If you’ve ever been hospitalized, you understand the challenges to movement and normal function it presents. Hospital stays often mean confinement to a bed within a small room, and illness itself can further restrict mobility. Medical interventions, such as intravenous (IV) lines for medication or supplemental oxygen, can also become barriers to moving freely. For instance, patients recovering from surgery or those admitted due to cardiac events often find their mobility significantly limited by both their condition and hospital protocols. This immobility can quickly lead to decreased strength and difficulties with everyday movements. Acute care physical therapy is vital in such situations, focusing on helping you regain functional mobility before you leave the hospital.
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Understanding the Goals of Acute Physical Therapy
When you’re in the hospital, a physical therapist specializing in acute care will concentrate on three key aspects of your functional mobility: how you move in bed, your ability to transfer, and your walking ability (ambulation).
Bed Mobility Explained
Bed mobility refers to your capacity to change positions and move comfortably while in bed. An acute care physical therapist will assess if you can roll from side to side, adjust your position up or down in bed, and transition from lying down to sitting. For patients recovering from conditions like pneumonia or post-surgical weakness, these seemingly simple movements can be challenging. If you experience difficulty with any bed mobility task, your therapist will prescribe targeted exercises to improve these skills. They can also guide family members or caregivers on safe and effective techniques to assist you.
Mastering Transfers
Transfers involve moving your body between different surfaces or positions. This could be as simple as standing up from a seated position or moving from the hospital bed to a chair. Patients with conditions like hip fractures or stroke often face significant challenges with transfers. Acute care physical therapists evaluate your transfer abilities and provide tailored exercises and strategies to improve your safety and independence in transferring. They might also introduce assistive devices like transfer boards to aid in safer transitions.
Improving Ambulation
Ambulation, or walking, is another crucial area addressed by acute care physical therapy. Your therapist will assess your current walking ability within the hospital environment and recommend interventions to help you walk more effectively and safely. For example, patients with balance issues due to inner ear problems or neurological conditions might struggle with ambulation. Assistive devices such as walkers or quad canes may be prescribed to improve your walking stability. Your physical therapist will instruct you on the correct use of these devices. If muscle weakness or limited joint movement restricts your walking, they will design specific strengthening and range of motion exercises to perform during your hospital stay. Balance exercises are also a key component if balance issues are identified as a limiting factor in your mobility.
Acute vs. Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy
While acute care physical therapy shares similarities with inpatient rehabilitation therapy, key distinctions exist. Acute care PT primarily takes place within the hospital setting while you are receiving treatment for your immediate medical condition. Its main focus is to prepare you for a safe return home and often marks the beginning of a rehabilitation journey that may continue after discharge in an outpatient setting.
Inpatient rehabilitation therapy, on the other hand, is designed for individuals requiring more intensive and comprehensive rehabilitation. This type of therapy typically involves at least three hours of therapy daily, for five out of seven days. It is frequently recommended for more complex cases such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, brain injuries like stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and major fractures. In these situations, patients may need to relearn fundamental daily living activities, such as dressing, eating, walking, or speaking.
Planning for Your Discharge and Beyond
Remember that your acute care physical therapist is an integral part of your hospital healthcare team. Their goal extends beyond your hospital stay to ensure you can move safely both during and after hospitalization. Your physical therapist plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate discharge plan. Are you functionally ready to return home? Would a rehabilitation hospital provide more beneficial ongoing care? Is nursing home care necessary? These are complex questions that your physical therapist can help address.
By assessing your functional mobility, acute care physical therapists contribute significantly to ensuring a safe hospital discharge and facilitating access to the most suitable care as you transition out of the hospital environment.
In Conclusion
Acute physical therapy is a critical starting point in the recovery process from illness or injury. These specialized therapists empower patients to maximize their mobility within the limitations imposed by their medical condition. Their primary focus encompasses bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation, setting the stage for continued rehabilitation, whether in an inpatient rehabilitation facility or at home.
