Physical Rehabilitation

Conditions Treated With Physical Rehabilitation

Numerous conditions that affect the nerves, bones, brain, or even muscles can cause disability or pain. Doctors often prescribe physical rehabilitation in addition to medications in order to bring their patients comfort and quality of life. Conditions that may require rehabilitation include:

• Spinal injuries: Patients who have suffered from a back or neck injury should seek treatment immediately in order to achieve the best results. Physical rehabilitation and therapy can prevent the worsening of symptoms and help patients recover more quickly.
• Problems with joints: Conditions like arthritis, gout, spondylitis, and others that affect the joints – particularly those affecting range of motion – can also be treated with rehab. In some cases, patients learn to use their joints in such a way that they do not cause more damage.
• Pain: If an accident or injury has caused chronic pain, accident injury rehab can reduce and, in some cases, even prevent pain.
• Other medical conditions: Patients may also require rehab if they have diseases of the heart or lungs, certain types of cancers, infections, burns, and more. Doctors ask all joint replacement patients to undergo physical rehabilitation, as well.

What To Expect During Physical Rehab

Patients will often travel to a local clinic or hospital for their physical rehabilitation. The physiatrist meets with individual patients and recommends treatment plans based on their individual needs. Healthcare providers from all across the spectrum will provide various types of physical rehabilitation designed to:

• Rebuild muscle mass through exercise;
• Regain flexibility through carefully controlled stretches;
• Regain balance and coordination to prevent falls that may worsen injuries;
• Prevent falls and further injury through learned movements and improve the rate of healing while reducing pain through various means.

Anyone who has been involved in an accident, who has had a major surgery, or who has a medical condition that causes chronic pain or disability can benefit from physical rehabilitation. There are numerous options available, and each one is designed to facilitate faster healing while preventing future injuries.