Rehabilitation medicine plays a crucial role in the recovery process for individuals who have experienced diseases, disorders, or injuries. It aims to help patients achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible . Here are some key points about the role of rehabilitation medicine in recovery:
Rehabilitation Workforce: The rehabilitation workforce consists of various health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, audiologists, orthotists and prosthetists, clinical psychologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, and rehabilitation nurses. Other health workers, such as general practitioners, surgeons, and community health workers, may also play a role in a person’s rehabilitation .
Complementing Other Interventions: Rehabilitation complements other health interventions, such as medical and surgical interventions, by helping to facilitate recovery and achieve the best possible outcome. It can reduce the impact of a broad range of health conditions, including acute or chronic diseases, illnesses, or injuries. Additionally, rehabilitation can help prevent, reduce, or manage complications associated with many health conditions, such as spinal cord injury, stroke, or fractures .
Preparing for Surgical Interventions: Rehabilitation medicine can also help prepare patients for upcoming transplant or other surgical interventions by improving their ability to withstand and recover from the procedures .
Cancer Rehabilitation: Exercise and rehabilitation play a significant role in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. Exercise can decrease the side effects of anticancer therapy and aid in recovery and rehabilitation following chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Studies have shown associations between post-diagnosis exercise and decreased cancer-specific mortality .
Stroke Rehabilitation: Stroke rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after a stroke. Successful stroke rehabilitation depends on various factors, including the severity of the stroke, emotional factors, social support, and the skill of the stroke rehabilitation team. The rate of recovery is generally greatest in the weeks and months after a stroke, but performance can continue to improve even 12 to 18 months after a stroke .
Multidisciplinary Care: Rehabilitation medicine provides integrated, multidisciplinary care aimed at the recovery of the whole person. It addresses the individual’s physical, emotional, medical, vocational, and social needs. A physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, leads the rehabilitation team .
Teaching Self-Care and Restoring Function: The goal of rehabilitation therapy is to teach individuals how to take care of themselves as much as possible. It focuses on daily tasks such as eating, bathing, using the bathroom, and mobility. Rehabilitation experts use various tests to evaluate a person’s problems and monitor their recovery. A full rehabilitation program and treatment plan may be needed to address medical, physical, social, emotional, and work-related problems .