I've had 3 appointments here for PT and have found my physical therapist to be really knowledgeable…read moreand concerned about what I have to say. I have been to many PTs in the past for other injuries as have never found any that are covered by my insurance to be very helpful and some were just bad. I was a little nervous about going to a PT again but I'm so glad I ended up here. Note- This is the incorrect address for Mount Auburn's Rehab Services, it is not at the hospital and at 625 Mt Auburn St.

I was at Mt Auburn today with a client for the birth of their baby, as their doula. I've attended…read moreupwards of 150 births in my doula role as well as in my homebirth midwifery role, and I've had the pleasure of coming to Mt Auburn many many times in the doula capacity. Normally it's a pleasure, as you are known (and I recommend you) as a facility that largely promotes evidence-based care practices. Which is why what I saw today shocked, saddened and concerned me. The treatment my client received at the hands of nurse Patricia M. was patronizing, belittling, domineering and at times dangerous and squarely in the category of birth rape. As an experienced birth worker, I am in the habit of researching the tools and practices I employ, and pride myself on having solid evidence as to efficacy before recommending them. Which is why I reached for the peanut ball as soon as my client was cleared to roll onto her side after her epidural taking effect I was quickly informed by Nurse Patty that she "doesn't use those. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but no." Not only is this a clear disregard for a well-known highly effective laboring tool, it was incredibly inappropriate to place herself in the ownership role in the room, which belonged to my client. My client wished to use the peanut ball, and that should have been all that mattered. Additionally, when my client asked me if she could eat and drink once the epidural was placed, I started giving the standard answer of "water, apple juice, jello, clear fluids." I was once again promptly interrupted by Patty and told that ice chips were the only thing that was allowed, full stop. As I'm sure you're also aware, there is actually zero scientific evidence that eating and drinking during labor-especially for a mother at low risk for general anesthesia-poses any danger whatsoever. In fact, starving a woman in labor is only detrimental to her physical and mental well-being throughout the process. In addition, since the implementation of the NPO rule, localized anesthesia has become the norm, and even general anesthesia has advanced to a point where it poses no great risk of aspiration during surgical procedures. As concerning as this domineering attitude and disregard for evidence based care is, however, none of the above would usually merit a letter to Patient Relations. But well after Nurse Patty placed my client's Foley (urinary) catheter, my client was inquiring about how and when she would know that she was fully dilated, ready to push, etc. To which Patty casually informed her that when she'd placed the catheter (an hour previously) she had also done a vaginal exam, and as she'd been 9cm at the time, she expected that she was complete by now. A vaginal exam that was done without my client's knowledge, never mind her consent. There are no words for the violation that this was. Under NO circumstances is it acceptable for a complete stranger to penetrate a woman's vagina, with their hand or anything else, without the woman's knowledge or consent--that is rape. What Nurse Patty perpetrated on my client today was rape. I'm unclear as to whether she thought it didn't matter because she had an epidural and didn't notice, but if this was her reasoning, it is akin to a young man taking advantage of a young woman who is passed out drunk. Neither scenario is ok; both are rape. Not only did Patty perform this vaginal exam without consent, she didn't share her findings afterward (that my client, who had been 3cm at last check, was now 9.) Later on she again shoved her hand roughly inside my client's vagina during pushing without consent (since saying "I'm going to put my hand inside you to see where baby is", while doing so, is NOT consent.) This is only my first step toward trying to right the wrongs that I witnessed today. It is my sincere belief that no woman should be subjected to this kind of infantilizing and outright dangerous behavior. I implore you to consider the many birthing people who carry heavy histories of trauma, abuse and rape with them into the delivery room. Surely you can understand the effect that this kind of treatment at the hands of someone like Patricia would have on this vulnerable population.

I was inpatient and outpatient. I couldn't have asked for…read morebetter on either! Inpatient has a commitment requirement that the patient will participate in physical rehabilitation for three hours every day. I found this immensely beneficial, since some places just leave you doing little or nothing every day. The rooms look like The Four Seasons Hotel! I was in a room of my own...all hardwood, large windows with water views, a nurse with no more than seven patients. Lots of rehabilitation work, but everyone is very attentive. My nurse was phenomenal. There are no meal menus. An attendant comes to your room with a wheeling computer cart, and reads you menu suggestions, but you are always free to voice your own choices and wishes. Food was delicious. There's so much detail to every single thing here! If you HAVE to be somewhere, it's a terrible catastrophe, but being at Spaulding, Charlestown is the best!

Poor old Stinky P. has not had the best of luck lately trying to get around without falling. A few…read moremonths back he took a bad fall and ended up having to have Hip surgery at MGH. It was not an easy surgery for him because...well...he is old and frail. He was then shipped to Spaulding for weeks of rehab. The facility is very nice, all private rooms with big TV's and couch. The staff there is very attentive as most patients there do require a lot of care. Poor old Stinky could not do much but they did keep him busy with therapy...physical...occupational...and speech. The therapists were really wicked pissah, especially the physical therapists. They utilize a nice gym well equipped for various treatments. They were all very patient and considerate of Stinky but definitely wanted to push him to maximize his efforts. Special shout out to Josie who was very kind to old Stinky and used her considerable amount of charm and persuasiveness to convince him to want to do more, even if he was a bit tired and cranky that day. She is a true gem! Back on the patient floor...the PCA's were true heroes doing the not so fun parts of patient care. They were very hard working and attentive. Special kudos to aides A. B. ...truly a super kind and most efficient young man. He will be very successful in whatever he wants to do in his young life. Also to Marie...very good spirited and fun and very dedicated to her charges. Always liked to see RN Elsie come on duty. What a lovely and sweet lady. Big kudos to RN Briana R. She always made sure old Stinky was well taken care of and had a truly winning personality. All the nursing care there was really wicked pissah though. The doctors Stinky dealt with were very kind and ambitious to find ways to help him with his various afflictions. Food was pretty good...some dishes yummy and others...well...not quite as much. Not really all that hungry when ill though. Stinky did have a few complaints, but not many. Stinky was kind of sorry to leave Spaulding as they took good care of the cranky old dude. It is a good place to go to get some groovy rehabilitation.

This home health care agency provided my mother with phenomenal support during her final months of…read morelife. Her caregiver was so devoted and loving. If you or a loved one needs help, call them!

At the time of my writing of this comment regarding Synergy Private Health, there are only two…read morecomments appearing here on Yelp, both of them quite negative. I am writing to say that my experience and opinion of SPH has been extremely positive. Dr Parks, the medical director, has been my primary doctor for two years. She has provided me with nothing but excellent quality and compassionate care In helping me deal with, and recover from, a complex condition. Besides Dr Parks, every single member of the Synergy Team that I have dealt with has been, in my opinion, extremely competent, efficient, friendly, and responsive. In summary, the whole place is a class act, and I am receiving the best medical care that I ever have in my life.

I've been a patient of Synergy Private Health for 2+ years, and I am really impressed with the…read morepractice they've built. I've had first-hand experience with both Dr Pardo and Dr Phillips, and they are equal parts excellent doctors and empathetic humans. I appreciate Synergy's commitment to delivering great, integrative care - including primary care and science-backed functional/lifestyle medicine. I've had a very positive experience with this practice and recommend it highly.