$13.5 Million Renovation Brings Leading-Edge Technology to Therapy Services at Scottish Rite for Children
Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas has expanded its Therapy Services department with a $13.5 million renovation. The renovation includes growing the space by 20% to 10,300 square feet and bringing in advanced rehabilitation technology. The new gym provides more space for children to move freely and engage in therapy activities while simulating real-life environments.
“This expansion supports our multidisciplinary approach to care by enhancing our therapy space and increasing our capacity for in-house services,” says Scottish Rite Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S. “We began offering therapy services in 1939, and we’re eager to continue our legacy of providing the best care for our patients.”
Scottish Rite’s Therapy Services Department offers both physical and occupational therapy for inpatients and outpatients. Staffed by more than 30 specialists, the department had more than 19,000 patient visits in fiscal year 2024. The therapy gym is used for everything from teaching a toddler to walk for the first time on their prosthetic leg to ensuring a young athlete is strong enough to return to their sport.
“At Scottish Rite, we treat the whole child. We understand that truly comprehensive care means seamless collaboration across disciplines,” says Charter Rushing, Director of Therapy Services. “It’s inspiring to witness physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, prosthetists, orthotists, child life specialists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and therapists working together—often within a single appointment—to create personalized care plans.”
The new therapy gym features advanced technology, such as a robotic gait and balance system to assist patients with walking and movement training. A new interactive therapy table is also available and is designed to improve patients’ upper extremity motion, strength, coordination and cognitive skills. The table features a large touchscreen with customizable games and activities that engage patients in dynamic, task-specific training.
“Our new state-of-the-art technology has revolutionized the way we deliver therapy by making it engaging, interactive and function-focused,” says Rushing. “These advanced systems allow us to target fine and gross motor skills, coordination and strength while keeping patients motivated and actively involved in their care. These resources, combined with the expertise of our therapy team, are helping patients achieve milestones they once thought were out of reach.”
The space also includes an activities of daily living (ADL) suite with a sink, Murphy bed, mirror and dresser, which allows patients to practice personal care tasks alongside their occupational therapist. The ADL suite is also equipped with a lift system so families can learn and practice safe patient transfer techniques. Occupational therapists use the suite to work with patients and their families to improve independence with activities like grooming, dressing and transfers.
“Physical and occupational therapy services are vital for our patients,” says Scottish Rite President/CEO Robert L. Walker. “Our team is dedicated to treating the whole child – body, mind and spirit – and providing the tools children need to regain their independence, mobility, and ultimately, their childhood.”
To learn more about Therapy Services at Scottish Rite, please visit our services page here.