Whether You or Your Loved One's Stroke Was 10 Days Ago or 10 Years Ago — We Can Help

It's never too late to make progress.

Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation in Lancaster County.

Support for Stroke Survivors — and the People Who Care for Them

 

Recovery doesn’t stop when rehab ends. With the right physical and occupational therapy, meaningful progress is still possible — at any stage of stroke recovery and appointments are typically available within 24–48 hours.  Call us at 717.735.8880.

Progress at every stage of recovery. We’re ready when you are.

Stroke Recovery Starts Here: Mike’s Progress After a Cerebellar Stroke

Stroke recovery isn’t something one person does alone. It affects the individual, the family, and daily life at home.

At HARTZ Physical Therapy, we support stroke survivors and caregivers together — with thoughtful care, clear communication, and therapy that focuses on real-life progress.

Who This Care Is For

This program is designed for:

  • People recovering from a recent or long-ago stroke
  • Families and caregivers looking for next steps
  • Anyone feeling “stuck” or unsure what’s still possible
  • Those wanting more confidence, safety, and independence

What We Work On

Our physical and occupational therapists help with:

  • Walking, balance, and fall prevention
  • Strength, coordination, and endurance
  • Arm and hand function
  • Daily activities like dressing, bathing, and getting around the home
  • Confidence moving through everyday life

Progress looks different for everyone — we meet you where you are.

Treatment may include:

  • Trialing AFOs to determine the best fit to improve walking speed and safety.
  • Personalized moderate-to-high intensity aerobic training that mobilizes neural mechanisms in the brain, creating new pathways to improve movement and muscle activation.
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation to increase muscle recruitment during training which can improve both walking with foot drop and movement after Botox injections.
  • Use of LiteGait to relearn basic walking skills, increase strength and endurance, and promote neuroplasticity.
  • PNF training to improve gait and increase coordination of movements.
  • Use of external verbal and visual cues during movement exercises to improve balance and overall motor performance.

Supporting Your Vivistim VNS Therapy Journey

Our experienced Occupational Therapist, Emily works hand-in-hand to support patients undergoing Vivistim VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) therapy. This innovative treatment, combined with our personalized rehabilitation approach, can help maximize your recovery potential and improve your quality of life.

What is Paired VNS Therapy?

Paired VNS Therapy utilizes the Vivistim System, a new FDA-approved device that works within the brain and body, to make stroke rehabilitation therapy 2-3 times more effective.

This pairing of therapy with vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, is designed to help the
brain strengthen or create new neural pathways, similar to building a bridge to
bypass a damaged area.

The FDA-approved device works with rehabilitation therapy designed to strengthen brain connections needed to regain arm and hand function.

Adding the Vivistim System to rehabilitation therapy can boost recovery and goal
achievement in many activities.  Learn more about this therapy HERE.

What We Offer:

  • Expert Physical Therapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and coordination
  • Specialized Occupational Therapy to restore daily living skills and independence
  • Personalized treatment plans that complement your Vivistim VNS therapy
  • Compassionate care from therapists who understand the unique challenges of stroke recovery

With over 25 years of experience serving our community, we’re committed to being your trusted partner throughout your recovery journey. Our team believes that every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.  To learn more about Strokes, common causes and treatments, please view our Blog.

Learn more about Vivistim HERE.

 

Two people by a ladder outside.It’s Not Too Late!

Many people are told that recovery only happens early on.  We DON’T believe recovery runs on a deadline.

The brain and body CAN continue to adapt over time. With skilled therapy, encouragement, and consistency, meaningful improvements are often possible — even years after a stroke.

Real Stories of Stroke Recovery

"My husband had a stroke 1 1/2 years ago and spent months doing therapy. His right side was affected, could not move his leg or arm. I was told by 2 different people he would never walk again. Then I found Hartz Lancaster West and met Jamie, DPT. I told her about him and his condition and I was pretty hesitant on getting him into therapy again as we had some pretty negative experiences. Jamie was so sweet, told me her plan and said she will get him walking again. I signed him up and have been doing PT couple times a week. And yes, Jamie has him walking with a cane."

Donna, West Patient Spouse

Emily Beck has been and absolute gift from God! 7 years ago my wife, Lisa, suffered a series of near fatal internal injuries that left her right arm completely paralyzed. No one gave her any hope of regaining any movement or function. That is until we found Emily!

Robert J - Lancaster West Patient Spouse

Kailey is so friendly and encouraging.

Shelly - Lancaster West Patient

"This was our first experience with this physical therapy location and they were absolutely wonderful. We had started at the Mount Joy location which was also great however we had some needs for neurological therapy which was why they referred us to their Lancaster branch. I cannot say how patient and understanding they were with us. Thank you for an absolutely positive experience with physical therapy. Will definitely refer and/or use this group in the future!"

Dawn - Lancaster West Neuro

The HARTZ PT/OT Difference

True one-on-one care
Every visit is focused, personal, and unrushed.

Specialized neuro-trained therapists
Our team works exclusively with stroke and neurological recovery. Their expertise means every exercise, every plan, and every strategy is designed for the unique needs of stroke survivors.

PT + OT, working together
We address movement and daily function — so progress carries over at home.

Care that includes caregivers
We listen, explain, and help you understand how to support progress outside the clinic.

All stages of recovery welcome
Recent strokes • long-term recovery • everything in between

What to Expect

  • A one-on-one evaluation
  • Clear, realistic goals you understand
  • A customized plan designed around YOUR daily life and YOUR goals
  • Ongoing support from a team that truly cares

Recovery is still possible — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s talk about where you are and what support could look like moving forward.  Call today we can schedule you or your loved within 24 -48 hours 717.735.8880.

 

We offer a FREE Neurological Physical and Occupational therapy screen for people who have had a stroke to determine if they are good candidates for therapy and /or advanced technology for neuro recovery. Screenings are free and by appointment only.

WHO QUALIFIES?

People who have had a stroke (recent or years ago) but still experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Residual weakness on one of both sides
• Limited mobility or inability to walk
• Cognitive deficits from the stroke
• Trouble completing daily tasks such as bathing or getting dressed
• Frequent falls
• Increased weakness or decline in functionality (especially if following an illness, infection or fall)

WHY GET A SCREEN?

Recovery from a stroke is a life-long process.   Recovery occurs the greatest in the first 6 months after having a stroke, but with proper rehabilitation, a stroke survivor can see continuing improvement for years. A guiding principle is neuroplasticity. Growing evidence suggests the brain and spinal cord have the ability to ‘rewire’ which can lead to functional return. This leads to hope for people with neurological conditions and more potential for recovery. HARTZ has teamed up with Vivistim, a vagal nerve stimulator company, to maximize these neuroplastic conditions in the brain.  Vivistim has been FDA approved for upper extremity recovery for people post stroke.

This is a FREE screening and takes approximately 30-minutes .  It includes the completion of your history and an informational questionnaire followed by 1:1 time with the therapists. If you are interested in a screen please fill out the form below and one of our therapist will call you.

 

FREE Stroke Rehab Screen Request

Name(Required)
Please add any details or background which will help us understand why you are a good candidate for this screen

Our NeuroRehab Team:

Jamie Hreniuk, DPT | Physical Therapist
jhreniuk@hartzpt.com.

Jamie is a physical therapist with specialized expertise in neurologic rehabilitation, and she has a heartfelt focus on helping people recover after a stroke. She cares for patients of all ages and has extensive experience supporting stroke survivors as they work toward regaining strength, independence, and confidence.

Jamie creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs, often incorporating advanced rehab technologies such as body weight support systems and functional electrical stimulation. She values collaboration, working closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe transitions and meaningful progress at every stage of the recovery journey.

 

 

Kailey Kelly, DPT | Physical Therapist
kkelly@hartzpt.com

Kailey is passionate about stroke rehabilitation and helping survivors regain independence and confidence. She has extensive experience providing one-on-one care for patients with a wide range of neurologic and vestibular conditions, including strokes.

Her approach is rooted in personalized, evidence-based care. Collaboration is central to Kailey’s practice: she partners closely with occupational therapists, and other professionals to provide comprehensive stroke care. Above all, Kailey is dedicated to walking alongside her patients as they work toward meaningful recovery and achieving their goals.

 

Emily Beck, OTR/L | Occupational Therapist
ebeck@hartzpt.com

As an occupational therapist, Emily is passionate about helping stroke survivors regain independence in their daily lives. She provides one-on-one, personalized care to support recovery of essential skills—from self-care and home activities to returning to work, hobbies, and community participation.

Her practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques and innovative tools, including task-specific training, upper extremity rehabilitation technologies, and advanced strategies for addressing vision and cognitive challenges after stroke. Collaboration is a key part of Emily’s approach—she works closely with our physical therapists,  and families to create seamless, well-rounded care plans. Dedicated and compassionate, Emily empowers her patients to achieve meaningful progress and reclaim confidence in everyday life.

 

Download the American Stroke Association’s Awareness Information Kit.