Read more about the differences in this overview on physical rehabilitation.
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What Is Physical Rehabilitation?
Physical rehabilitation is the process that an injured or deconditioned person goes through to restore their physical functioning.
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They would likely work with a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist to reach their goals.
There are also many other situations in which people benefit from physical rehabilitation.
Physical Rehabilitation vs. ## Physical Rehabilitation vs.
Therapy
Physical rehabilitationdescribes the process that a person goes through to reach optimal physical functioning.
Physical therapyrefers specifically to the physical therapy profession.
Physical therapy is a term that refers specifically to the physical therapy profession.
PTs are an important part of the physical rehabilitation team and process.
PTs also practice in acute care (hospital) tweaks, pediatrics, and other tweaks than outpatient treatment.
Types of Physical Rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation is a more general term than physical therapy.
It is inclusive of a variety of professions that can all assist a person with restoring their physical functioning.
Depending on your unique situation, you might work with a combination of these professionals, or just one.
Each rehabilitation profession takes a slightly different approach to physical rehabilitation.
All will create a treatment plan for you that is individualized to your needs and goals.
Physiatrists are board-certified physicians who went to medical school but also have specialist training in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Physiatrists treat medical conditions that affect your musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
OTs believe that by enabling a person to engage in meaningful occupations, health and wellness are promoted.
The profession is unique in that it takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
OTs use different techniques to help a person reach their goals.
Like PTs and OTs, SLPs are board-certified medical professionals.
Alternatively, you might have therapy in one setting.
Physical rehabilitation can also increase your safety at home and prevent falls and future readmission to the hospital.
The physical benefits of rehabilitation will carry over to your engagement in daily life.
Additionally, patients who received more time in therapy had improved outcomes over those who had less therapy.
A Word From Verywell
Physical rehabilitation is not a simple upward trajectory.
Its also important to note that complete independence is not everyones goal.
Instead, you might want to improve your wheelchair navigation skills or learn a sport using your wheelchair.
Both situations are considered physical rehabilitation, and your therapists will incorporate your preferences into your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PM&R doctor specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation refers to the area of medicine that physiatrists specialize in.
These will include time-bound, measurable, as well as short-term and long-term goals.
Your rehabilitation goals should be individualized to your own preferences and goals for your recovery and life.
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.What is a physiatrist?
2020 Feb 4. doi:10.1080/09638288.2020.1719215
American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.
American Occupational Therapy Association.Occupational therapy: improving function while controlling costs.
American Occupational Therapy Association.What is occupational therapy?
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.Speech-language pathologists.
American Physical Therapy Association.Physical therapy and occupational therapy provide significant rehabilitative value in postacute care.
