Injuries are devastating because they can alter the course of one’s life. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may take you a very long time to heal and recover. Everyone, from regular people to professional athletes, may find it hard to resume normal activities after injury. However, with rehabilitation, you can be up and running again soon enough.
Rehabilitation is a form of treatment under Okotoks physical therapy that focuses on restoring physical functioning abilities in people recovering from injury, surgery, or disability. Rehabilitation is essential when recovering from an injury because it promotes healing and leads to a faster and more thorough recovery. This article will explore the importance of rehabilitation at Dynamic Physiotherapy while recovering from injury.
Types of Rehabilitation
There are several types of rehabilitation available. The kind of rehabilitation you will need depends on the nature and severity of your injury. The following are the most common types of injury rehabilitation in Okotoks, AB:
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation
Physical therapy rehabilitation is the most common type of rehabilitation. It is a healthcare process that people go through to recover their physical abilities and function after an injury, illness, or surgery. Physical therapy rehabilitation tries to help individuals regain their independence and return to their previous normal state before an accident or illness. People undergoing physical rehabilitation may have to work with various rehabilitation professionals. Techniques used in physical rehabilitation to restore an individual’s physical function include:
- Exercises: A physical therapy rehabilitation treatment plan can include a home exercise program aimed at improving flexibility, muscle strength, range of motion, and coordination of the patient. Physical therapy rehabilitation exercises have specific designs that meet the needs of every patient. Some general types of physical rehabilitation exercises include range-of-motion exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, balance and coordination exercises, functional exercises, etc.
- Manual Therapy: Physical therapists employ hands-on techniques during rehabilitation to reduce pain and mobilize joints. Manual therapy techniques such as massage, manipulation, and mobilization go a long way in restoring physical function.
Other modalities involved in physical rehabilitation include heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc. These techniques help to manage pain, promote healing, and reduce the effects of injury, illness, or postoperative conditions.
The following are conditions that physical rehabilitation can address:
- Musculoskeletal conditions (strains, sprains, arthritis, back pain, sports injuries, etc)
- Neurological conditions (stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, etc)
- Cardiopulmonary conditions
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
The benefits of physical rehabilitation include:
- Effective pain management and relief
- Improved mobility and physical function
- Reduced risk of injury and re-injury
- Enhanced mental and emotional well-being
Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation
Occupational therapy is a branch of rehabilitation healthcare that helps patients recover and improve their ability to carry out their daily tasks at home, work, and in their community. Patients who have undergone surgery or are living with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses may lose some of the functions they need to carry out their daily activities. Occupational therapists ensure such individuals redevelop and maintain the essential skills to regain independence.
Occupational therapists thoroughly evaluate each patient’s needs and objectives to develop a customized treatment plan. An occupational therapy rehabilitation treatment plan may include therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications. Common conditions that occupational therapy rehabilitates include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
- Developmental disabilities and delays
- Neurological conditions
- Mental health conditions
Benefits of occupational therapy rehabilitation include:
- Patient independence and self-reliance
- Improved quality of life and overall well-being
- Improvement of fine motor skills
- Better mental and emotional health
Speech and Language Therapy Rehabilitation
Developmental delays, neurological conditions, and age-related changes can lead to speech and language disorders. However, therapists can correct these problems by rehabilitating the affected individual with speech and language therapy. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders are managed and treated with speech and language therapy. It consists of techniques and exercises that help individuals resolve problems with pronunciation, speech, and swallowing.
Common conditions that require rehabilitation with speech and language therapy include dyslexia, autism, dysphagia, down syndrome, cleft palate, autism, cancer of the neck/throat/head, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Aphasia, oral swallowing disorders, etc. Benefits of speech and language therapy rehabilitation include:
- Improved pronunciation
- Ability to swallow
- Improved language skills
- Strengthened speaking muscles
Other types of injury rehabilitation in Okotoks include:
- Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Pharmacotherapy/Pharmacorehabilitation
- Respiratory rehabilitation
Importance of Rehabilitation After an Injury
Rehabilitation offers several physical, psychological, and functional benefits after devastating injuries, illnesses, or complications after surgery. The following are reasons why rehabilitation is essential after an injury:
- Rehabilitation reduces the impact of injury, illness, disease, and other health conditions.
- Rehabilitation complements the efforts of other medical and surgical interventions.
- It ensures that people who have suffered irreparable damage from injury, illness, or disease can become independent and productive again after recovery.
- Rehabilitation facilitates faster recovery and ensures patients achieve the best possible outcome.
- It prevents, reduces, and manages the complications associated with several health conditions.
- Rehabilitation slows down the crippling effects of several chronic health conditions.
- Rehabilitation reduces the time spent at the hospital and helps patients avoid high hospital bills.
- Rehabilitation influences mental and emotional health positively.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation is an essential part of the recovery process after debilitating illnesses, injuries, or diseases. It guarantees a quicker recovery, strength restoration, and the prevention of complications and re-injury. Injuries, illnesses, and other health conditions may cause you to lose your functional abilities and mobility. This loss makes it hard to carry out activities that once brought you joy. If you are just recovering from surgery, injuries, illnesses, or diseases, you should consider rehabilitation at Dynamic Physiotherapy.