Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a fundamental role in injury recovery, improving mobility and relieving pain in patients.
Rehabilitation medicine takes a specialized approach, working closely with patients of all ages to restore their physical abilities.
While physical therapy is the health discipline focused on treating physical conditions through specific exercises, manual techniques, and other interventions, rehabilitation is the process through which a person regains motor function and physical capabilities lost due to injury, illness, or surgery.
The combination of both disciplines goes beyond physical recovery, it also aims to improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Although each person has specific needs, a wide range of treatments is generally used, including exercises, massages, heat/cold therapy, and technologies such as electrotherapy.
What a physical therapist does
A physical therapist is the specialist responsible for diagnosing, assessing, and treating physical dysfunctions of the human body. Once they have the necessary information, they guide the patient through appropriate exercises and design personalized treatment plans to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Initially, the physical therapist evaluates the patient’s physical condition, reviews their medical history, and identifies specific areas requiring intervention, such as strength, range of motion, or balance.
After identifying the target areas, a treatment plan is developed, which includes patient education, prevention of harmful actions, and ongoing monitoring of progress.
Physical rehabilitation
Physical rehabilitation is a therapeutic process that helps people regain functional ability after an injury, surgery, or illness.
There are different types of physical rehabilitation, depending on the condition being treated:
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation: focuses on injuries or conditions affecting bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Common among people with sports injuries or arthritis.
- Neurological rehabilitation: geared toward individuals who have suffered damage to the nervous system, such as those who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, or who live with multiple sclerosis.
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation: designed for individuals with cardiovascular diseases (cardiac rehabilitation) or respiratory conditions (pulmonary rehabilitation), such as those recovering from a heart attack or living with chronic lung disease.
Rehabilitation clinic
There are specialized facilities to receive this type of care, such as rehabilitation clinics or hospital-based rehabilitation units. These areas are designed with the necessary equipment for each type of therapy and often include:
- Physical therapy areas: spaces dedicated to strengthening exercises, mobility work, and manual therapy techniques.
- Advanced technology: equipment such as electrotherapy devices, ultrasound machines, or traction systems.
- Rehabilitation pools: some facilities include hydrotherapy options.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential disciplines for physical recovery and general well-being, extending beyond injury treatment to promote long-term active and healthy living.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist near me
At ABC Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation area, we have a team of highly trained specialists dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all your rehabilitation needs.
Our rehabilitation medicine specialists in Mexico City are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and advanced treatments to manage conditions such as post-stroke rehabilitation, sports injury rehabilitation, rheumatoid arthritis rehabilitation, and more.
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, OMS, MSD Manuals
