Physical Rehabilitation Therapy

Physical rehabilitation therapy covers treatments that restore, maintain or improve movement, strength and physical function after injury, illness, surgery, or in the presence of a chronic condition. It includes exercise-based rehabilitation programs such as cardiac, pulmonary, cancer and stroke rehabilitation; established physiotherapy technique systems such as the Bobath concept, the Brunnstrom approach, the McKenzie method and Frenkel exercises; aquatic rehabilitation methods including the Halliwick concept and the Bad Ragaz ring method; physical modalities such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, traction and therapeutic ultrasound; and supportive devices including orthotics, prosthetics, casts and splints. It does not include talk-based or behavioral treatment, grouped under Psychotherapy and Behavioral Therapy; hands-on bodywork and complementary techniques such as massage or spinal manipulation, grouped under Complementary and Manual Therapies; or occupational and speech-language interventions aimed at daily function and communication, grouped under Occupational and Speech Therapy.