General Rehabilitation
General rehabilitation refers to a set of interventions that aim at restoring the full functionality of patients with functional disorders. This includes the problems associated with neuromuscular conditions and injuries.
General rehabilitation centers also specialize in diagnosing a range of health conditions. It can include multiple sclerosis, stroke, cancer, traumatic brain injury, and cardiopulmonary compromise. It also provides long-term general rehab services to the patient with such health conditions.
A general rehab program was initially developed to help patients who have chronic medical issues affecting certain body parts. To date, this has generally made it easier for these patients to return to their everyday life. It has also enabled them to engage in different activities, including exercises, within a relatively short period.
Types of General Rehabilitation Programs
The initial objective of undergoing rehabilitation is to recover from surgery, injury, certain neurological conditions, and physical traumas. There are various reasons why people require rehabilitation. On the other hand, there are several types of general rehabilitation designed to handle different health conditions.
Therefore, the common types of general rehab programs include;
Inpatient Rehabilitation:
Inpatient rehabilitation refers to the therapy services you receive while in the healthcare setting. This program aims at helping patients who sustain major injuries, chronic diseases, and disorders to regain the skills required in the day to day living.
With the help of multidisciplinary therapists, inpatient rehab focuses on the needs and objectives of every patient. This can include;
- The ability to work and function normally after amputation
- Communicate well after suffering from a stroke
- Safely take the administered medication without any challenge
In addition, the overall aims of inpatient rehabilitation include;
- The ability to return home and resume the usual daily activities within a short period
- Being able to walk well and independently
- Reduced chances of readmission to the medical facility during and after treatment
The ideal candidates for inpatient rehabilitation therapy include those who sustain or suffer from the following conditions;
- Brain injury
- Cardiovascular or pulmonary disorders
- The femur or hip injury
- Lower extremity amputation
- Neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy, and motor neuron diseases
- Severe multiple trauma
- Stroke
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
Types of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Some of the common types of inpatient rehabilitation services include;
- Physical therapy program
A physical rehabilitation program is concerned with mobility dysfunction that arises following neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Neurological conditions usually affect the nervous system and can sometimes cause paralysis. It includes stroke, multiple sclerosis, chronic headaches, Alzheimer’s, and cerebral palsy.
Nonetheless, musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can also result in various conditions such as back pain, osteoporosis, shoulder and knee injuries, and tendinitis.
Overall, physical therapy aims to restore mobility, strength, functionality, and stability. The therapists also work with the patients to help manage pain by combining targeted therapies and other treatment procedures.
- Speech or language therapy
Speech or language rehabilitation focuses on speech and swallowing dysfunction in patients. Speech therapy is also crucial for most people who suffer from a stroke. This enables them to adapt and learn how to eat independently without difficulty and regain standard speech functionality. Speech therapists also specialize in assisting minors with developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, and ADHD.
Speech disorder often results when there is a defect or weakness around the throat or mouth. It’s typically associated with unclear speech and a weak or slow swallowing process.
- Occupational rehabilitation
Occupational rehabilitation focuses on restoring the capability of the patient to perform the necessary day-to-day activities. This can include cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing, dressing, and other necessary tasks.
Specialists often recommend occupational therapy for patients with conditions such as;
- Autism and other development issues
- Hand or wrist fractures
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Vocational rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation is specifically concerned with the preparation associated with work. It helps to prepare patients following an illness or accident to resume work. When at work or home, it also helps them improve their comfort and usability.
Doctors typically encourage patients to participate in a vocational rehabilitation program after being released from the hospital. This is to help them retain or pursue a new career in their work positions. The vocational program can vary from career coaching and training in work readiness to advice on job placement.
- Cognitive rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation therapy aims to assist patients in enhancing their cognitive functions. This is especially for patients suffering from brain damage or injury. It also helps with their thinking ability, memory, and reasoning skills. Basically, cognitive rehabilitation specialists comprise occupational therapists, speech therapists, and neuropsychologists.
- Respiratory therapy
Respiratory rehabilitation treatment aims at helping people with diseases of the respiratory system, including breathing problems. It also helps manage health conditions such as respiratory failure and blockage of air pathways. Lastly, it specializes in training patients on how to tackle respiratory difficulties using inhalers and supplemental oxygen.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient rehabilitation refers to the therapy services you receive outside the healthcare setting. Instead, it can take place in an outpatient rehab center or sometimes in your home. The duration of the program often varies depending on the health condition and other related concerns.
Furthermore, the primary goal of this treatment is to help you recover successfully and resume your usual daily activities. You should, however, note that outpatient rehab treatment is optional. Besides, it’s more appropriate for individuals who are confident when it comes to functionality, strength, mobility, and the ability to manage everything on their own.
Outpatient rehab addresses a wide range of health conditions, including;
- Cancer
- Neck and back pain
- Neurological conditions
- Pre- and postnatal problems
- Psychological issues
- Speech disorders
Overall, outpatient rehab program focuses on help patients in various ways including;
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Person care including taking a bath, dressing, or toileting
- Transportation to and from the hospital for regular checkups
- Scheduling and managing checkups and therapies
- Significant errands such as shopping and pickup of medications
- Significant house chores including laundry, cleaning, and pet care
Types of Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs
Outpatient rehab can sometimes be referred to as day rehab since it’s mainly on a part-time basis. It comprises a multidisciplinary team whose aim is to address every patient’s personal needs and help them achieve what they want.
In most cases, outpatient rehab consists of several programs, including;
Joint group: This is a special program to help post-arthroplasty patients. It aims at enhancing the range of movement, overall body balance, strength, and other functional activities.
Strength and reconditioning: This is a program designed for patients who require a brief burst of rehabilitation in order to get back on their feet. An ideal candidate for this program is the patient who has been confined to bed for some time.
Backcare group: Focuses on giving education and significant advice regarding back care. It can also include vital exercises to help manage pain, improve range of movement, and strengthen the back.
Cardiac rehabilitation: This program usually takes more than the six to eight week period. It mainly covers all aspects of cardiac intervention ranging from stents to bypass.
Fall prevention rehab: This program aims at educating individuals with higher risks of falling and helps limit the ability of the fall to happen. A fall prevention program can take up to six to eight weeks and combine educational programs and physical exercises.
Oncology rehabilitation: This focuses on addressing both the physical and psycho-social requirements of the oncology patients. Oncology rehab combines education and exercises to ensure a successful recovery.
Neurorehabilitation: Consist of a multidisciplinary team that specializes in addressing a wide range of neurological conditions. It can include stroke, demyelination, and acquired brain injury.
Overall Benefits of Rehabilitation Services
The primary goal of general rehabilitation is to minimize the effects of various medical conditions. It can be illnesses, severe injuries, and acute or chronic diseases that complement other treatment forms. This includes medications and surgical procedures to help accomplish the best possible results.
Rehabilitation can also help minimize, prevent, and manage various complications caused by certain medical conditions. It can be fractures, spinal cord injury, and stroke.
Secondly, rehabilitation treatment minimizes the disabling impacts that result from chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. It provides practical self-management approaches and everything the patients need. Moreover, it helps manage pains and associated complications.
Lastly, general rehabilitation treatment is not only helpful to the patients but also the entire society. For instance, it helps avoid expensive hospitalization, readmissions, and extended stays in the medical facility. What’s more, it gives patients a chance to participate in an educational program while seeking jobs or employment. Rehabilitations also focus on training individuals to be independent while at home. With this, they can avoid the need for assistance or additional financial support.
Bottom Line
General rehabilitation therapy is committed to helping and guiding patients who have suffered severe injuries and chronic diseases. It mainly specializes in helping them regain complete functionality among patients with functional problems.
For such rehabilitation services, you can always consider the CloudHospital medical platform. It works with a range of professional therapists and psychologists specializing in helping patients with various health issues.