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    Support Groups and Classes

    Following is a listing of our ongoing support groups and classes. We also offer one-time classes through the Rehab Program. Please call 510-204-4503 to get on our mailing list and receive advance notice of these events.

    Balance & Vestibular

    Balance Exercise Class

    • Do you Feel Unsteady
    • Are you Limiting Activities due to Fear of Falling?
    • Do you have a History of Falls?
    Find help at our Balance Exercise Class taught by our Outpatient Physical Therapy staff. This class will help you improve your level of activity and increase your confidence. Class includes stretching and strengthening
    and balance activities. Class is offered on Wednesdays from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Cost is $10 per class or 10 classes for $80
    Please call 510-204-1756 for more information. If you have constant or frequent dizziness, need significant assistance walking or can’t stand for
    more than 5 minutes, contact your physician before attending this class. You may benefit from individual physical therapy.

    Fall Screening and Prevention Class
    • Do you have a history of falls?
    • Have you fallen and were unable to get up?
    • Do you limit your activity for fear of falling?
    At this class, you will receive one-on-one screening to assess your risk of falling. In addition, you will learn exercises, receive recommendations for further actions to improve the quality of your life and find out about resources available to you. Offered on the first Tuesday of the month from 1:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m. at a cost of $15 per class. Class is located at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. Please call 510-204-1788 for reservations or 510-204-1756 for more information.

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    Bone Health & Posture

    Exercise for Improving Posture and Bone Health

    • Find out what to do if you have low bone density or osteoporosis
    • Learn safe exercises that can improve your posture and bone health and can positively reduce your risk for fractures
    • Postural assessment by a physical therapist
    • Individual therapy if not ready for class
    This 4-week class series includes exercise participation using foam rollers and therabands (mats and equipment provided).
    When: Fridays, call 510-204-1788 for schedule
    Where: Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic, 5700 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
    Cost: Series of 4 weekly one hour classes for $50
    Information: Joanie Shepherd-Mellows PT, OCS at 510-204-1787
    Participants must be able to get up and down from floor independently.

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    Caregiving

    Caregivers’ Support Group
    Caregivers can learn to take care of themselves as well as cope with the responsibilities, rewards and stresses of this role. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Summit Campus, South Pavilion, 5th Floor group rooms 3 and 4. Please call (510613-2092 for more information.

    For more information regarding additional support groups, contact the Family Caregiver Alliance at 415-434-3388 or 800-445-8106.


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    Fibromyalgia

    Please call 510-204-4503 for more information about our Fibromyalgia Support Group.

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    Massage

    Alta Bates Summit patients and employees can experience the benefits of massage at the Herrick Campus. Our certified massage therapists offer therapeutic massage that will help:

    • Decrease Anxiety
    • Enhance Sleep Quality
    • Improve Energy
    • Improve Concentration
    • Increase Circulation
    • Reduce Fatigue
    Choose from Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Zen Shiatsu, Hand & Foot reflexologies, Myofacial Release, and Stretching with Specific Breathing. Release Stress! Feel Good! Our therapists work with you to address your individual needs to ensure your well being and improved quality of life. Cost: 1 hour of any type of massage $80, 1⁄2 hour of any type of massage $50. Discount available for employees of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 510-204-4599.

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    Orthopedic

    Total Knee Replacement Class

    • Total continuum of care from pre-op to outpatient physical therapy
    • Work with same quality therapists
    • Evaluation by physical therapist to determine readiness for class
    • Individual therapy if not ready for class
    The class meets every Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. We accept most insurance plans*. After receiving the referral for outpatient physical therapy from your physician, call 510-204-1788 to make a reservation. For more information call 510-204-1756.
    *We do not accept Hills Physicians or HMO Medicare plans such as Secure Horizons

    Pre-op Total Knee/Hip Exercise Class
    You’ve made a big step to decide to have a total joint replacement. You want to do everything to ensure the best outcome. Recent research has shown exercise can help. Come to a one time class to learn exercises that will help make your recovery easier.

    The class is located at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Physical, Sports & Hand Therapy at 5700 Telegraph Avenue, in Oakland. The class is free to those having their surgery at Alta Bates Summit. Call Sue Elderkin at 510-204-1756 for questions or to make a reservation.

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    Pelvic

    Achieve Urinary Continence through Physical Therapy
    Get help with urinary incontinence at Alta Bates Summit. Our unique physical therapy class provides:

    • Information on bladder health
    • A list of factors that influence continence
    • An exercise program to help manage and decrease incontinence episodes
    • Techniques to improve quality of life
    The class is offered at the Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. To Sign up for the class, call 510-204-1756. You must have a physician referral prior to enrolling. Most health insurances cover this class if the plan offers physical therapy benefits. Please call 510-204-4596 for more information.

    Are you a male suffering from pelvic pain and/ or incontinence?
    – You are not alone.
    Pelvic Pain is a surprisingly common problem among men. In fact, 10 percent of a typical urologist’s practice is made up of men complaining of chronic pelvic pain; most men will suffer from some form of pelvic dysfunction (urinary or fecal incontinence, or pelvic/erectile/ rectal/ejaculatory pain) during the course of their lives. But you don’t have to suffer alone!

    The Alta Bates Summit Outpatient Physical Therapy Program offers a unique program for men that can help to relieve most, if not all of the symptoms associated with these conditions. Our individual sessions offer you the opportunity to work directly with a caring physical therapist so
    that you can get the help you need.

    After a thorough evaluation, we successfully help our male patients return to optimal pelvic health using a combination of:
    1. SEMG Biofeedback
    2. Kegel Training
    3. Bladder Retraining
    4. Modalities (Ultrasound, Electrical Stimulation)
    5. Therapeutic Exercise/Neuromuscular Re-education
    6. Soft Tissue Mobilization/Trigger point release/Myofascial Release
    7. ADL/Body Mechanics/Posture Re-education
    8. Pelvic floor muscle down-training/Relaxation Techniques

    You are required to have a physician’s referral prior to making an appointment. To take the first step today toward a more fulfilling life, call 510-204-1788 to make an appointment. For more specific information
    regarding the pelvic physical therapy program, call 510-204-1782.

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    Post Stroke/Brain Injury Support Groups

    Brain Injury Life Skills Support Group
    The Brain Injury Life Skills Group provides a supportive environment and education for individuals with brain injuries to work through feelings of isolation, confusion and despair. The group provides strategies for dealing with memory loss, decreased attention and concentration, anger and depression, communication and social skills, emotional stress and isolation. A neuropsychologist facilitates the Brain Injury Life Skills Support Group. Call 510-204-3307 for more information.

    Advanced Life Skills Support Group
    The Advanced Life Skills Group is designed to help members who have completed the Brain Injury Life Skills Group return to a more active role in the community. The intent is to identify goals for each individual that helps him or her to function at a higher level in the community. Goals can be defined as returning to school, returning to work or assisting in a volunteer program. A speech-language therapist facilitates the Advanced Life Skills Support Group. Call 510-204-3307 for more information.

    Each of the Life Skills groups meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Transportation is available upon request. Please note that a committment of 4-6 months participation is required for the Life Skills Groups. The Family/Caregiver Education and Support Group is ongoing. All groups are free of charge and a screening interview will be conducted prior to attendance.

    Stroke Education and Support Group
    (For Patients and Their Families)
    Learn about rehabilitation, coping techniques, stroke prevention and other resources at this support group for stroke survivors, their families and friends. The group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the Herrick Campus. Please call 510-204-5330 for more information.

    Stroke Support Group
    (For Patients Only; Not for Family Members)
    A monthly discussion group for current and former Alta Bates Summit outpatients who are dealing with the unexpected changes brought about by a stroke when they may be at the peak of their most productive years. This group provides a forum for people to talk about different aspects of their lives after the traumatic experience of a stroke, and to identify
    opportunities to participate in a variety of activities. This group meets Mondays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the Herrick campus. Please call 510-204-4407 for more information.

    Communication Group for Persons with Aphasia
    This group meets on Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Maffley Auditorium at the Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way in Berkeley. The first session is free, and the fee is $20 per session for continuing participation.
    Call 510-204-4625 for more information.

    Support Group for Younger Adults with Stroke
    Second Monday of the month
    1:00 to 2:00 pm
    Call 510-204-4407

    Rehabilitation Action Program (RAP)
    For inpatients and current and former outpatients to share ideas and problem solve ways to make life after a stroke more enjoyable. Third Thursday of the month from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Call 510-204-4198 for more information.

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    Spinal Cord

    The Spinal Cord Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Herrick Campus, located at 2001 Dwight Way in the Maffly Auditorium on Level A. For more information or to get on our mailing list, please cal-510-204-4503.

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    Yoga for Wellness

    • Do you want to nourish your life in a deeper way?
    • Do you want to discover a way to bring body, mind and breath into a greater balance?
    • Are you looking for optimal wellbeing and a healthy way to cope with stress?
    Then come practice at Alta Bates Summit and experience the benefits of yoga with an experienced teacher who is also an occupational therapist. Through the practice of skillful alignment, postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), mindfulness, conscious relaxation, and creative movement exploration you can discover a calmer mind, a more spacious body and a restful rejuvenated being.

    The class is offered on Tuesday afternoons from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. at the Health Pavilion, located at 5700 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland. The cost is $80 for 10 sessions, or a $10 drop in fee. Call 510-204-1756 for more information.


    Alta Bates Summit Medical Center is committed to preserving the rights and dignity of the patients served and recognizes that patients have the right to informed participation in decisions involving their healthcare. Our physicians and employees are committed to abiding by their respective professional codes of ethics as well as those of the Medical Center.

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