Is There a Difference Between Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation?

Whether it’s from a slip in the kitchen or a bad swing on the golf course, injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. They occur to people of all ages, but seniors are especially at risk.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you’ve probably asked yourself if physical therapy or rehabilitation is the best route to recovery, and if there are differences between the two. Take a closer look at what the two terms encompass, though, and you discover that they’re far more intertwined than you may think.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation – the Holistic Rehab Umbrella

The main difference between physical therapy and rehabilitation is that physical therapy (PT) is a form of rehabilitation, but not all rehabilitation is PT. The essence of rehab is that it’s holistic and requires an interdisciplinary approach. Agency accreditation requires a rehab provider to have multiple disciplines that work together to effectively support the best outcome for the participant. Studies show that one of the most effective ways to prevent injury in older adults is through person-centered rehab that can help improve balance, muscle strength and endurance.

What is holistic rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation can often include a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to address the needs of the person more holistically. Often more than one form of rehab may be called for when a person has multiple issues or treatment goals, whether they be improving memory, being able to speak more clearly or manage pain. That’s why a holistic rehab provider like Ageility that can tailor treatment plans to your personal goals is key to preventing injury, restoring function and improving quality of life.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) involves helping people improve their movement, functional ability and overall wellbeing through tailored exercises and treatments. It’s no secret that aches and pains are a part of life as we get older. Medical conditions and injuries can also make it difficult to sustain the quality of life you desire. When considering options for rehabilitation, physical therapy can be best for people who have an impairment or illness that results in pain and/or limited mobility.

PT treatment comes from professionally licensed physical therapists who are trained to help you improve mobility and balance and reduce or eliminate pain. They are also key to preventing injury and reducing fall risk. Physical therapy for seniors can include a range of programs. At Ageility, where therapists are specialized in treating older adults, rehabilitation and physical therapy services include:

• Fall prevention and balance
• Chronic and acute pain management and prevention
• Arthritic pain management
• Strength and flexibility
• Postsurgical rehabilitation
• Sports medicine

Rehabilitation: Physical Therapy and Beyond

Rehab encompasses all therapies and treatments that help people return to a previous level of function, whether after surgery or a stroke, or when adapting to live with conditions like Parkinson’s. Everyone’s situation is different, so rehab looks specifically at each person’s needs to develop person-centered therapy that addresses their unique circumstances.

Typically, receiving more than one type of rehab treatment would require going to several different therapy providers. Ageility makes it easy by providing the full spectrum of rehab services—physical, occupational and speech—in one location. That means less time figuring out how to get to rehab, and more time actually doing it.

The Ageility Difference: Holistic, Effective Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Services Near You

Whether you need physical therapy to get back to your golf game or other rehabilitation services that can help you regain your independence after a surgery or stroke, being able to participate in person centered rehabilitation treatment is key to helping you stay fit and on your feet. At Ageility, we know that rehab needs are different for older adults than younger adults. The numbers speak for themselves. We’ve seen that older adults living in communities with an Ageility clinic have a 36% reduced risk of falls and are able to stay in their communities on average 31% longer.

Rehab plays a key role in helping older adults avoid injury, restore function and improve their quality of life. Reaching those goals requires holistic treatment from an experienced provider. With Ageility’s full spectrum of rehabilitation services for older adults all in one location, they’re never far off no matter what stage of health they’re starting from.

To learn more about Ageility’s holistic rehab services for older adults, contact [email protected] for more info or search for an Ageility location near you.