Rehabilitation is a continuum of care.  As someone goes through the three phases (pre-rehab, rehab, and post-rehab) of recovery from an injury, the goals change and so should the rehabilitation provided.

Pre-habilitation is the exercise, conditioning, and education someone may go through prior to undergoing a hip replacement or other major surgery.  For example, patients who are stronger and more functional before they have a hip replacement will recover quicker and be more active after a their surgery.

Rehabilitation is the phase of training, education, and recovery from an injury or surgery which often occurs with a physical therapist and may last for several months.  This is a very critical time for many patients as it may be the first time they have had a major injury or have participated in a formal exercise program.  The physical therapist and physician work closely to help the patient establish goals, create a home exercise program, and help the patient envision how they will return to their normal everyday activities.

Unfortunately, 75% of patients stop doing their home exercise program within 6 months of stopping physical therapy.

Insurance companies usually only cover physical therapy until a patient can carry out normal activities in the home; however, insurance will not cover rehabilitation aimed at the goals of returning to a sport or to a demanding work environment.

Post-rehabilitation is the phase afterwards, focusing on helping you maintain a home exercise program and establish new goals.  This is important for an athlete who needs to continue getting stronger and faster to meet the demands of his/her sport.  But it is also important for an industrial worker who has a demanding job or for a 65 year old grandmother who needs to pick up her grandchildren.

Having the patient create a personal exercise routine, under the supervision of a therapist helps you successfully stick to a healthy lifestyle and decreases your chance for recurrence of many painful conditions, and improves overall health.

Valley Sports & Spine Clinic and Valley Active help people through all phases of rehabilitation.  We are committed to helping people improve their function and return to their life.