Rehabilitation focuses on restoring physical abilities and relearning or acquisition of skills in patients with congenital or acquired various neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic and other medical conditions including stroke, spine injury, joint pain or limited movement, severe burn, amputation and etcetera. It also involves patients learning to cope and adapt to changes they experience after an illness or surgery. It is best provided in a post-acute rehabilitation unit or inpatient rehabilitation hospital by specialized team which might include:
- Specialist rehabilitation doctor
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech and language therapist
- Psychologist
- Nurses
Physical therapy by using mechanical force and movements, therapeutic exercises, balance activities, manual and electro therapy facilitates the restoration of mobility and functioning.
Speech and language therapy assess communication, cognition, swallowing and voice impairments, diagnose the severity of the problem, and implement a treatment plan to help individuals regain as much of their communication and swallowing as possible.
Occupational therapy helps to improve muscle function and ability to remain independent in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and homemaking.
Patient plays an active role in own rehabilitation. Rehabilitation team will work with him or her to set goals and design a therapy program to meet special needs. They will also track patient's progress throughout and give feedback on how he or she is doing.
