Recovering from an injury, surgery, illness, or other health challenge can take time. Physical therapy may be part of that process, helping eligible patients work toward improved movement, strength, balance, and independence through a plan tailored to their individual needs.
If you have questions about rehabilitation or physical therapy, talk with your doctor about whether it may be right for you. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses movement, exercises, and other techniques to help people improve their mobility and function. A physical therapist evaluates a person's needs and develops an approach based on their condition, goals, and current abilities.
The goal is not simply to complete exercises. Therapy may focus on helping a person perform everyday activities more safely and comfortably, depending on the reason for rehabilitation.
When Might Physical Therapy Be Helpful?
Physical therapy may be included in recovery after an injury, surgery, illness, or other medical condition. It also helps people who are experiencing challenges with strength, movement, balance, or everyday activities.
Examples of situations where rehabilitation may be considered include:
- Recovery after certain surgeries or injuries
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Reduced strength or mobility after illness
- Sports-related injuries
- Challenges performing everyday activities
A healthcare professional can help determine whether physical therapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
Personalized Rehabilitation Matters
No two recovery journeys are exactly alike. Factors such as a person's health, age, activity level, type of injury or illness, and daily responsibilities can all affect what rehabilitation may involve.
A personalized approach allows therapy to address the areas that matter most to the individual. Depending on a patient's needs, treatment may focus on improving strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, movement, or the ability to complete everyday tasks.
Physical Therapy After Surgery or Injury
An injury or surgery can temporarily change how a person moves. Even after the original problem has been treated, weakness, stiffness, or reduced mobility may affect daily activities.
Rehabilitation can be part of the recovery process for appropriate patients. Following your healthcare team's instructions and attending recommended therapy sessions can help you work toward the functional goals established as part of your care.
Supporting Balance and Fall Prevention
Balance can become more challenging after an injury, illness, or period of limited activity. For some people, improving balance and strength can be an important part of reducing fall risk.
Antelope Valley Medical Center offers rehabilitation services, including balance and fall-prevention therapy for eligible patients. These services help address physical challenges that affect mobility and everyday independence.
Physical Therapy and Everyday Independence
Rehabilitation is often connected to activities people want or need to do every day. Getting dressed, walking safely, preparing meals, climbing stairs, returning to work, or participating in favorite activities can all depend on physical function.
Therapy may focus on practical movement skills that relate to a person's daily life. The specific activities and exercises used will depend on the individual's condition and rehabilitation needs.
What Can You Do During Rehabilitation?
Patients can play an important role in their recovery by following their healthcare team's recommendations and communicating openly about their progress. It is also important not to push through significant or unusual pain to complete an exercise.
Helpful habits may include:
- Follow your therapist's instructions.
- Ask questions when an exercise or activity is unclear.
- Tell your care team about changes or new concerns.
- Give your body appropriate time to recover.
Rehabilitation in the Antelope Valley
For residents of Lancaster and surrounding Antelope Valley communities, access to rehabilitation services can be an important part of recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Antelope Valley Medical Center provides rehabilitation services tailored to the needs and abilities of eligible patients.
If you are looking for a medical center in Lancaster, CA and have questions about rehabilitation or physical therapy, talk with your doctor to understand what type of care may be appropriate for your circumstances. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
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