The Physical Aspects of Industrial Rehabilitation

Abstract

The physical aspects of rehabilitation should be considered on the basis of the organization and service of a rehabilitation center, even though the principles rather than actual rehabilitation center facilities would be used. It is recognized that every patient presenting himself to the doctor's office and every industrial disability requires rehabilitation to some degree. A rehabilitation center basically is a simultaneous Integration of physical, emotional, social and vocational evaluation and treatment. The physical is further subdivided into the indicated medical and surgical specialties and related paramedical therapies, the total personnel comprising a rehabilitation team. It should be emphasized that physical rehabilitation is not the province of one medical specialty, but is a philosophy imparting a logical dynamic aspect to medicine and surgery. Added to these, but not replacing them is physical medicine which, in addition to diagnostic aspects offers: A. Conservative measures to control muscle spasm and pain, which often begin a vicious cycle of contracture and debility. B. Progressive resistive exercise techniques to strengthen muscles and muscle groups. C. Exercises to maintain normal joint ranges or to restore restricted joints. D. Retraining for physical coordination and dexterity, including gait training. E. Activities to integrate the patient's abilities with the demands of self care and employment.