Rehabilitative medicine is a branch of medical care that helps individuals recover from a recent illness or injury. Rehabilitative services assist patients of all ages to regain their health and successfully transition to an active life. The activities and treatments that comprise rehabilitative services may also vary depending on patients' conditions and preferences. Rehabilitative care may be beneficial for patients recovering from the following conditions, among others:
Rehabilitation physicians are doctors who specialize in rehabilitative care, which may occur in inpatient or outpatient settings. Inpatient rehabilitation occurs during a patient's hospital stay, and the patient trains to regain strength and function before being discharged. Outpatient rehabilitation therapy is treatment that takes place in a clinical, in-home, or alternative location. Rehabilitative programs are frequently tailored to meet patients' specific needs. While rehabilitative care is overseen by a rehabilitation physician, most therapies such as speech therapy are performed by specialty therapists. A rehabilitative care program may include the following therapies and treatments:
Rehabilitation physicians may collaborate with rehabilitation aides, nurses, specialists, and rehabilitation case managers.
