Rehabilitation is a team approach. Rehab interventions are designed to help improve function and reduce disability in people with health conditions so they can interact better with their environment. An estimated 2.4 billion people are living with a condition that may benefit from rehab. For people with disabilities, either from birth or acquired later in life, rehabilitation services can offer a path to a more fulfilling and independent life. Some conditions that can benefit from rehabilitation services include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Down syndrome
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic pain
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability. People with disabilities can face a number of challenges that can include:
- Stigma
- Discrimination
- Healthcare barriers
- Education or employment exclusion
- Increased health risks
Building a brighter future at a rehabilitation facility near you
Rehabilitation can be an investment into a brighter future for you. Rehab can help empower you to:
- Regain independence — By helping to improve your physical and functional abilities, you can take charge of your daily activities and live a more self-sufficient life.
- Boost confidence — Learning how to master new skills and overcome challenges can help significantly improve your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Manage your health — Rehab can help teach you pain management techniques, proper use of assistive devices and healthy lifestyle habits to improve your overall well-being.
- Reconnect with life — Whether it’s having the ability to return to work, pursue hobbies you enjoy or simply enjoy social outings, rehab can help you reengage in activities that can bring you joy and purpose to your life.
- Reduce pain and fatigue — Rehab exercises and therapies can help reduce chronic pain and fatigue associated with many disabilities. This can allow you to participate in activities you enjoy with increased energy and comfort.
- Prevent future complications — Proper rehab can help prevent secondary complications that may arise from a disability, such as muscle atrophy or pressure sores. Taking a proactive approach can help promote long-term health and may reduce the risk of future hospitalizations.
- Embrace new opportunities — Rehab can help open doors to new possibilities. With improved skills and confidence, you may want to explore new hobbies, return to work or even travel independently.
A spectrum of support
Rehabilitation is a personalized journey with a variety of services designed to address specific needs. Here’s a small glimpse into components of the diverse world of rehab:
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy focuses on improving strength, coordination and balance. Whether you need to relearn how to walk after an injury or manage chronic pain, a physical therapist will create a customized program that can help you work toward your goals.
- Occupational therapy — Occupational therapists can focus on improving independence with activities of daily living (ADLs). Examples include dressing, showering, or higher-level/complex ADLs such as cooking or returning to driving/work, which can be challenging when you have a disability or serious illness or injury. Occupational therapists look at all areas and skills necessary to complete these tasks, such as using your arms, mobility and vision to safely complete them. They can educate you on how to embrace adaptive techniques and strategies that navigate these tasks safely and independently.
- Speech and language pathology — Speech therapists work with individuals who have a difficult time with speaking, understanding, swallowing, reading or writing. They can help you regain lost skills or develop alternative communication methods, so you can communicate as well as participate in school, work and leisure activities.
- Assistive technology — Sometimes, solutions like grab bars or raised toilet seats can make a big difference in the quality of life for someone with a disability. Rehab specialists can introduce you to a world of assistive technology, from wheelchairs and prosthetics to voice-activated software. These tools can help open doors — literally and metaphorically — to help empower you to participate more fully in life.
- Aquatic therapy — Water can offer a unique environment for rehab. Buoyancy helps to reduce pressure on joints, making exercise easier and improving range of motion. Aquatic therapy can be especially beneficial for people experiencing chronic pain, neurological conditions, or limited mobility.
Beyond physical needs
Rehab goes beyond your physical needs. It can also help address the emotional and psychological aspects of living with a disability. Here are how rehabilitation services can make a difference:
- Social work — Social workers can be your guides to navigate the healthcare system and community resources. They can help you learn how to access disability benefits, connect with support groups, and find solutions for transportation or housing needs.
- Neuropsychology and psychiatry — Dealing with a disability or serious illness or injury can be emotionally challenging. Therapists can provide you with support groups, individual counseling and even medication management that can help address anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns that may arise.
- Peer support – Sometimes, the best advice can come from someone who has walked a similar path to yours. Peer support groups can help you get connected with others who can offer you valuable firsthand experience, encouragement and a sense of belonging.
Ability KC’s rehabilitation services can help you regain control and live a more fulfilling life
At Ability KC, we’ve spent over 75 years helping to empower individuals to reclaim their quality of life through our rehabilitation services. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals offers a wide range of rehabilitation services near you in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, from physical and occupational therapy to speech language and pathology and social work. Through personalized therapy plans and unwavering support, we can help you overcome challenges, regain independence and unlock your full potential. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore how our programs can help empower you to shape a brighter future.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.