What are Physical Rehabilitation Centers?

When people suffer from debilitating injuries, illnesses, or genetic conditions, they are often referred to physical rehabilitation centers so that they can regain strength and recover from their ailments. Rehabilitation centers may be independent institutions that treat patients on an appointment basis, or they may be part of a larger hospital system where inpatients go to attend therapy sessions. Doctors, nurses, and physical therapists create individualized treatment plans for patients to help them overcome various obstacles, such as relearning how to walk or speak after a major accident.

Centers typically staff a number of different medical specialists to help in the recovery process. Licensed doctors, nurses, aides, physical therapists all contribute to the creation of individual rehabilitation programs. Professionals discuss a patient's medical history, analyze any progress he or she makes in therapy, and help him or her set rehabilitation goals. Many physical rehabilitation centers staff professional counselors to monitor patients' mental health and help them realize that they can overcome difficult circumstances with enough determination.

Physical rehabilitation centers cater to patients with all types of debilitating conditions, from paralysis to neurological problems to broken body parts. Patients receive expert instruction, care, and encouragement throughout the rehabilitation process. Some individuals require intensive therapy to relearn basic tasks, such as speaking, eating, and walking. Physical therapists help individuals build strength through proven training methods, such as weightlifting, pool therapy, and specialized exercise routines. In a case where physical therapy cannot lead to complete recovery, the therapist's main goal is to teach an individual how to live and work with the highest possible degree of independence.

Some physical rehabilitation centers help people with less severe medical problems, such as arthritis or a broken limb. Such centers usually employ physical therapists to treat outpatients by appointment. Therapists might create exercise or weight-training regimens to help clients strengthen damaged bones and muscles. Clients usually attend periodic rehabilitation sessions until they have enough strength to handle the rest of the recovery process on their own.

At many physical rehabilitation centers, patients have access to occupational and assisted living resources. Individuals receive help finding new jobs or returning to old ones. Administrators at physical rehabilitation centers often communicate with employers to make special arrangements for disabled workers. Centers also help patients find caregivers and arrange the installation of certain home accommodations, such as wheelchair ramps. The majority of individuals who receive physical rehabilitation therapy go on to lead full, independent, enjoyable lives.