Rehab programs revolve around the concept of regular exercise, which is recommended for people of all ages for the body to function well. Different diseases can cause a body to develop muscular weakness, atrophy, or postural imbalances that lead to deficits in normal function. These conditions lead to pain, loss of motion due to stiffness, and limitations in mobility and everyday activities. In some cases, such as neurological conditions like stroke, the patient has to relearn to do motor-associated activities. It will be frustrating and difficult to try and regain function on his or her own, which is why a custom rehab program for each patient is necessary.
Physical therapists create custom rehabilitation programs for people with different conditions and illnesses, as well as those with muscular imbalances that have led to deformities in their extremities or spine. A properly conducted assessment and progressive exercise program is needed for a patient to be able to effectively regain function in a timely manner. Trying to recondition the weak muscles too quickly can lead to further muscle damage and can set back, rather than quicken, rehabilitation programs, so it is important to understand the importance of recovery and healing which is incorporated in rehabilitation programs developed by a practitioner.
Assessments in current function are made by the physical therapist to pinpoint the specific activities that are limited, and a comprehensive exercise program is developed to address the specific weaknesses and other issues that limit the patient’s function. As the patient regains strength, modifications to the program are made to increase the level of difficulty, thus increasing not only the strength of the patient, but also his stability, balance, and proper performance of everyday activities. Each patient will need a different timeline depending on the condition as well as current functional status.
Rehab programs are partly done with the therapist, then exercises are prescribed to be done at home in order to continue conditioning the body out of the clinic. Additional factors such as proper diet, rest, and hydration are also important to keep the body healthy while recovering.