Successful Transitional Rehab: More Than Just Exercise

Patients who have experienced a serious injury, illness, or joint replacement surgery often require rehabilitation services that include physical and occupational therapies to help them properly recover faster. It is a common misconception that the point of transitional rehab is simply to learn and practice certain exercises over a period of time. That is not, however, quite true. Successful rehabilitation and recovery require a good deal more than that. In order for a transitional rehabilitation program to effectively get the patient back to as normal a life as possible, the overall medical and nutritional needs of the patient must also be addressed in a restful and calm environment.

The Three “R’s” of Successful Rehabilitation

Regain Strength

In the not so distant past, it was a firmly held belief that bed rest was the best way to recover from a serious surgery, illness or injury. Although rest is an important aspect of recovery, gradually increasing activity as soon as your doctor gives the ok is vital in order to recover successfully. As a matter of fact, The Institute on Aging states that 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.

Your therapy team will design a specific plan tailored to meet your individual needs, and it’s important that you stick to it. In the beginning, you may feel too weak to stand or perform any exercise for any length of time. Your physical therapy team will help you learn exercises that can be done in bed or in a chair to increase your strength and mobility to get you back on your feet again.

Another important step to regaining your strength after a serious health event is proper nutrition and hydration. What you eat and drink in the days and weeks following a hospital stay is a major factor in how you recover. Healthy, well balanced meals and non-caffeinated, non-surgery fluids provide your body with the proper nutrients and proteins your body needs to heal. While in transitional rehab, a nutritionist will develop a personalized plan that ensures you are eating and drinking what, and how much, you should be to ensure successful recovery.

Relax

It has been proven that relaxation is one of the best ways to relieve stress, and finding time to relax in even a normal situation is often pretty difficult. A lengthy hospital stay involves a lot of directives and details that can lead a patient feeling overwhelmed and stressed, struggling to remember everything they are supposed to do during recovery. Proper diet and exercise are an integral part of successful recovery, but reducing stress and putting your mind at ease should also be a top priority.

The ability to recover in a peaceful and comfortable environment is one of the biggest reasons people choose to enter transitional rehabilitation after a stroke, heart attack, broken hip or other serious injuries and illnesses. Patients are better able to rest and relax knowing that expert therapy and medical care is provided 24/7, as well as balanced, nutritious meals and social interaction. A compassionate care staff is always available to provide the encouragement and positive reinforcement that recovering patients need.

Rejuvenate

It is very likely you will feel stressed, overwhelmed, and exhausted after a lengthy hospital stay. Transitional rehab not only helps your body to heal, it gives you the environment you need to rejuvenate your mind and spirit as well. You spent your time during your hospital stay in an uncomfortable bed, confined to one room. You can spend your recovery time in transitional rehabilitation enjoying a relaxing hydrotherapy bath, visiting the hair salon, reading a book in the sunshine, and more.

While you are in transitional rehab, you not only gain the support of caring staff, but from others who are on a similar path to recovery. The feelings that come with a sense of community belonging are extremely beneficial for rejuvenating the spirit and reaching rehabilitation treatment goals.

Prodigy Transitional Rehab is located in Edgecombe County and specializes in skilled nursing and transitional rehabilitation. Our focus is on providing each patient with a positive rehab experience. Because of these positive experiences, a significant number of our patients return to Prodigy for future rehabilitation needs. Contact us today to learn more.