Rehabilitation is the Treatment of Physical Disabilities.

Rehabilitation is the process of assessing a Resident to identify their problems (Diseases, weaknesses, abnormal movements / postures etc).

These problems are prioritised based on the Residents functional needs. i.e. their leg pain is stopping them walking therefore making it a high priority comparent to an old football injury causing occasional should pain.

A series of Treatment Strategies are then set to address these problems, again prioritised.

These may Include:

• Education (Resident, Staff, Family, Friends)
• Exercise (Class, Individual, Supervised, Unsupervised, Assisted, Unassisted, Restistive, Passive)
• Massage
• Stretching
• Bracing, Aids or Appliances
• Therapeutic Machines (TENS, Laser)
• Thermal Therapy (Hot / Cold)
• Re- evaluation
• Referral to Other Disciplines (Diversional Therapy, General Practitioner, Specialist, Podiatrist)

The majority of the time we aim to address the most common problems associated with Aging

• Reduced Strength
• Reduced Balance
• Reduced Mobility
• Pain

The Success of these treatments depends on many variables

• Consistency of implmentation is a major obstacle (getting them motivated, staff to assist with exercises, developing a routine for the Resident and Staff)
• Ability to carry the treatments out on their own (Mental capacity, motivation, access to equipment)
• Cost may be an issue preventing higher frequency of treatment
• Ability of the Resident to carry out speciifc types of rehab i.e. strengthening, flexability and endurance trainign all have different parameters to maximise gains.  Sometimes Residents are unable to lift the weight required to increase strength quickly or walk the distances to increase endurance quiclkly.   However the Physio will do their best to get as close to recommended dosages, weights, distances, technique parameters as possible.