Every component of your care is a part of the rehabilitation process, from mental health care to spinal surgery and beyond. When most people talk about rehabilitation, though, they mean either physical therapy or doctors certified in rehabilitation medicine.
We’ve compiled a complete list of spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities here, but read on to find resources for particular physicians in the field.
Physical therapists specialize in helping you regain as much of your functioning as possible. They often partner with other specialists, including massage therapists, exercise therapists, and even sports coaches, to ensure optimal outcomes. Although physical therapists are not doctors, they must meet strict licensing and educational requirements.
Rehabilitation physicians specialize in rehabilitating the body after a catastrophic injury. As you progress through your healing journey, a rehabilitation physician—sometimes called a physical medicine specialist or physiatrist—may serve as your primary point of care coordination. These physicians may also specialize in specific aspects of rehabilitation medicine, such as brain injury, pain management, or hospice care.
Some questions to ask a physical therapist include:
- What modalities of physical therapy do you use, and are you licensed to practice in my state?
- How often can I undergo physical therapy?
- How can physical therapy aid my recovery journey?
- Are there any risks associated with physical therapy? What steps do you take to mitigate these risks?
Consider asking the following of a rehabilitation medicine physician:
- Can you serve as my primary care coordinator?
- What sorts of rehabilitation are appropriate for me?
- For how long will I need rehabilitation, and how frequently?
