Rehabilitation specialist

A medical specialist who deals with issues of restorative treatment (rehabilitation) after long-term illnesses, injuries, and other pathologies is a rehabilitation specialist.

In his practice, he uses therapeutic and preventive physical exercise, manual therapy, and applies methods of psychological influence. Thanks to such a specialist, the physical and moral health and working capacity of athletes, sick children, and the disabled are restored.

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Who is a rehabilitation specialist?

The medical specialty of a rehabilitation doctor involves providing medical and psychological support to patients who, for whatever reason, cannot independently improve their physical or mental health. This specialist must have excellent knowledge of general medicine, pediatrics, traumatology, social and sports rehabilitation.

The doctor can be directly involved in the rehabilitation therapy of patients, or study scientific theory, developing the latest rehabilitation methods based on the experience of other specialists and qualified medical workers in this field.

Rehabilitation treatment is the final, final stage of the entire period of therapy for many diseases. It is aimed at the final recovery of the patient and the prevention of repeated exacerbations of the disease in the future.

The specialist’s task is to create favorable conditions for the disease to finally recede, as well as to set the patient up for a guaranteed positive outcome of treatment.

When should you see a rehabilitation specialist?

Those people who have suffered from diseases accompanied by dysfunction of organs and systems should seek help from a rehabilitation therapy specialist. Such patients sometimes find it difficult not only to engage in professional activities, but also to take care of themselves and their needs; being in society can be burdensome for them. Help with social adaptation is also one of the problems that a rehabilitation specialist solves.

A medical rehabilitation specialist is engaged in the restoration of lost or impaired functions necessary for normal life, strengthening health and improving the patient's quality of life.

A rehabilitation specialist deals with the recovery of a person after various types of injuries, operations, serious illnesses. He helps people who experience the consequences of psychological overload, stress, psycho-emotional crises.

Restorative therapy aims to solve any problems that may interfere with the patient’s health: to stabilize his physiological, physical, psychological and aesthetic capabilities.

What tests should be taken when contacting a rehabilitation specialist?

A visit to a doctor of restorative therapy does not require any tests or special studies. The picture of the disease and the patient's condition will be clear from his medical history, explanations of the operations performed, anamnesis and epicrisis.

If necessary, such a doctor will prescribe certain examination methods based on the diagnosis and the patient's condition. These may include general urine tests, blood biochemistry, electrocardiogram, ultrasound, X-ray, MRI and other procedures.

You should not take any tests on your own unless prescribed by a doctor. Wait for an appointment and consultation with a specialist.

What diagnostic methods does a rehabilitation specialist use?

Restorative therapy is the final stage of disease treatment, which involves a comprehensive approach combining various types of procedures, including diagnostic ones.

Diagnostic measures are carried out for the purpose of studying, determining the assessment and prognosis of the disease, and prescribing appropriate procedures that contribute to the patient’s complete recovery.

Examination of patients with confirmed and suspected disorders, limited motor activity, and functional disorders can be carried out using a variety of diagnostic methods:

• radiography method;
• computed tomography;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• ultrasound scanning;
• arthroscopy;
• electromyography;
• electrocardiography.

Consultation and examination by other specialist profiles, as well as laboratory tests, may also be required.

The results of a comprehensive examination can serve as the basis for assessing and prognosticating the disease, and will also determine a set of rehabilitation measures aimed at improving the patient’s condition and restoring lost body functions.

What does a rehabilitation specialist do?

A rehabilitation medicine specialist must have the appropriate training and qualifications to perform the following primary duties:

• diagnose and establish the causes and consequences of diseases;
• make prognoses of the patient's condition and prescribe the necessary therapeutic measures;
• if necessary, conduct a series of systemic studies to assess the patient’s ability to work;
• advise patients regarding their future lifestyle, possible medical examinations, and visits to individual doctors of the necessary specialization;
• carry out treatment within the framework of the established rehabilitation program;
• explain to the patient what consequences can be expected from this or that method of treatment;
• give recommendations regarding independent physical exercises, loads, and active activities.

A specialist in rehabilitation therapy must have a good understanding of human physiology and anatomy, and be knowledgeable about diagnostic procedures, preventive and therapeutic measures.

What diseases does a rehabilitation specialist treat?

A doctor who deals with rehabilitation treatment enables patients to maintain the functions of organs and systems that have suffered as a result of some disease at the required level. A previously ill person, with the help of a doctor, should forget about his illness and continue to live a full and rich life, without suffering from the consequences of the pathology.

A rehabilitation therapist can help after treatment for the following conditions:

• damage to muscle tissue and tendons;
• severe fractures, open and closed, which are accompanied by a long recovery period and a pronounced impairment of motor and functional activity;
• amputation of limbs, individual elements;
• prosthetics of lost limbs;
• postoperative rehabilitation;
• post-infarction condition;
• post-stroke condition;
• respiratory, visual and auditory disorders;
• damage to the spine, skull, traumatic brain injury;
• other pathologies that require measures to restore lost functions.

Advice from a rehabilitation specialist

To prevent possible consequences of injuries and diseases, you need to take good care of your body:

• do not overload the spine. Try not to lift or carry heavy objects, do not test the strength of your back;
• move correctly. When lifting heavy objects or bending, do not make sudden movements, move softly and gradually;
• watch your back position. You should not slouch or hunch over – this will distort the spine and increase the load;
• give your back a rest. It is better to sleep on an orthopedic mattress that follows the curves of the spine during sleep;
• monitor your diet. Proper nutrition is the main way to combat excess weight, which contributes to the development of obesity, diabetes, and increases the load on all body systems;
• do physical exercises. Physical education, yoga, swimming harden the body and strengthen the muscular corset;
• Dress for the season. Good prevention of inflammatory diseases, including those of the musculoskeletal system.

And the most important thing is a positive attitude - the main link in the positive result of rehabilitation therapy. And a specialist in rehabilitation treatment will help you finally believe in yourself and restore your lost health.

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