16 Jan Finding the Right Kind of Rehab for You
The idea of rehabilitation can be confusing – your doctor may suggest a certain type of rehab, but you don’t know where to go or how to start. There are a few specific types of rehabilitation that are sometimes referred to as simply “rehab”: physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Types of Rehab
Physical therapy focuses on improving functions related to bones, joints, muscles or nerves. A patient’s function may be impaired due to injury (a fall, for example), wear and tear from overuse, or just from aging. Physical therapists work with patients to develop a program of targeted exercises and techniques. These exercises help reduce pain, improve strength and balance, regain mobility, and improve gait and balance. Whether recovering from a fall, looking to get back to moving after a joint replacement, or working to walk again after a stroke, physical therapy is a means to move, and move well, again.
Speech therapy (often referred to as Speech-Language Pathology) focuses on improving a patient’s ability to communicate effectively and eat safely. Things like stroke recovery, brain injuries, or progressive neurological diseases can affect one’s ability to produce and comprehend speech. Speech pathologists work with patients on improving (or, sometimes regaining entirely) speech, cognition, and swallowing. The ability to communicate clearly and coherently is vital to a happy life. Speech therapy helps you get back to saying good morning to neighbors or telling your grandchildren you love them!
Occupational therapy focuses on helping a person achieve independence in his or her day-to-day life. Incidents like a stroke, injury, or just changes associated with aging in elderly patients, may require therapy. Patients in occupational therapy require “relearning” ways of doing day-to-day activities (with or without assistive devices). Therapists help identify problems with tasks like a bathing, dressing, grooming, or even eating. Occupational therapists are trained to identify problems in these areas and make recommendations for improvement.
Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne offers both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation in our state-of-the-art rehab facility! Whether you are recovering from surgery, have been in an accident, or are experiencing other health challenges, Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne’s rehab can help you get the most out of life.
Whether young or old, seeking occupational, speech, or physical therapy, our skilled rehab team is here to get you back to your best self. Call, email, or click here to give us a call and learn more about how Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne’s rehabilitation facility can get you back to living well!