What is medical rehabilitation and what are its goals?

Medical rehabilitation, also known as rehab, is a type of healthcare aimed at helping individuals restore, maintain, or improve the abilities necessary for daily life. These abilities may be physical, mental, or cognitive (such as thinking and learning). People may lose these abilities as a result of a disease, injury, or as a side effect of a specific medical treatment. Medical rehabilitation contributes to improving quality of life and overall daily functioning [1].

Who benefits from medical rehabilitation?

People who have lost the abilities necessary for daily life benefit from medical rehabilitation. Common reasons that require medical rehabilitation include [1]:

• Injuries and trauma, such as burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
• Stroke.
• Severe infections.
• Major surgeries.
• Side effects of medical treatments, such as cancer therapies.
• Certain congenital defects and genetic disorders.
• Developmental disabilities.
• Chronic pain, including back and neck pain.

Goals of medical rehabilitation

The general goal of medical rehabilitation is to help the patient regain their abilities and restore their independence. However, specific goals for each person vary based on several factors, including the cause of the problem, whether the cause is ongoing or temporary, the abilities the patient has lost, and the severity of the problem [1]. For example, a person who has had a stroke may need rehabilitation to be able to dress or bathe without assistance. An active person who has suffered a heart attack may undergo cardiac rehabilitation to try to return to exercising. A patient with lung disease might receive pulmonary rehabilitation to be able to breathe better and improve their quality of life [1].

Components of a medical rehabilitation program

When undergoing a medical rehabilitation program, a team of specialized healthcare providers often works with the patient to identify their needs and goals and to develop a treatment plan. The treatment plan can include various types of interventions [1]:

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving strength, mobility, and physical fitness [1].
• Occupational Therapy: Helps the patient perform daily activities at home, in the workplace, and in the community [1].
• Speech and Language Therapy: Aims to assist with speaking, understanding, reading, writing, and swallowing [1].
• Cognitive Therapy: Helps restore or improve skills such as thinking, learning, memory, planning, and decision-making [1].
• Assistive Devices: Includes tools, equipment, and products that help people with disabilities with mobility and function [1].
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Aims to build the skills necessary to return to school or work [1].
• Psychological Counseling: To support mental and emotional health [1].

Where can medical rehabilitation services be received?

Medical rehabilitation services can be received in doctors' offices, hospitals, or inpatient rehabilitation centers. In some cases, a healthcare provider may come to the patient's home. If care is received at home, it is necessary to have family members or friends present to assist with the rehabilitation process [1]. When choosing a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center, it is good to visit several places and check the quality of care provided, the facility's location, and whether it fits the patient's specific medical needs. You should also ensure that health insurance covers the costs of accommodation and treatment [2]. For more information about restoring function after injuries and illnesses, you can visit Medical Rehabilitation: Restoring Function After Injuries and Chronic Illnesses (Arabic).

Medical references

• Rehabilitation
• Choosing a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility