Physical Rehabilitation Doctor Q&A

Physical therapy and physical rehabilitation are often thought of as one and the same. And many people aren’t aware of the wide range of treatments involved with physical rehabilitation. The recovery process from a serious injury or illness is a 3 step process that involves pain relief, inflammation reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation. Physical therapy is part of the rehabilitation process for the restoration of strength, mobility, and fitness. Rehabilitation is the process of assisting a person through the entire recovery process. Physical rehabilitation is actually an umbrella term that encompasses physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

Physical rehabilitation is a process that assists the whole person in recovering from a serious injury or illness by helping them re-learn the activities needed for daily life. A serious disease, or injury, or side effects from medical treatment can cause physical, mental, or cognitive impairments. Physical rehabilitation is intended to help improve quality of life, and restore the body’s functionality following an injury or illness that could be affecting:

– Joints
– Muscles
– Tendons
– Ligaments
– Bones
– Spinal cord
– Brain
– Nervous system

Physical rehabilitation therapy works to improve not only a person’s physical well-being but their mental and cognitive health as well. Age also plays a role in the type of treatments performed, especially with geriatric and pediatric therapy.

A physical rehabilitation physician, also known as a physiatrist, is uniquely trained in assessing and treating any disability resulting from disease or injury. Specifically, a physiatrist is trained in:

– Diagnosing and treating pain
– Restoration of maximum function lost through illness or disabling condition
– Treating not just the problem area, but the whole person
– The leadership of medical professionals
– Performing non-surgical treatments
– Educating a person of their medical problems, and developing a treatment plan

A rehabilitation physician will accurately identify the source of a person’s ailment, then design a treatment plan that can be carried out by the patient, or with the guidance and assistance of the rehabilitation physician’s medical team. The medical team may include other physicians or pain management specialists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. By providing a team of specifically trained specialists, and a detailed treatment plan, a rehabilitation physician is able to help a patient of any age stay as active as possible throughout their lifetime.

The primary focus of physical rehabilitation is teaching people how to independently take care of themselves as much as possible. Those who have experienced a traumatic injury, or debilitating illness often require assistance eating, bathing, using the bathroom, and moving in and out of a wheelchair. 

Getting back to a resemblance of what life used to be like after a traumatic injury, or a disabling illness can seem impossible because it’s not just the physical aspect of recovery that is challenging. Getting back to everyday activities, and restoring independence involves making sure a person’s cognitive, social and emotional, and mental health are treated back to optimal health as well. An individual’s rehabilitation means maximizing their independence and autonomy in the various factors of everyday life, which include activities at work or home, and leisure hobbies and sports.

At InovoSpine, our team of highly trained, and professional pain management specialist, and our friendly staff, take great pride in providing our community with a wide range of medical services, including innovative pain management techniques and physical rehabilitation treatments in the most comfortable, professional, and effective way. For more information, contact us or schedule an online appointment. We serve patients from Houston TX, Hedwig Village TX, Meadows Place TX, Missouri City TX, Hunters Creek Village TX, Spring Valley Village TX, and surrounding areas.