‘Apple store of Fairfield’ New outpatient therapy clinic features sleek building design

FAIRFIELD - A new outpatient therapy clinic has opened in Fairfield.

RehabVisions has set up shop in the new Dexter building on West Burlington Avenue at the corner of South Fourth Street. Dexter Laundry demolished the old laundry at the site last year and built a new structure to house its laundry and additional retail space to the west, which RehabVisions now fills.

Dr. Lili Wells is Rehab's director who brings more than 25 years of experience to the role. She said she's eager to treat the people of Fairfield and surrounding communities at this new location. One of her customers dubbed her building the 'Apple store of Fairfield,” because of its sleek appearance.

'Fairfield has been my home for 23 years, and I couldn't be more excited to provide the highest quality therapy service at our beautiful new clinic space,” she said.

Though the clinic just opened, Wells said she's been busy with a full caseload this week. She's seeing patients from a few blocks away to neighboring towns as far as New London.

The clinic will provide what Wells calls 'the full gamut of physical therapy services” including treatment for post-surgery, pain management, strokes/neurological issues as well as sprains and strains. She said the therapists have special training in lymphedema, pelvic health for incontinence and post-pregnancy pelvic floor issues, as well as trigger-point dry needling for pain and movement issues. The clinic includes an interactive pediatric room with a therapy swing and climbing wall.

The pediatric room includes several pieces of equipment such as a tactile bolster swing and platform vestibular swing. Both of them are designed to facilitate what Wells calls 'motor milestones” in young children such as learning to sit and helping to strengthening their trunk muscles. She said they can be used to treat leg hyperactivity and help patients calm down. The main difference between the two swings is that the bolster swing is for children with more advanced trunk control.

Wells said the climbing wall is good for working the upper and lower extremities. She added that a trained professional supervises children on the wall at all times.

The clinic has three private treatment rooms and a big open area full of free weights and brand-new machines. The machines include a recumbent bicycle and an arm ergometer, which is sort of like a stationary bike for the arms. Wells has a pair of parallel bars for patients who need help walking or help with their balance, and the bars are even adjustable electronically.

Emily Pilcher is the clinic's physical therapy assistant and office manager. Wells said she plans to add an occupational therapist and speech therapist soon.

'Our therapy services enable our patients to live healthier, more productive and more meaningful lives,” Wells said. 'We use our best clinical judgment based on current research, take the time to educate, and treat based on what we know. We listen to our clients, understand what they want to achieve, and create the plan of care with all of that in mind.”

Wells said therapists are following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19, and RehabVisions has its own set of protocols for patient and therapist protection.

Wells hopes to host an open house to share the new space with the public, but in the meantime, she invites residents to check out photos and therapy services on RehabVision's website.