It would be important to appreciate the difference between physiotherapy and rehabilitation as most people find it hard to differentiate the two. They are equally significant in the health sector; however the area of specialization might vary, and one is more streamlined than the other. Physical therapy is a treatment process whereby the patient is trained on how to move in order to solve certain problems or perhaps the therapist may apply some pressure on this area of the patient’s body in a bid to try and improve his functioning.
Wound healing, amputation management, physical medicine, and rehabilitation are also of key concepts for patient since they focus on reducing patient’s pain or pain related to diseasing process as well as improving his or her physical capacity. On the other hand, the term known as ‘Rehabilitation’ is of numerous uses that are employed in in many treatments and/or therapies for purpose of helping a person regain an independent status due to disease disability, or surgery.
Rehabilitation can be defined as the act of mobilization, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or any therapy that must involve the full or partial rehabilitation of another individual.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physiotherapy or physical therapy involves several factors or elements which are in some way connected with the evaluation and promotion of movement and functional movement of the human body. These modes of treatment consist of an aerobic exercise regimen, a muscle strengthening program, and exercises in stretching, besides manual therapies and techniques such as massages, ultrasound, and electric stimulation.
An important PT goal is to
decrease the size, severity, or intensity of the pain signals undergone by
patients, to enhance the range, flexibility of movement, and amount of
mobility in patients, and reduce the extent of disability in patients. A
physical therapist is a person with education in the field who decides on a
course of action for a patient.
Goals of Physical Therapy
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Restore function
- Prevent future injuries
What is Rehabilitation?
Essentially, the term ‘rehabilitation’ means certain kinds of treatment that enable a person to regain his or her capability to live in an unaided manner due to some sickness, injury, or operation. Such some of the services that need to be provided include physical therapy services, occupational therapy services, speech therapy services, and many more.
In
addition, there is also physical or occupational therapy that focuses on the
physical improvement of a person, there is also therapy for personality and
behavior change and finally, there is social therapy that is aimed at improving
the outer appearance of a person.
Components of Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Psychological support
- Social integration
Key Differences Between Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Scope and Focus
For this reason, there are differences in physical therapy
and clinical rehabilitation. Physical therapy can be defined as the treatment
that is directed towards the patient’s physical health; however, it can be used
in the treatment of some physical ailment like joint/muscle/skeletal pain,
rigidity or lack of motion. Rehabilitation has an organized treatment plan that
is unique to the individual to offer him or her care and address physical
therapy in order to attain the best health for a specific patient to prevent
more injuries.
Types of Therapies Involved
The differences in types of therapies included in physical therapy and rehabilitation demonstrate the vary nature in treating
patients. Physical therapy is a highly individualized, technical one-stop-shop
with the singular purpose of treating physical disorders. There are procedures
that include exercises, joint mobilization, and others including ultrasound and
electrical stimulation to help in relieving pain and inflammation while also
encouraging movement. Physical therapists deal with the restoration of optimum
physical movement and are trained to manage musculoskeletal disorders, injuries
from sporting activities and after-effects of surgery.
Setting and Environment
This only means that the place and atmosphere where physical
therapy and rehabilitation are delivered can also be different from one
another. Aftercare treatment is given in outpatient clinics, fitness center or
club or within any hospital setting. The environment normally requires
specialized equipment that is conducive to the kind of physical intercession
needed in practice, including treadmills, weights, and physical therapy
equipment. It is need to establish the objective of developing the controlled
environment where definite physical procedures may be delivered effectively.
Outcome Goals
In this context, it should be noted that the goals of PT and
R that has been outlined above are specific to these scopes. In this area of
treatment, the goals are to alleviate pain and increase the quality of
movement, to restore the function of muscles and joints, and to decrease the
possibility of the chronic or future development of an injury. The effectiveness
of the therapy is ascertained from Clients' gains pertaining to range of
motion, muscle strength, pain, or functional accomplishments. and involve a
clear identification of the physical health changes that are to be experienced.
Duration and Intensity
Physical therapy involves a number of sessions during a
regular week, which are relatively short and more specific, lasting from 30 to
60 minutes. These sessions are planned with aids, stretches, and hand
operations to possibly treat certain physical problems. The frequency and
duration of physical therapy depend on the condition of the patient and the
response to the therapy but focuses on the goals such as least amount of pain,
better movement and better quality of functioning.
Nature of Interventions
Interventions in physical therapy and rehabilitation are
also social in nature and serve to define the fields even more. Physical
therapy interventions are very unique and involved singular modalities of
treatment prescription aimed at addressing physical impairments. For example, a
physical therapist may employ joint manipulation to a specific region to
improve joint flexibility or recommend specific actions such as the usage of
weights to build up the muscles that have been weakened for whatever reason.
Understanding When Physical Therapy Should Be Done
If you have any physical ailment or pain in specific parts
of your body, physical therapy may just be what the doctor ordered. Some
examples include back pain, post-surgery stiffness, or sport-related injuries that
may require specific PT for proper muscle recovery. Physical therapists are
available and are helpful in the process of getting an individual to move and
work.
When to Choose Rehabilitation?
This will require extensive rehabilitation, something that
can be facilitated through an early admission to a rehabilitation center. Some
of the scenarios, that may need a more multipronged approach, include
post-stroke care, assessment, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries as well
as major surgery patients. Rehabilitation entails avenues through which support
is offered to deal with the physical, emotional as well as social recovery
needs.
Conclusion
The distinction between physical therapy and rehabilitation
can guide an individual toward the needed course of action. While physical
therapy works with concrete physical disorders, rehabilitation puts forward an
overall treatment plan. Both are so crucial for retrieving the perfect health
and being out of the necessity of assistance from other people. Remember to seek
advice from a healthcare provider for your particular situation to choose a
proper treatment plan.
Please book an appointment with the best Physiotherapist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
