Differences Between Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

“Should I go to physical therapy? What about rehabilitation? Is there a difference between the two?” These are common questions for people recovering from an injury or seeking pain management techniques. But, do you know which of these two popular treatments is best for you?

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are some of the most common medical practices across the world. In fact, the average physical therapy office helps between 100 and 200 patients weekly.

If you’re looking for rehabilitation or physical therapy in Tampa, it’s important that you know the difference between these two services. For more information on Tampa Spine and Wellness physical therapy and rehabilitation, read on.

What Is Physical Rehabilitation?

Physical rehabilitation serves to diagnose and treat a wide range of physical ailments. These physical ailments may be a result of injuries, diseases, disorders, or illnesses.

Physical rehabilitation primarily works to preserve and restore the body’s natural functioning through a variety of treatments. This medical practice often focuses on pain or injury in the muscles, tendons, joints, spine, and more. Many people who suffer from chronic illnesses or medical conditions often undergo physical rehabilitation.

Physical rehabilitation is also often known as Physiatry. Physiatry, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, treats both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. The physical rehabilitation umbrella includes, but is not limited to, two main areas of focus; Occupational therapy and physical therapy.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Simply put, physical therapy is just one of many tools in the rehabilitation toolbox.

As stated previously, physical rehabilitation includes many treatments, including both occupational therapy and physical therapy. On one hand, occupational therapy focuses on improving the ability to perform necessary everyday activities like writing, walking, and more. On the other hand, physical therapy focuses on a patient’s ability to move their body while exercising, stretching, and performing other physical activity.

Many different kinds of people attend physical therapy, ranging from children to professional athletes. At Tampa Spine and Wellness, our professional physical therapists provide treatment for physical, sensory, and mental capabilities.

This or That: Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation?

If you have a medical condition that cannot be reversed with other traditional treatments, physical therapy may be a top option for you. Tampa Spine and Wellness physical therapy services can help with post-surgical recovery, arthritis pain management, sports injuries, stroke, and much more.

If you’re struggling with walking, talking, writing, picking up and holding objects, or other basic everyday tasks, other forms of rehabilitation may help you. You might seek out occupational therapy or speech and language therapy, all found under the rehabilitation umbrella.

If you’re looking for rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other high-quality treatment, look no further than Tampa Spine and Wellness. In addition to physical therapy and active rehab, some of our top services consist of Laser Therapy, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic Care.

Schedule Your Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy in Tampa

Now that you know more about physical rehabilitation and physical therapy in Tampa, what are you waiting for? To start living the pain-free life you desire, contact us today for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment. Whether you’re looking for physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation, we also accept walk-in visits for immediate attention.