Transitional Rehab – More Than Just Exercise

Many individuals will require rehabilitation therapy after experiencing a serious accident, surgery, or illness. People often think when they hear the term “transitional rehab” it simply means spending time in a short term care facility to learn and practice certain physical exercises over a period of time.

There’s a good bit more than that involved in successful rehabilitation, however. In order to get the patient back to as normal a life as possible, as quickly as possible, the overall medical and nutritional needs of the individual must be addressed in a restful, calm environment in order for the rehabilitation program to be effective.

Three R’s of Successful Rehabilitation

Relax

When one thinks about rehabilitation therapy, relaxation might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Proper exercise and nutrition are among the top priorities of a successful rehabilitation program, but reducing stress and anxiety to put your spirit and mind at ease are just as important for recovery.

A lengthy hospital stay results in a lot of details and directives that can be hard to remember, leaving the patient feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Many patients choose to recover at a short term care facility for this very reason. Balanced, nutritious meals and social interaction, as well as 24/7 expert therapy and medical care help individuals recover quicker, and with less stress, in a peaceful environment where help is always available. Patients can rest well assured their needs are met and well managed by an attentive staff working closely with their doctors. Care staff is always there to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement when it is needed the most.

Rejuvenate

A lengthy hospital stay often leaves patients feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Very few patients leave the hospital feeling well rested. Rehabilitation therapy not only works to heal the body, it helps to rejuvenate your mind and spirit as well.

Patients are typically confined to their room in an uncomfortable bed while in the hospital. Transitional rehab, on the other hand, gives you the ability to go outside and enjoy the sunshine, visit the hair salon, enjoy a relaxing hydrotherapy bath, and so much more.

Patients also gain the benefit of not only being surrounded by caring medical staff, but others who are also on the same path to recovery. Encouragement is given throughout the day from staff members and other patients during meal times and other social activities. You really can’t put a price on the effectiveness of community belonging when it comes to rejuvenating the mind and spirit and reaching rehabilitation treatment goals.

Regain Strength

Spending three to five weeks immobilized can lead to a 50% decrease in muscle strength, according to the Institute on Aging. This lack of movement can affect your heart rate, appetite, and other functions, and also cause damage to major organs.

Regaining physical strength after a lengthy hospital stay is one of the most important things you can do to help in your recovery. This involves not only exercise, but eating healthy, well balanced meals and staying hydrated. Even if you don’t have much of an appetite in the beginning, it’s important to eat the right nutritional foods that provide the needed proteins and nutrients needed for your body to heal properly and quickly. Try to eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids until your appetite returns.

There was a time when bed rest was thought to be the best way to recover from a serious injury or illness. Bed rest is still considered important after the initial onset of a serious injury or illness, but it is just as important to gradually increase physical activity as soon as your doctor gives you the ok to do so.

Rehabilitation therapy involves therapy plans tailored to the individual to meet their specific needs, so it’s important to stick to the plan the therapy team gives you. In the beginning you may be too weak to exercise or stand for any length of time. Your therapists will help you with exercises that can be done in the bed or in a chair that will help increase your mobility and strength over time. Through a personalized regimen, therapists help patients adapt their everyday routines and environments to allow the greatest amount of freedom and self-reliance possible.

Conclusion

Your health, and where you choose to get your health back on track, matters. Adams Farm offers extensive Rehabilitation Therapy services. Our licensed therapists’ goal is to help residents regain the highest level of functional independence. In addition to our long-term care services we also offer short-term care. We can help residents who may need rehabilitation therapy following surgery, accidents, or illness return home quickly and safely as soon as possible. Contact us today to discuss your needs for rehabilitation therapy.