What is Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation refers to a therapy useful in addition to treatment either during or after to aid in the achievement of the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life as possible. Rehabilitation is most often used recommended as a course of treatment after a patient has been injured in an accident. Rehabilitation can’t reverse damage caused by disease or trauma, but it is useful in helping to restore the individual to their best health, functioning, and overall well-being.
What is Involved in a Rehabilitation Program?
Rehabilitation will focus on the specific area of injury or pain that the patient has. Because each patient is unique, their experience with rehab will be unique as well. The program will be designed to address specific needs including strength, endurance, and flexibility and mobility.
Some of the treatment methods that are often involved in rehabilitation can include the following:
- Treating the disability and improving function
- Providing adaptive tools and altering the environment
- Treating the basic disease and preventing complications
- Teaching the patient and family, and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes
Why Consider Rehabilitation?
You should consider rehabilitation if any of the following relate to your specific situation:
- You’re contemplating or recovering from surgery
- You think you’re too old to exercise
- You had an accident, or you have an injury or chronic condition, that has left you with pain or limited function
- You have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily
- You’re recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve damage
- You have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems
- Excess weight makes it difficult to exercise or has caused health problems
- Life changes such as childbirth or menopause have created new challenges to your physical function