Rehabilitative Care and Movement Science
Scope of Practice
A specialized area of healthcare focusing on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and integumentary conditions that limit a person's ability to move and function.
Therapeutic Interventions
Employs a variety of techniques to restore and improve mobility, reduce pain, enhance function, and prevent disability. These interventions are tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques, including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and massage, to address musculoskeletal impairments and improve joint mechanics.
Therapeutic Exercise
Prescribed exercise programs designed to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall functional capacity. Includes range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and functional movement training.
Modalities
The application of physical agents, such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction, to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm, and to promote tissue healing.
Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment
Assessment, prescription, and training in the use of assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers, crutches) and adaptive equipment to improve independence and safety in activities of daily living.
Patient Education
Providing patients with information and education about their condition, treatment plan, self-management strategies, and injury prevention techniques. Promotes active participation in their rehabilitation process.
Specialized Areas
- Orthopedics: Addressing musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains, strains, fractures, and arthritis.
- Neurology: Treating neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis.
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary: Managing conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-surgical cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Pediatrics: Providing services to infants, children, and adolescents with developmental delays, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Geriatrics: Addressing the unique needs of older adults with age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance disorders.
- Sports: Preventing and treating sports-related injuries.
- Wound Care: Management of acute and chronic wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and surgical wounds.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Treatment of balance and dizziness disorders.
- Pelvic Health: Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions.
Goals
Primary goals include:
- Pain management
- Restoration of function
- Improvement of mobility
- Prevention of disability
- Promotion of overall health and wellness