Rehabilitation

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by disease or trauma, but rather helps restore the individual to optimal health, functioning, and well-being. Rehabilitate (from the Latin "habilitas") means to make able.

The rehabilitation program:

Rehabilitation medicine is designed to meet each person's specific needs; therefore, each program is different. Some general treatment components for rehabilitation programs include the following:

• treating the basic disease and preventing complications
• rehabilitation for treating the disability and improving function
• providing adaptive tools and altering the environment
• teaching the patient and family and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes

The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables.

Areas covered in rehabilitation programs may include the following:

• Self-care skills, including activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Mobility skills rehabilitation
• Cognitive skills rehabilitation
• Communication skills

Understanding rehabilitation terminology:

Rehabilitation is needed when a disease and injury causes an impairment.

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The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

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