Rehabilitation Medicine

Physical rehabilitation (also known as 'Rehabilitation Medicine') describes a medicine discipline that deals with the restoration of the physical ability by a step-by-step process for patients with disabilities and physical limitations.

A physical rehabilitation program is a doctor-supervised program designed to guide patients through a physical condition that they may not be able to cope with alone. Patients participate in rehabilitation programs either by going to inpatient sessions for the period of their hospitalization or by visiting the facility on a daily basis.

There are multiple types of physical rehabilitation which include orthopedic, cardiopulmonary, neurological, pediatric, geriatric and also integumentary rehabilitation (which deals with restoration of the skin). The main emphasis in the physical rehabilitation field is placed on the optimization of function through various kinds of treatments and medications. Physical rehabilitation doctors can choose from a wide variety of treatment methods that include physical modalities, physical training with therapeutic exercise, movement & activities modification, adaptive equipment and assistive device, body braces and prosthesis.

Rehabilitation Medicine Video

The field of rehabilitative medicine has a few pre-set goals when treating patients:

• Restoring the patient's independence
• Lifting the patient's physical limitations
• Preventing from additional physical problems that may arise from being inactive
• Making the required physical adjustments to change the patient's life in the future

There are many medical conditions that Physical rehabilitation doctors (also referred to as 'physiatrists') may treat, the most common include: an amputation, spinal cord injury, sports injuries, a stroke and musculoskeletalAn organ system that gives the ability to move using the muscular and skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal system provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body. (Source: Wikipedia). pain syndromes such as low back pain, and traumatic brain injury.

There is also the cardiopulmonary field that deals with rehabilitation for patients who suffered from a heart or lung condition. Cancer is yet another disease that patients may need rehabilitation from as the disease and its treatment affect some survivors' bodies more than others.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapy program is intended for patients that injured a body part or suffered from deterioration due to a medical condition. The physical therapy is supposed to help people regain use of the body part. The goals of the treatments are to reduce the pain the patient is feeling while improving function and mobility.

As part of the treatment plan, the physical therapist integrates exercise, hot and cold massagesTreatments such as ice and heating pads can be alternated for the purpose of reducing inflammation and pain as well as healing muscles and tendons (Source: ehow.com). and nerve stimulation therapy. Some situations will require extensive physical therapy and their programs will go on for many months, such as those who have been in a severe accident, and some will require shorter programs.

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR)

This is a rehabilitation program intended for patients that suffer from various cardiac and pulmonary conditions. As in physical therapy, these kinds of programs mainly include exercise but also provide comprehensive care which can include an evaluation of the patient, risk factor modification, special diets, additional medication, stress management, blood pressure control and diabetes management.

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation starts after major injury or surgery in the heart or the area around it and aims to improve physical function and prevent further complications. CR also helps the patient make life changes for better health.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

When a patient has suffered a brain injury, from a head trauma or stroke, they may need more them a physical rehabilitation. As the treatment for these kinds of injuries vary depending on how severe the injury is, they will usually consist of physical therapy combined with activities that will retrain the patient's cognitive abilities and teach him ordinary daily functions they once performed.

Patients may need to learn how to write or tie their shoes laces again. Sometimes patients may also require speech therapy as their language skills have been impaired or memory loss treatments. The therapist can apply different techniques to help the patient regain his ability to use his short term and long term memory.

Psychological Rehabilitation

Although the process of rehabilitation is mainly viewed as a 'physical' one, there is also a major psychological aspect. It is important for the patients to mentally accept the situation they are in, this in order to make progress in the physical rehabilitation.

Every patient will be treated in a framework design specifically for them based on their needs and according to their mental state, which has been evaluated as the process began. The treatment will address their personality, the circumstances around them and their mental strength before and after the incident that brought them to rehabilitation.

Pediatric Rehabilitation

Children with disabilities are a unique population within pediatrics and the rehabilitation field, but as in the rehabilitation of adults, pediatric rehabilitation focuses on maximizing the function and enhancing the lives of children.

Children with disabilities have unique needs which must be addressed in a rehabilitation program and are often referred to special pediatric rehabilitation facilities rather than being treated along with adults. Pediatric rehabilitation can include treatments of developmental delays, congenital conditions and acquired disabilities.

Often psychological issues are part of the rehabilitation program and treated as well. Children can suffer from personal distress, destructive behavior and social issues. Psychological assistance can address these problems and promote a better emotional development and supportive environment for children.

You can read here more about pediatric medicine.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Treatments Abroad

If you are exploring rehabilitation options and looking into different programs, TicketMed will be happy to assist in the process as we are affiliated with the best medical rehabilitation centers in the world. Our service representatives will provide you with all the information you will need about rehabilitation options abroad that include the most advanced clinics that use the latest technology and rehabilitative methods. Contact us now.