Have you recently had a major surgery or injury? Or, maybe a stroke, arthritis or other acute or chronic condition has changed how you move and limited your independence. In this blog, we will explore why having therapy on an outpatient basis can be so effective in regaining and maintaining a good quality of life.
Outpatient Therapy Keeps You Out of The Hospital
Particularly if you are recovering from or dealing with an illness or surgery, you need the support and expertise of a skilled occupational, physical or speech therapist. Following a comprehensive plan which emphasizes safety, pain management, physical function, and mental/emotional well- being, you and your therapist will work together to ensure you can recover in a subacute setting or the comfort of your own home.
Hospital care can often make patients feel isolated and less capable. With outpatient therapy based on your specific health needs and desired therapeutic outcomes, you can make real progress toward your best life.
Plus, you can avoid medical complications which require a trip to the emergency room or inpatient hospital care.
Outpatient Therapy Addresses a Number of Patient Needs
Your outpatient therapist will help you attain a better level of independence, movement, and functionality than you could working alone or with a family member. Occupational, physical and speech therapists are highly trained experts in measuring functional capacities and in developing unique ways to:
- Improve balance and coordination
- Regain work, home, and sports skills
- Retrain neuropathways damaged by trauma, stroke or other condition
- Use supportive equipment effectively (things such as wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, and other durable medical equipment)
- Manage pain with less medication using massage, cold and heat therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and more
- Care for wounds (diabetic sores as an example) and incisions
- Maintain safe ambulation
- Increase aerobic endurance
- Improve flexibility and muscular strength
- Remake vestibular function for optimal balance and coordination
Outpatient Therapy Supports You During Your Recovery and Rehabilitation
Stepping down from acute hospital care or dealing with an ongoing disability or chronic condition can often be overwhelming and isolating. With outpatient therapy, patients and their loved ones get the support they need for the many, and sometimes complicated, challenges they face on a daily basis. For instance, on an outpatient basis, patients learn safe ways to enter and exit their cars, climb stairs, dress themselves, and even perform tasks specific to the workplace.
Outpatient therapy can happen in the home or at the therapy clinic. Your therapy expert will work with physicians, nurses, aides, and others involved in your care to develop plans which advance real progress toward your identified goals and needs.
Patient input is always highly valued and absolutely key to outpatient therapy. So, rest assured that what you think and communicate to your outpatient therapist plays an important role in your ongoing care and rehabilitation.
AdvantageCare Rehabilitation in Pennsylvania
At Advantage, our five-star rated interdisciplinary team can address your unique health needs and give you a quality, independent life.
Learn more about what outpatient therapy can do for you and your recovery. Call us for more information and a complete evaluation at (888) 384-0395. Or request more information using our online form. We are Medicare-certified and serve patients across Pennsylvania. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
