Building Strength After an Orthopedic Surgery, Injury, or Disease: Why Inpatient Rehabilitation Matters

October is recognized as Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about conditions that affect our musculoskeletal system, including arthritis. Millions of people experience an orthopedic issue each year, whether from age-related changes such as arthritis, falls or accidents, which often require surgery or other orthopedic surgical interventions. Injuries to bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments often lead to pain, immobility, and a loss of independence.

The good news is that with the right kind of rehabilitation, patients can return to their highest quality of life.

Understanding Orthopedic Disease and Injury Occurrences

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. The primary symptoms associated with arthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and can significantly impact productivity and quality of life. About 26.9% of adults in Indiana report doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, resulting from the erosion of joint cartilage and underlying bones. OA is most often caused by long-term wear and tear, a specific injury, or an illness.  Its impact to bone joints and cartilage often results in surgical intervention, such as hip, knee, shoulder, etc. replacement surgeries, and requires physical and medical rehabilitation of various treatments.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the body’s immune system attacks joints and causes inflammation. RA can affect anyone at any age, but is most common among women and older individuals.  It may lead to joint deformity and disability.

Several arthritis and arthritis-related conditions, including fibromyalgia, lupus, and osteoporosis, occur more commonly among females.  Gout is more common among males. Being overweight or obese can increase the likelihood that someone will be develop arthritis. Knees, hips and the spine are particularly at risk to stress caused by excess body weight.

Previous joint injury and occupational activities that apply repetitive stress on joints may increase the chance of someone developing arthritis. Certain types of infections and specific medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and sickle cell anemia, may also increase the risk of arthritis. Additionally, certain medications, such as corticosteroids and other immune-suppressing drugs, can also increase the risk of arthritis.  Medical and physical rehabilitation treatments are often needed during RA relapses and occurrences of decreased mobility and strength.

Types of Orthopedic Injuries

An orthopedic injury can include fractures, joint replacements, ligament tears, or spinal procedures. These injuries are often severe enough to require hospitalization, surgery, or extended rehabilitation treatments and recovery periods.

A hip fracture, for example, is one of the most common orthopedic injuries among older adults. It can limit mobility and increase the risk of future health complications if not addressed properly. Similarly, patients recovering from back surgery can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation. Post surgical challenges in any orthopedic surgery include pain management, mobility, and learning how to move safely and prevent falls or injury to the surgical site.

Because orthopedic injuries impact both a person’s body and their ability to perform daily routines, returning to living their life requires medical and physical rehabilitation to rebuild strength while managing pain, therapeutic exercises to facilitate mobility to walk, sit, stand, and also perform daily tasks such as getting dressed, toileting, bathing, and eating.

Why Inpatient Rehabilitation?

Inpatient rehabilitation is designed for individuals who need intensive, coordinated care after an orthopedic injury or disease. Unlike a standard hospital stay or outpatient therapy sessions, inpatient rehabilitation offers a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual needs of the patient, taking into account their medical conditions, abilities, lifestyle, and goals.  The rehabilitation plan of care is designed and delivered by a physician trained in Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, along with a team of physical therapists and occupational therapists. Patients will receive 24/7 care by rehab trained nurses, internal medicine, and other physician specialists. 

Understanding the Therapy Team

The physical therapists and occupational therapists work together collaboratively in the rehabilitation plan of care for anyone impacted by an orthopedic injury or disease process.Let’s break down these two types of therapies.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on movement, strength, and endurance. With orthopedic issues as noted previously, it  is common to lose mobility or experience pain when trying to walk, sit, stand, or perform basic movements. Physical therapists design rehabilitation treatments and exercises that gradually rebuild strength, endurance, balance, and range of motion.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy addresses daily living such as bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, etc.. Occupational therapy provides strategies, adaptive equipment, and training to help patients perform these tasks more easily and achieve as much independence as possible.  In an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting, the patient can practice with the assistance of the Occupational Therapist in ‘real life’ settings with regular beds, kitchen and laundry appliances, and full bathrooms with bathtubs with the assistance of the occupational therapist.

The Emotional and Social Benefits of Inpatient Rehab

Many patients experience frustration, anxiety, or even depression as they cope with changes in their mobility and independence. Inpatient rehabilitation provides not only the clinical rehabilitation care experts but also a supportive community where patients can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Therapists, nurses, and physicians provide encouragement and reassurance every step of the way. The structured environment of daily rehabilitative therapy and care gives patients clear goals to work toward, and small victories build confidence to begin their return to their life.

Preparing for a Safer Transition Home

One of the primary goals of inpatient rehabilitation is to prepare patients for a safe and successful return home. Inpatient rehabilitation teams talk regularly with the patient and family/caregivers about the patient’s needs upon discharging from the inpatient rehab setting.  The Case Manager serves as the patient advocate and helps the patient and family determine resources needed upon discharge, whether that’s additional home based or outpatient therapy and care, assistive devices such as canes, walkers, shower/grooming equipment, etc., or potential safety hazards in the home such as stairs, rugs, furniture or doorway obstacles.   

For example, a patient completing hip fracture rehabilitation may need grab bars installed in the bathroom or a raised toilet seat to reduce strain. A patient recovering from back surgery rehabilitation may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and learn alternative methods for household tasks. The inpatient rehab team can help identify needs, resources, and recommendations to facilitate continued improvement and a return to living life to the fullest.

Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month reminds us that inpatient rehabilitation can be a major benefit in rebuilding strength and independence.

Contact us today to learn how our inpatient rehabilitation program can help you with any bone, joint, muscle weakness, injury, or disease.