More Than Just Exercise: The Three R’s of Successful Transitional Rehab
After experiencing a serious illness, or joint surgery like hip or knee replacement, many patients will require rehabilitation services that include occupational and physical therapies. A lot of people think that transitional rehab simply involves learning and practicing certain exercises over a period of time. Successful rehabilitation, however, requires a good bit more than that. Getting the patient back to a normal life as quickly as possible also involves addressing the overall medical and nutritional needs of the individual in a calm and restful environment in order for the transitional rehabilitation program to be effective.
What are the Three R’s of Successful Rehabilitation?
Regain Strength
In the days and weeks that follow a hospital stay, one of the most important things you can do to regain physical strength is to eat healthy, well balanced meals and stay hydrated. Your diet is a major factor in your recovery and it’s important to eat foods that provide the needed proteins and nutrients needed for your body to properly heal. Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, it’s still important to eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids until your appetite returns.
It was really not that long ago that bed rest was considered to be the best way to recover from a serious illness or injury. While bed rest is still important after the initial onset of a serious illness or surgery, it is important that you gradually increase physical activity as soon as your doctor gives you the ok to do so. The therapists at a transitional rehab facility will develop a plan designed specifically for your needs and it’s important that you stick to it. Even if you are too weak to stand for any length of time, your therapy team will help you with exercises that can be done in the bed or in a chair that will help increase your mobility and strength.
According to the Institute on Aging, spending three to five weeks immobilized can lead to a 50% decrease in muscle strength. This lack of movement can also cause damage to major organs, affect your heart rate, appetite, and other functions.
Relax
There can be a lot of details and directives involved after a lengthy hospital stay that can be overwhelming and hard to remember. This is why so many people choose to recover at a short term rehabilitation center where a dedicated staff of medical and other care professionals tend to their needs. Expert therapy and medical care is provided 24/7, as well as balanced, nutritious meals and social interaction. Whether you are recovering from a heart attack, stroke, broken hip, or any other serious illness or injury you can rest assured that all medications, wound care and any other needs will be well managed by an attentive staff that works closely with your doctors. The compassionate staff provide positive reinforcement and encouragement when you need it the most.
Relaxation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of transitional rehab treatment. While proper exercise and nutrition are top priorities, reducing stress and putting your mind and spirit at ease are also an important part of recovery.
Rejuvenate
After a lengthy hospital stay, you may very well feel exhausted, overwhelmed and stressed. Your time in transitional rehabilitation not only helps your body to heal, but allows you to rejuvenate your mind and spirit as well. While in the hospital, you were most likely confined to your room and an uncomfortable bed. Transitional rehab, on the other hand, gives you the ability to spend time outside with a good book or just enjoying the sunshine, enjoy a relaxing hydrotherapy bath, visit the hair salon, and more.
You are not only surrounded by caring staff, but others who are also on the path to recovery. During social activities and meal times, encouragement is offered throughout the day from staff members and other patients. The feeling of belonging to a community can be extremely beneficial towards rejuvenating the spirit and reaching rehabilitation treatment goals.
Conclusion
Where you choose to recover matters. At Margate Health & Rehab, we understand that the focus is on you, the whole individual, and not just the prescribed exercises. Our dedication to our patients goes far beyond therapy sessions. Our facility is staffed with gracious, warm, and welcoming medical and care professionals to help every individual regain strength, relax, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Contact us today to learn more.