Rehabilitation is the care that is provided for patients who need to recover from an illness or injury, who are trying to maintain skills and abilities while struggling with a progressive illness, or who are living with permanent disabilities. Rehabilitation can take many forms and be provided by a variety of professionals depending on the needs of the patient. They often work with other medical professionals and in most medical settings. Traditional therapy types include physical, occupational, speech and language, and respiratory therapy. There are also alternative therapies that many people find useful and that are commonly used in conjunction with more traditional treatments and therapies.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most common and important types of rehabilitative therapy. It involves a variety of strategies and tools used to help patients restore or maintain mobility and movement, to get relief from pain, to function better, and to generally live better. Physical therapy involves using mechanical force and guided movements, exercise, and even electrotherapy, among other strategies to help a variety of patients.
Patients who can benefit from physical therapy include those living with permanent or temporary disabilities, patients who have had a stroke, those with injuries from accidents or sports, patients who have had surgery, or those living with some type of chronic pain. These are just a few examples, and anyone who needs to move better, maintain mobility, or get relief from musculoskeletal pain can benefit from physical therapy.
Physical therapists are licensed and professional health care workers. They hold a bachelor’s degree as well as an advanced degree in physical therapy, although many also have doctoral degrees. In most cases it is not necessary to get a doctor’s referral to work with a physical therapist, but this type of therapy should be a supplement to medical care, not a replacement. Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, gyms, nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. Some specialize in specific types of therapy, like sports therapy, pediatric therapy, or geriatric therapy for elderly patients.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help patients improve function in any area of life, through the use of activities and equipment. Goals of occupational therapy are to restore function, improve or maintain existing function, to gain specific skills, or to maintain or achieve a certain level of independence. A variety of people can benefit from working with occupational therapists, including children and adults with disabilities and people who have been injured or had a stroke, among many others.
Occupational therapy is different from physical therapy in that the latter is focused on movement, mobility, and pain reduction, while occupational therapy has more specific goals: being able to use utensils and eat independently, being able to use the bathroom without assistance, or to be able to function at a job with minimal assistance. Occupational therapists must have a minimum of a master’s degree and be licensed in the state in which they practice. They often work in conjunction with physicians and physical therapists to provide patients with a well-rounded rehabilitative treatment plan.
Speech and Language Therapy
Also called speech and language pathologists, speech and language therapists provide care for children and adults who struggle to speak, communicate, and even to swallow or feed. This kind of therapy helps improve language skills, the ability to speak and communicate, and the ability to eat and drink in patients with swallowing disorders.
Infants may need speech and language therapy if swallowing is an issue and interferes with feeding. Conditions like cleft palate and cerebral palsy can cause these issues. Children with speech difficulties, such as stuttering or learning disabilities, can also benefit from working with a therapist to improve communication. Adults may need to work with a speech and language therapist for a variety of reasons: rehabilitation for disease or injury, such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease or improving communication for adults with swallowing or speech difficulties due to developmental disabilities.
A speech and language therapist holds a master’s degree in the subject and must be licensed in most states. They work with other therapists and doctors and provide services in schools, hospitals, private practices, community centers, and other facilities.
Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapy is used to help patients with breathing difficulties maintain or restore the ability to breathe. This type of therapy is not a treatment in itself, but is used in conjunction with medical therapy for illnesses and injuries. People who can benefit from respiratory therapy include patients with respiratory infections, lung cancer, emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Both patients with acute and chronic, long-term breathing issues can be helped by respiratory therapists.
Respiratory therapists have either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and are licensed in each state. They help patients in hospitals, emergency rooms, intensive care units, rehabilitation private practices, nursing homes, and pulmonary specialty clinics. They are responsible for monitoring patients, diagnosing breathing issues, analyzing breathing, consulting with physicians, and providing therapy and care to help patients breathe better.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Some patients needing rehabilitative therapies may turn to alternative and complementary practitioners. There is some evidence that some of these alternative practices can be helpful for patients, but they should not be used as substitutes for traditional therapy or medical care. Some examples of alternative therapies include the following:
- Chiropractic care uses manipulation of the musculoskeletal function to relieve pain and restore mobility.
- Acupuncture is a practice used in traditional Chinese medicine that uses needles to realign the flow of energy in the body. There is some evidence that it can improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Aromatherapy uses essential oils to relieve pain and stress.
- Massage therapy provided by trained professionals can relieve pain and stress and improve movement in joints and muscles.
- Mind-body therapies aim to use the mind to help rehabilitate the body and may use meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, or guided imagery, among other strategies.
- Nutrition therapy uses diet and supplements to aid rehabilitation and healing.
Rehabilitative therapies are important for many people because they provide strategies for maintaining or regaining function. For some this means remaining independent or gaining independence, being able to move better, experiencing less pain, being able to breathe easier, and improved communication, among many other related benefits. If you need the services of a therapist, talk to your doctor first to get a recommendation for the best type of therapy to meet your needs. When you do select a therapist make sure you check for credentials, licensing, and references from previous patients to make sure you get the best quality care.