Therapy / Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: What's the Difference?

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, which might be misleading. Physical therapy is, in essence, merely one facet of rehabilitation. Physical rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy, may be required if you are recovering from an injury, have had surgery, or have a disabling medical condition.

Rehabilitation of the physical body

Physical therapy may be required if you have an accident or condition that is causing you to lose functionality temporarily or permanently. Physiatry is a discipline of medicine that deals with physical rehabilitation. It refers to the process of recovering and improving your ability to do daily tasks. Physiatrists are medical experts that assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of ailments and injuries, including spinal injuries, acute or chronic pain, joint problems, and other musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.

A physiatrist’s job is to provide diagnosis and treatments that will help you attain better results and independence. They maximize what you can do while also assisting you in adapting to what you can’t. Physiatrists perform a physical examination, arrange diagnostic testing, and review your medical records to determine your needs and requirements. They will then tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs and may prescribe treatments such as physical therapy to aid your recovery.

Physical Therapy is a type of treatment that is used

After a medical illness, accident, or surgery, physical therapy seeks to enhance your movement, functional capacity, overall welfare, and quality of life. They employ manual treatment to help relieve pain and enhance function by improving the alignment and flexibility of bones and soft tissues. Physical therapists are also trained to work with patients who need assistive devices (such as braces, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, standers, and shower chairs) and can show you how to use them properly and safely. A physical therapist’s main responsibilities include:

Improving Balance and Mobility

If you have mobility issues, such as difficulties standing, walking, writing, lifting, or moving, physical therapy can assist. Strengthening and stretching exercises will be used in physical therapy to help you regain movement and coordination, as well as the use of assistive equipment to make activities more comfortable. Physical therapy can help you move more freely and lead a more active life.

Pain Reduction or Elimination

Massage, hot and cold therapies, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation are examples of therapeutic physical therapy exercises and treatments that can relieve pain, reduce discomfort, promote healing, mobilize joints and soft tissue, and restore muscle and joint function.