Medical Rehabilitation

What can medical rehab treat?

By focusing on improving endurance, minimizing secondary complications of chronic diseases and addressing the psychological impact of illnesses, we strive to foster an environment where recovery is not just a goal but a reality. We help treat patients with a wide range of acute or chronic conditions that cause temporary or permanent disability, which may include:

• Renal or metabolic disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Pulmonary disease
• Immune system disorders
• Cancer

Patients also come for inpatient medical rehab after:

• Multiple trauma
• Postoperative deconditioning
• Organ system failure and transplants

Ultimately, our aim is to help patients regain as much independence as possible. We take a creative approach to therapy and provide patients with a minimum of three hours a day for at least 5 days a week.

What is medical deconditioning?

Medical deconditioning is a common concern for many undergoing prolonged periods of inactivity due to illness or surgery. It involves the loss of physical fitness, muscle strength and general endurance, complicating recovery and increasing the risk of further health issues.

Understanding and addressing medical deconditioning is a critical component of medical rehab. Rehab focuses on helping individuals recover from the impacts of deconditioning, with the goal of returning them to their highest level of function and independence. Through a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy and sometimes speech and psychological therapy, rehab professionals work closely with patients to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan may include exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility, activities to enhance coordination and balance, and strategies to manage any accompanying pain or discomfort.

Our comprehensive approach at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital seeks not only to mitigate these risks but also to reverse the effects of deconditioning, emphasizing a holistic path to recovery.

Medical rehab treatment options

Tailored to address the specific needs of each patient, our treatment options are as diverse as the conditions we treat. Our inpatient medical rehab program emphasizes managing lifestyle changes, reducing anxiety, increasing self-esteem and ensuring a smooth transition to outpatient services for continued progress.

Our therapists tailor exercises specific to your medical status, goals and interests. Programs within inpatient medical rehab might include:

• Oncology program, which improves strength and endurance, and reduces the debilitating effects of major surgery, chemotherapy and/or  radiation therapy
• Cardiology program, which promotes an improved level of function and an earlier return to activity after a cardiac event or procedure
• Pulmonary program, which increases endurance, strength and mobility while patients learn to conserve energy and minimize respiratory distress

What to expect from medical rehab

Medical rehab at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital means entering a supportive and collaborative environment. The nature of the inpatient medical rehab program requires close collaboration between specialists to address the vocational, social and lifestyle needs of every individual.

Some of our goals for patients with acute or chronic conditions might include:

• Minimizing deconditioning effects of prolonged bed rest or postoperative complications
• Minimizing secondary complications of cardiac disease and/or surgery
• Increasing independence with ambulation and self-care
• Improving endurance and efficiency of activities of daily living (ADL)
• Developing and implementing energy conservation techniques

Inpatient medical rehab can help patients:

• Manage lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and sexuality
• Reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem and enhance coping mechanisms
• Address the psychological effects of an illness and any resulting impairment
• Transition to outpatient rehabilitation services for continued progress

As an acute rehab hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is uniquely positioned for medical rehab with the following clinicians:

• Rehab physicians
• Rehab nurses
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists
• Music therapists
• Art therapists
• Horticulture therapists
• Psychologists
• Care managers
• Dietitians
• Recreational therapists
• Internal medicine physicians, including a cardiologist

Additional resources:

Patient Outcome Report