Rehabilitation and Therapy Objectives: The CMH rehab therapy team realizes that every patient has unique needs and creates programs tailored to each condition. Our focus is on what patients can do — identifying their strengths and maximizing independence — and providing appropriate therapeutic programming. We help with a variety of cognitive, perceptual, communication and physical limitations:

  • Use specialized equipment as needed, and adapt to barriers
  • Adapt to life with disability beyond rehab
  • Address swallowing, feeding and nutritional needs
  • Improve personal care such as feeding, bathing and dressing
  • Increase mobility (e.g., the ability to get out of bed and walk)
  • Overcome balance and coordination impairments
  • Overcome communication deficits
  • Regain strength and range of motion in arms, legs and trunk
  • Teach family members to provide assistance

Swing Bed Program in Bridgton and Rumford: The Swing Bed Program at CMH was created to help inpatients transition from hospital-based care back home. Because these patients are allowed to stay in the hospital as opposed to a skilled nursing facility, they receive care from many of the same providers who treated them while they were ill, providing continuity of care. When you receive our swing bed services, you have access to:

  • A case management team to assist in locating resources and preparing you for discharge
  • Central Maine Healthcare’s extensive network of medical specialists
  • Comfortable, private rooms with bath, shower, cable, telephone and free Wi-Fi
  • Infusion, lab, X-ray, pharmacy and other on-site services
  • Our swing bed medical director and providers on-site 24 hours a day
  • Physical and occupational therapy, seven days a week
  • Speech therapy up to five days a week

Who Should Consider the Swing Bed Program? Patients with a variety of health conditions and needs can benefit from this service. Our different offerings include:

Contact Our Swing Bed Coordinator for More Information:
Bridgton Hospital – 207-647-6052
Rumford Hospital – 207-369-1000

Spine Care

Where We Practice:

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics
690 Minot Avenue, Auburn
Phone: 207-783-1328
Office Hours: Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Request an Appointment

Central Maine Healthcare Spine Care is a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and image-guided surgical techniques. We are the regional referral center for surgical and non-surgical spinal disorder treatments, including the latest in advanced therapies for treating acute and chronic neck and back pain.

Most individuals with spine conditions do not need surgery to get better. When a thorough exam and diagnosis has been made, we work with you to create a customized care plan, first using non-surgical solutions such as spine-specialized physical therapy, injections and medications. When non-operative treatments of back pain or neck pain don’t offer adequate relief, your provider may recommend spine surgery.

Spine Conditions We Treat

Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis		Scoliosis
Spinal tumors and fractures
Degenerative disc disease		Nerve pain
Radiculopathy
Sciatica (pinched nerve – radiating arm and leg pain)

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our surgeons are fellowship trained in modern, minimally invasive spine surgery and cutting-edge image-guided technologies to perform your surgery with greater precision, fewer complications, and faster recovery. Minimally invasive procedures allow many patients to have their surgery in the morning and be home later the same day to recover in their own homes. This is because, in minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half inch in length. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged area in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae are achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissue.

While this type of surgery requires highly specialized training and experience to master the use of the tools, it affords tremendous benefits to the patient. The incision is smaller, the hospital stay is shorter, and recovery is quicker and less painful.

A Non-Surgical Approach

The CMH Spine Care team includes board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, also known as physiatrists. Physiatrists specialize in treating joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries.

Many of our patients who have a spine injury but are not ready or a candidate for surgery, typically consult with a physiatrist to discuss the full range of treatment options available to them. Our physiatrists utilize advanced diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to more accurately understand the cause of your problems.

If indicated, we may prescribe an injection to relieve your pain symptoms and help you bridge into therapy and perhaps back to a full recovery. A spinal injection can also reveal important diagnostic information about your problem and how best to treat it. Spine injections are performed in our on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center, in a room with a C-arm imaging system which enables the provider to position the pain-relieving medication to a specific location.  These procedures generally take about 30 minutes.

State-of-the-Art Spine Care Center

CMH Spine Care is a state-of-the-art spine center equipped and organized to deliver a level of back, neck, and spine care unmatched in the central Maine area.  Individuals receiving treatment here at CMH Spine Care benefit from a comprehensive suite of first-class resources – all under one roof and just minutes from home.

  • Evaluation by board-certified non-surgical and surgical providers
  • Spine-trained clinical staff
  • Spine diagnostics (EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies)
  • Xray and rapid access to advanced imaging
  • Spine-specialized physical therapy
  • Ambulatory Surgery Center for same-day surgical care

Meet Our Spine Care Team

Keith Lyons, MD, Orthopedics
Michael Regan, MD, Orthopedics
Matthew McLaughlin, MD, Orthopedics
Cynthia Richards, MD, Orthopedics
Angela Michalka, PA-C Orthopedics
Kayleigh Deschaine, Spine Care Coordinator

Orthopedic Conditions We Treat

Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or chronic condition, you don’t have to live with pain.

The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) offers nationally recognized care for all types of problems affecting the joints, bones, muscles and tendons. Our multi-skilled team – including board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, specially trained nurses, physical therapists and more – work closely together and with you to create a custom treatment plan.

Here, you’ll find a full continuum of care, from advanced diagnostic imaging to rehabilitation and other nonsurgical options. If surgery is your best solution, we offer some of the most minimally invasive techniques available, including the latest in total and partial joint replacement for less pain and faster recovery.

So whether you want to run a marathon or just enjoy a pain-free routine, know that world-class care is right here in the heart of Maine.

A to Z Search for Services

Central Maine Healthcare covers all of your physical and mental health needs.
Click on a service below to learn more about what we offer and where to find care near you.

  • Addiction Services

    We are committed to understanding and serving people who are living with addiction. We provide compassionate trauma-informed care based on best practi… Learn More >

  • Bariatric Surgery

    Central Maine Bariatric Surgery understands how important weight loss is for patients. We have been established since 2007 and have a team ready to su… Learn More >

  • Breast Health

    When it comes to caring for your breast health, Central Maine Healthcare offers a spectrum of services to help screen, diagnose, and treat. From the m… Learn More >

  • Cancer care

    The Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center is an integrated, multi-disciplinary program that combines a full spectrum of services and med… Learn More >

  • Cardiovascular services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Diabetes and Endocrinology

    Diabetes and other endocrine-system conditions are complex, and when you’ve been diagnosed with one, it’s hard to know what to do next. Learn More >

  • Ear, Nose and Throat

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists understand how this connected system works and can identify th… Learn More >

  • Emergency Care

    If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest ER. Emergencies happen when you least expect them,… Learn More >

  • Gastroenterology

    Your digestive system involves so many parts of the body – your throat, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. So, whe… Learn More >

  • Imaging Services

    Welcome to Central Maine Medical Center Imaging Services. We take pride in providing our community with technologically advanced, up-to-date imaging s… Learn More >

  • Integrative Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we’re focused on the whole you — mind, body and spirit. That’s why we specialize in integrative medicine, with a va… Learn More >

  • Laboratory Services

    Central Maine Healthcare offers lab services at convenient locations for tests as part of your routine appointment or for screening of specific condit… Learn More >

  • Long-Term Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our long-term care feels exactly like home. We believe in taking complete care of you or your loved one’s physical, med… Learn More >

  • Neurology

    Central Maine Healthcare's neurologists and other doctors are specialists in epilepsy, movement disorders and other neurological disorders. Learn More >

  • Nutrition Services

    Clinical Nutrition A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a “food and nutrition expert” who has completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree ... <a class… Learn More >

  • Orthopedic care

    The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) serves the people of Central, Western and Midcoast Maine. OICM works collaboratively with our outpati… Learn More >

  • Palliative Care

    Central Maine Healthcare's palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing reli… Learn More >

  • Pediatrics

    CMH’s kid-friendly team members and ambience — as well as our kid-sized examination tables and tools — instantly put children at ease. And we fi… Learn More >

  • Pharmacy

    The CMMC Pharmacy is open to the public and accepts all major insurance plans. As part of your healthcare team, let our pharmacy assist you with manag… Learn More >

  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

    Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a personal choice, and a personal journey. At Central Maine Healthcare, our double-board certified physician a… Learn More >

  • Primary Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we make primary care easy and accessible to community members like you. We believe in providing compassionate, quality ca… Learn More >

  • Pulmonary

    At Central Maine Healthcare we provide diagnosis and treatment to our patients as well as education to both the patient and family. Learn More >

  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

    Whether you have suffered an injury at work or on the field, are recovering from surgery or just want to better manage pain, the Orthopedic Institute… Learn More >

  • Rheumatology

    Rheumatology is the study and treatment of rheumatic disorders, a wide range of conditions affecting the joints and connective tissue and typically ca… Learn More >

  • Sleep Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we know what a peaceful night’s sleep means for your health and life. Our board-certified sleep medicine specialist and… Learn More >

  • Surgical services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Telehealth Services

    Central Maine Healthcare now offers telehealth services, bringing you the care you need when you’re unable to leave home. Online and telephone visit… Learn More >

  • Trauma Center

    We offer three ERs right in the communities we serve – each staffed 24/7 with board-certified emergency providers and specialty trained team members… Learn More >

  • Urology

    Using the latest and most advanced screening technology allows our medical team to scan with amazing detail. This allows us to more accurately detect… Learn More >

  • Women’s and children’s health

    Women of all ages have unique health and medical needs, which is why Central Maine Healthcare has spent decades building services, treatment, educatio… Learn More >

  • Wound Care

    Central Maine Medical Center’s Comprehensive Wound Center is a centralized location for all aspects of wound care. Our team of specialists provides… Learn More >