If you are recovering from a recent injury, or surgical procedure, or are in treatment for a disabling health condition, physical rehabilitation sessions are likely a part of your treatment plan.
It’s important to understand that physical rehabilitation is an umbrella term that encompasses many treatments, including physical therapy. Physical rehabilitation is a process that includes one or more different treatments used over time to help an injured or disabled person recover and reach optimal function.
If you are considering physical rehabilitation and are wondering what it involves, read on. Here we will discuss what physical rehabilitation involves and why it is so important.
Physical Rehabilitation: What Does It Involve?
Physical rehabilitation is a broader term inclusive of a variety of professions that help you restore your physical functions. Each professional will take a slightly different approach to physical rehabilitation, but the ultimate goal remains the same: to help you reach your optimal function.
Professionals that offer physical rehabilitation are:
- Physiatrists – Doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Physical therapists – Healthcare professionals that patients are mostly referred to for physical rehabilitation. They are movement experts who improve mobility and quality of life through a variety of approaches.
- Occupational therapists – They are board-certified medical practitioners who help restore activities of daily living.
- Speech and language therapists – Speech therapists treat conditions related to speech, hearing, language, swallowing, and cognition to improve individuals’ communication skills.
Why is Physical Rehabilitation Important?
Physical rehabilitation is important for several reasons. Some are as follows:
Physical Rehabilitation Restores Lost Function
Physical rehabilitation is crucial to help individuals regain or improve their physical function after an injury, surgery, physically disabling disease, or an event that led to physical deconditioning. It targets impaired or weak body parts and helps individuals regain their ability to perform their day-to-today functions. For example, through physical rehabilitation, you may be able to begin walking without using assistive devices, return to your work, and perform tasks like bathing and dressing independently.
Physical Rehabilitation Enhances Your Recovery
As a crucial part of recovery from many health problems and physical impairments, physical rehabilitation can boost your recovery process. For example, before and after spinal surgery or joint replacement surgery, physical rehabilitation is recommended to promote healing, reduce inflammation and prevent surgical complications like scaring and infection.
Physical Rehabilitation Helps Manage Pain
Physical rehabilitation is highly effective at relieving pain associated with bodily conditions or an injury. A physical rehabilitation plan incorporates many pain management techniques, such as manual therapy, heat and cold therapy, therapeutic exercises, and TENS therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy) that help alleviate pain.
These pain management techniques can also help with post-surgical pain.
Physical Rehabilitation Helps Improve Quality of Life
Physical limitations resulting from surgeries, injuries, and diseases can impact a person’s physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Physical rehab can gradually help people overcome their physical limitations, enhancing their independence and sense of control over their lives.
Physical Rehabilitation in Hernando, FL
At H2 Health, we have a team of highly experienced and talented physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists who provide the highest quality services. Our goal is to help patients regain their lost functions and live a better-quality life.
To make an appointment with us, call today at your nearest H2 Health clinic or fill out our appointment form. We look forward to treating you!