What You Put in Your Body Affects Your Health Greatly

Normally, the first year after you obtain a major illness or injury is associated with significant changes in function, level of disability, and quality of life. In such a case, rehabilitative care is highly essential. During rehabilitative care, specialists will work with you to restore your health and maximize your independence and well-being.

Which Conditions Require Rehabilitative Care?

Rehabilitative medicine specialists manage a broad spectrum of conditions, including neurological conditions, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury, and orthopedic conditions, such as hip, knee, and joint replacements. Rehabilitative care is also used to treat cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attack and heart failure, and respiratory conditions, such as chronic lung disease and asthma. In some other cases, rehabilitative medicine is used for pain management.

When Do You Need Rehabilitative Care?

Rehabilitation is required when an individual loses the use of a body part. For instance, brain injury, stroke, orthopedic surgery, or lower limb amputation can all cause rehabilitative needs. In these cases, rehabilitative care focuses on enhancing the patient's quality of life and preventing further disabilities while maximizing their physical independence. Since each patient's health needs are unique, rehabilitative care can be provided within your own home or a dedicated rehabilitative facility.

What Are Rehabilitative Goals?

Rehabilitative goals can be anything that restores function or health lost due to an injury or illness. On most occasions, health care teams set rehabilitative goals collaboratively with each patient since rehabilitative care is tailored to each person's functional level and needs.

Rehabilitative goals can include:

• Returning to work or school
• Doing self-care activities, such as grooming, dressing, or eating
• Communicating effectively
• Being able to participate in family and social activities

Getting back to an active, productive life is the principal goal for rehabilitative care. In this context, rehabilitative specialists often work with the individual, family members, and other health care professionals to establish a rehabilitative care plan.

What Does Rehabilitative Care Entail?

Rehabilitative care is provided through a rehabilitative medicine service team. This team provides direct patient care services that include:

• Physical and occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Occupational therapy

Is Rehabilitative Care Available for Children?

Yes, rehabilitative services are available for children who have orthopedic and neurological conditions, especially cerebral palsy. Also, rehabilitative care is provided to children with spinal cord injuries and certain cancers.

The Takeaway

Sometimes, rehabilitative care is needed to help individuals get back on their feet after an accident or certain diseases, such as stroke. The type of treatment and rehabilitative services someone needs can vary depending on the type and severity of their condition. Contact a rehabilitative care clinic, such as Dominion Physical Therapy, to learn more.