Troy Hurst holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Carroll University. He is a physical therapist specializing in both athletic and vestibular rehabilitation with an emphasis on performance running.
Medical events such as strokes, traumatic injuries, and surgeries can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities. The impact may be as subtle as mild discomfort to as severe as a complete loss of function.
After such life-altering events, getting back some or all of the affected functions becomes a priority. Rehabilitation therapy is necessary to aid this recovery process (10). This intervention is usually tailored to the individual’s specific needs and performed under the supervision of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven types of rehabilitation therapy and their benefits, providing a comprehensive understanding of the recovery journey.
Rehabilitation therapy, aka rehab, is a treatment program that aims to improve and restore an individual’s physical, cognitive, and/or emotional functions after injury, illness, or surgery. It involves various techniques such as exercises, activities, education, and counseling to promote healing and functional improvement (10).
The primary goal of rehabilitation therapy is to help individuals regain the ability to perform daily tasks with maximum independence. This could mean anything from learning how to walk again after a stroke to relearning how to cook meals or drive a car.
Rehabilitation therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, abilities, and goals. It may involve a combination of different therapies based on the type and severity of the condition.
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The main reasons for needing rehab therapy are; recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery; managing chronic conditions and disabilities; improving mobility, strength, and balance; reducing pain; overcoming speech or language disorders; and addressing emotional or psychological challenges.
Recovery is one of the primary reasons for needing rehabilitation therapy. After an injury, illness, or surgery, individuals may experience temporary or permanent impairments that affect their daily performance. Rehab helps these individuals regain function and independence (6).
Chronic conditions can cause functional limitations that affect the individual’s quality of life. Rehabilitation therapy can help manage these conditions by improving mobility, reducing pain, and teaching coping strategies (5).
Rehabilitation therapy is often prescribed to individuals who have difficulty moving or performing activities due to such limitations such as age, neurological conditions, or musculoskeletal disorders (7). Through targeted exercises and techniques, rehab can improve strength, mobility, and balance.
Chronic pain is a common reason for seeking rehabilitation therapy. It may be related to an injury, surgery, or medical conditions.
Physical therapists use various modalities such as heat/cold therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and graded exercise to manage pain and promote healing (6).
Rehab also includes education on pain management techniques and activity modification strategies.
Speech therapy is a type of rehabilitation therapy commonly used to treat speech and language disorders. The therapist uses various techniques to help individuals improve their communication skills (5).
Rehabilitation therapy can also address emotional or psychological challenges that may arise from an injury, illness, or surgery.
For example, occupational therapists may work with individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury to help them adjust to changes in their movement patterns and abilities to maximize their level of independence.
Read more: 6 Cold Water Therapy Benefits Worth Noting
Physical therapy is the most common type of rehab. It is often prescribed after injuries or surgeries to aid recovery and prevent future complications (4).
Some medical events that may require physical therapy include:
Physical therapy is beneficial because it helps with:
Further reading is available at our cold water therapy benefits blog.
Occupational therapy is focused on helping individuals regain the ability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and using the bathroom (9).
Injuries, illnesses, and disabilities that may require occupational therapy include:
Occupational therapy can:
Speech therapy is a type of rehabilitation therapy that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders (8).
Speech therapy is beneficial because it helps with:
Cognitive rehabilitation is a type of therapy that focuses on improving cognitive function, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills (1).
Cognitive rehabilitation can help individuals:
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Vocational rehabilitation is a type of therapy that helps individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions to prepare for, find, and maintain employment (11).
It may include:
Vocational rehabilitation can help individuals:
In addition to these specific types of rehabilitation therapy, there are also holistic approaches that may be used, such as yoga, art therapy, and music therapy. These methods aim to promote overall well-being and can be beneficial in conjunction with traditional therapies.
In our Somatic Healing Techniques blog, we explore how mind-body practices, such as meditation can improve physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. These techniques can be used in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation therapies to enhance the healing process.
Rehab therapy is typically recommended after an injury, illness, or surgery that affects your ability to perform daily tasks and activities. It may also be prescribed for chronic conditions that impact your mobility, communication, or cognitive function (6).
You should only do rehabilitation therapy under the guidance of a trained medical professional, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist. They will assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you are unsure if you may benefit from rehabilitation therapy, consult with your physician or healthcare provider for guidance. They can help determine if it is the right path for your individual needs and goals.
Early intervention and consistent participation in rehab therapy can lead to better outcomes and improve one’s overall quality of life.
You can rehabilitate your body by participating in various types of rehabilitation therapy, as well as incorporating full-body physical therapy exercises into your daily routine.
According to National Jewish Health, exercise and staying active are important parts of rehab for individuals with chronic diseases (3).
Performing physical therapy exercises at home, as recommended by your therapist, can aid in the rehabilitation process.
Here are 10 strengthening exercises to try at home. If you experience any pain or discomfort while doing these exercises, stop immediately and consult with your therapist.
This exercise combats forward-leaning posture and strengthens your back muscles. To perform this exercise:
This exercise helps improve mobility in your spine and can also aid in reducing back pain. To perform this exercise:
This exercise targets your core muscles which aid in balance and stability. To perform this exercise:
Wall push-ups are a modified version of traditional push-ups that can help strengthen your upper body muscles. To perform this exercise:
This exercise improves balance and stability by focusing on one leg at a time. To perform this exercise:
As part of rehabilitation therapy for the shoulder, this exercise helps improve posture and strengthen the muscles in your upper back. To perform this exercise:
Read more: Somatic Experiencing Therapy: A Guide to Getting In Touch With Your Innermost Self
The dowel exercise is great for improving shoulder mobility and range of motion. To perform this exercise:
As part of knee rehabilitation therapy, this exercise helps strengthen the muscles in your legs and improve your range of motion. To perform this exercise:
Using a resistance band adds an extra challenge to this exercise, helping improve hip stability and strength. To perform this exercise:
These are just a few examples of exercises that can be incorporated into your rehabilitation therapy routine.
Check out our Muscle Recovery Time guide to know the right balance between rest and exercise for optimal recovery.
The 5 goals of rehabilitation are (5):
Rehabilitation therapy aims to help individuals overcome physical limitations, reduce pain, and improve their ability to perform daily tasks.
The most important part of rehabilitation is adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. This includes following the recommended exercises, attending therapy sessions regularly, and making any necessary lifestyle changes to aid recovery.
The benefits of rehabilitation include (7):
Rehabilitation can also have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being, as it helps individuals regain confidence and control over their bodies.
Rehabilitation therapy is a vital aspect of healthcare that helps individuals recover from injuries, illnesses, and other medical events. It not only focuses on physical healing but also has positive impacts on emotional and psychological well-being. By utilizing various modalities and techniques, rehabilitation therapists help individuals regain strength, mobility, balance, and overall function, improving their quality of life and overall well-being.
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