A rehabilitation therapist is a medical specialist who is highly trained in helping patients restore their function and mobility. The patient may be receiving rehabilitative treatment for an illness or injury, or they may have undergone surgery. Almost all patients who need rehabilitation are experiencing some level of pain, and rehabilitation therapists are experts at using different methods to relieve pain.
A rehabilitation therapist can not only restore the physical function you may have lost, but they can also show you how to move in such a way as to not cause re-injury in the area that is healing. Let’s talk about how rehabilitation therapists can help you and what you can expect.
Individualized Exercise Care from Rehabilitation Therapy
Each patient has their own set of needs and goals, and a rehabilitation therapist can customize a rehabilitation program that will help the patient achieve those goals and milestones. You should see a rehabilitation therapist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Challenges in caring for yourself, such as walking, bathing, brushing, dressing, etc.
- Mobility and balance issues
- Joint pain and weakness
In any case, your doctor will usually recommend certain specialists for your rehabilitation, including rehabilitation therapists. These medical specialists will track your progress and make changes to your exercises as necessary, depending on how you are progressing.
Rehabilitation therapy is conducted in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. You will be advised to continue performing certain easy exercises on an ongoing basis in order to keep the injured or operated area strong and healthy.
How Can a Rehabilitation Therapist Help Me?
You should see a rehab therapist after:
Accident or Injury
For injuries sustained following an accident, your doctor may recommend rehabilitation therapy in order to restore muscle control and joint function. The therapist will also show you how best to relieve pain and how to prevent re-injury.
Surgery
Rehabilitation therapy is a crucial component of post-operative recovery. After both minor and major surgeries, from minimally invasive surgeries to open surgeries, rehabilitation therapy is usually part of the treatment plan.
For joint replacement surgery patients, rehabilitation therapists will teach you exercises to build up the muscles surrounding and supporting the new prosthetic joint. The therapist will also help you learn how to properly move with it so that the new joint will last for many years to come.
Illness
Patients who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, or cancer can also benefit from rehabilitation therapy during their recovery phase. An effective rehabilitation program can help these patients respond better to their medical treatment for optimum results.
Rehabilitation Therapy in Delaware
Our rehabilitation specialists here at Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers have the training and experience to help you return to a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Founded by physiatrists, our team uses only the latest and most effective methods to restore your full functioning.
Find out how we can help you. Call us at one of our Delaware locations or submit an appointment request online now. We look forward to helping you get back to the life you love.
