When we speak about the steps that follow an instance of personal injury, we often talk in terms of rehabilitation or ‘rehab’. But what do we really understand about the term?

For some people, the personal concerns and immediate questions that must be answered may focus on things such as “Will I be able to continue working?”, or “How will my family be affected if I can’t work?”, and “If I was denied CPP disability am I disqualified from LTD?”. 

For others, concerns over employment and finances may be less stressful, with thoughts instead turning to whether their injury will affect their ability to continue pursuing hobbies such as sports or music. 

Whatever your concerns, returning to full health is key. Let’s look a little closer at rehabilitation and what it means to be on the road to recovery.

Aims of rehabilitation 

The ultimate aim of rehabilitation is a return to as close to the same level of independence previously enjoyed by the individual as possible. This means uncovering the appropriate and case-specific means and methods towards building self-sufficiency and regaining any skills that may be out of practice due to the time away from work or other commitments. 

Aims in brief:

• Outline and implement suitable medical treatments and therapies to heal all physical and psychological aspects of the personal injury
• Establish any areas of the patient’s life in which aids (such as mobility aids) could further promote an expedited recovery process

If you have been involved in a serious case of personal injury (such as a spinal injury), your physicians will speak to you about seeing a specialist spine surgeon such as Dr Timothy Steel and beginning a tailored course of rehabilitation. Even if you have experienced a minor personal injury, some forms of rehabilitation may be necessary to ensure any disruption to your independence is minimal.   

Types of rehabilitation

Depending on your injury, the type and extent of rehabilitation that you will require will vary. 

Types of rehabilitation may include:

• Counselling 

If you have experienced a traumatic event, either in terms of going through a stressful situation yourself or witnessing somebody else go through some form or physical or mental anguish that you are unable to stop, you may require counselling to learn how to process your emotions and break the cycle of repetitive negative thoughts. 

• Physiotherapy

Unlike the mind, which responds in its own time, muscles and bones can be strengthened through physical exercise. 

• Occupational therapy 

This includes making provisions for aids and other equipment that can assist in regaining ever-increasing levels of independence.

• Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapies can help to build strength in the facial and neck muscles, improving everything from speech and communication to swallowing and unaided breathing. 

Always speak to your physician about designing a personalised rehabilitation plan.