The healing process is the first step after an injury. The primary goal of the repair step is to gently relax the body to pre-injury range-of-motion (ROM) levels, or as close to pre-injury levels as possible. Gentle soft tissue exercises and range of motion are important to start this stage, so that it doesn't stretch too far or aggravate the injury. Flexibility exercises can also help prevent the long-term effects of decreased range of motion or function.
Small weights can be used during exercises if safe to do so, but more intensive strength training is not recommended at this time. Once your range of motion has been restored as best as possible, the next stage of physical rehabilitation is to begin to regain strength. Resting during the recovery phase can cause muscle atrophy or wasting that leads to weakness and loss of endurance. In the strength stage, the goal is to minimize these losses and return to pre-injury muscle strength and endurance levels, along with cardiovascular endurance.
With the use of weight machines, strength training can be performed safely and accurately, while reducing the risk of aggravating injuries or risking further injury. The goal of the third phase of rehabilitation is to increase strength. Isometric (pushing against an immovable object) can be used first, followed by the use of elastic bands of different strengths, free weights, cuffs, or weight equipment. Goal setting is used to direct rehabilitation interventions toward a specific outcome (s) and can result in greater client satisfaction and better recovery.
Setting shared goals can also coordinate multidisciplinary team members and ensure that they work together toward a common goal and that nothing important is missed. Objectives can also be used to assess the success of rehabilitation interventions. A meaningful goal can maximize patient participation and motivate them to participate in rehabilitation to achieve their goals. Instead of considering this as a failure, unmet goals can be used to analyze what could be a realistic outcome for the person's rehabilitation and to guide challenging discussions about expectations versus reality.
Rehabilitation is a highly person-centered health strategy in which treatment addresses underlying health conditions, as well as the user's goals and preferences. The four goals of rehabilitation are: rest and protect the injury, regain your movement, regain your strength, regain your function. The right treatment for you will depend on your individual needs.
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