Rehab Select Blog

October 26th was National Physiatry Day, and we thought we’d take a moment to talk about this unique and important branch of medicine. Physical medicine, otherwise known as physiatry, is a medical approach that aims to improve the functional ability, and thus quality of life, of patients suffering from permanent physical impairments or disabilities. 

If you have mobility limitations after an injury or medical event, your healthcare team may recommend visits with both a physiatrist and physical therapist to get you moving again. Your first question might be, what’s the difference between the two? Can I just go to one or the other, rather than both?

Orthopedic surgery is the surgical treatment of medical issues with bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles. When you undergo orthopedic surgery, your medical team will likely advise you to consider a rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and safely.

After a medical event such as surgery or an acute illness, you may have visits with more doctors and therapists than you ever knew you needed. It can be both confusing and reassuring to know that there are so many people are involved in your care. 

What is a wound care center?

A wound care center is a specialist medical treatment center that deals with wounds that won’t heal. Wound care center staff may include specially certified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists that can help manage and heal problematic wounds. These healthcare providers will coordinate treatment with your personal physician to make sure that you get the best care possible. 

If you're in the hospital for rehabilitation and you have an ulcer, bed sore, or surgical wound, you may have been assigned a wound care specialist. A wound care specialist is a healthcare provider with advanced training in assessing, dressing, and caring for open, non-healing wounds.

If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, you may be advised to consider outpatient therapy. Outpatient therapy is a course of treatment to support your recovery and rehabilitation, delivered through a series of visits to a private therapy practice or a clinic.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood. WebMD states that CHF is a condition where the “blood moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. As a result, the heart can’t pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body's needs.” A number of underlying conditions can cause CHF by damaging the heart muscle. Some conditions that lead to CHF can be reversed, and others can be controlled, and treatment goals generally include addressing its underlying causes, slowing progression of CHF, and improving symptoms.  

According to Yale Medicine, almost 6 million Americans have congestive heart failure. But there is good news: with the correct treatment, patients can recover to good health.

Physical therapy is often incorporated into your outpatient treatment plan if an injury or surgical procedure leaves you with mobility limitations. Your therapist works closely with you and your care team to improve your recovery.

Have you been told by your healthcare team that you could benefit from outpatient occupational therapy?

This type of therapy is often recommended for people who have seen a decline in functional abilities that makes some daily tasks difficult to manage. So what exactly is occupational therapy and how might it benefit you?