Short vs Long-Term Physical Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?
You’ve just had a knee replacement, and you’re gearing up for the road ahead. Do you need short or long-term physical therapy? How do you know which is right for you or the one you love?
Confused about the differences between short vs. long-term physical therapy? Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process to clarify and help determine which type of rehabilitation is right for you.
Regardless of which one you need, East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness is the perfect place for your recovery, whether learning to walk after a joint replacement or regaining mobility after a stroke.
3 Differences Between Short-term and Long-term Rehab
Before we begin, we’ll quickly evaluate the differences between short vs. long-term physical therapy to help you determine which is most appropriate for your needs.
1. Long-term Rehab Is for Those Who Need Continuous Care
Is your loved one no longer able to care for themselves? Often, those in long-term rehab need help to improve their quality of life. This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
In contrast, a person in short-term rehab may only require assistance until they regain the ability to care for themselves, such as after undergoing surgery.
2. Long-term Rehab May Be Needed If There Are Multiple Health Problems
Is your loved one struggling with the challenges of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions? Perhaps they have additional issues related to cancer treatment or they are facing the devastating results of a stroke.
Long-term rehab is most appropriate for those with many health problems, or those with a sudden change in health.
3. Short-term Rehab is Usually for A Few Weeks or Months
How long is short/long-term rehab? Unlike long-term rehab, which may continue for years, short-term physical therapy rehab is usually focused on meeting goals, and once these are achieved, the patient can be discharged to their home.
Most of those who have had knee or hip replacements will need short-term rehabilitation.
Is Short or Long-Term Physical Therapy Right For You?
While only your physician can determine the right treatment plan for you (or your loved one), you can get an idea of what could be the best fit for you by answering the following questions:
- Do you need rehab after a knee or hip replacement?
If so, short-term rehab—which typically lasts from a few weeks to even a few months—may be appropriate. Once you are finished with short-term rehab, you should be able to continue your physical therapy as an outpatient under supervision from your doctor.
- Do you (or your loved one) have difficulty getting dressed or going to the bathroom?
If so, long-term rehabilitation will provide close supervision and a more intense level of assistance.
- Is the goal to be able to return home?
Most short-term physical therapy patients are able to eventually return to their homes. Many of our long-term physical therapy patients are here as residents because they need more intense care. We welcome the opportunity to provide daily assistance.
What Are the Goals of Short & Long-Term Rehabilitation?
Some of the goals our patients mention are: returning to the activities they love, being able to reunite with their family and enjoying mobility with less pain. You may have other goals in mind, and our physical therapists will work closely with you to help you reach them.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Whether you Need Short vs. Long-Term Physical Therapy, East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness Provides Compassionate Care
Of course, anyone can say they provide compassionate care, but for us, we take it a step further. We treat our residents as if they were members of our own family. We honor the dignity of each individual—and this is deeply ingrained into the philosophy of our organization.
Plus, since we’re family-owned and operated, you won’t be dealing with some nameless corporation that wants to bury you in “red tape.”
We’d love the chance to meet you and discuss how we can best serve your loved one. Take the next step and schedule a tour today.
=====
Source:
Cleveland Clinic, “Activities of Daily Living,” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/activities-of-daily-living-adls