The team is usually directed by a physiatrist, with other specialists playing important roles in the treatment and education process.
...more
You as the patient and your family are the most important members of the rehabilitation team.
...more
The physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.
...more
A rehabilitation nurse specializes in helping people with disabilities and chronic illness to reach their best function and health, and to adapt to an altered lifestyle.
...more
A clinical social worker is a professional counselor who helps alleviate problems related to personal, family, or social situations.
...more
Physical therapists focus on restoring a patient's mobility (movement) and function, and preventing of further disability.
...more
An occupational therapist helps patients learn how to carry out activities of daily living at home, on the job, and in the community.
...more
A speech-language pathologist helps treat people with communication problems that result from disability, surgery, or developmental disorders. This specialist also treats people with swallowing disorders caused by stroke or brain injury.
...more
These specialists work with the rehabilitation team to offer counseling and support for the patient and family.
...more
Recreation therapists design programs to help patients develop social skills and learn to participate in leisure group activities.
...more
Audiologists measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds. They specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders.
...more
Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) work with healthcare providers to calculate calorie and nutrient needs, design special diets, and offer other nutritional advice to patients.
...more
Vocational rehabilitation counselors assist people with disabilities in planning careers and finding and keeping satisfying jobs.
...more
An orthotist makes and fits braces and splints for patients who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury or disease. A prosthetist makes and fits artificial limbs for patients with disabilities.
...more
Case managers usually don't provide direct patient care, but may work either as part of the rehab team or for the patient's insurance company.
...more
Respiratory therapists help treat and restore function for patients with airway and breathing problems.
...more
Chaplains act as spiritual counselors to help patients and families through periods of crisis.
...more
If you are in the hospital recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or being treated for a disabling medical condition, physical rehabilitation may be an important part of your treatment.
...more
If you’re recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury and need outpatient rehabilitation, this means you’ll receive one or more types of therapy after you’ve been discharged from a hospital or clinic.
...more