IU Health Physical Therapy
Learn about IU Health physical therapy services both in and outside of the hospital.
Trauma Rehabilitation
Helping you get back to your life after injury
When you suffer from a traumatic injury, you may require rehabilitation to help you get back to your regular daily routine. You may need therapy to resume function and decrease your pain levels.
Your trauma rehabilitation may include a team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers helping you in your recovery.
Trauma rehabilitation services include:
Physical Therapy
If you suffered injuries to bones, muscles, nerves, the spinal cord or the brain, you may need a physical therapist. When you are in the hospital, physical therapists may visit your bedside in both critical care and acute care sections of the hospital.
A physical therapist can help you increase mobility, strength, balance and flexibility after an injury using stretches, exercise and massage. Physical therapy can also help decrease pain and limit permanent disability. You may continue to see a physical therapist at home or at an outpatient center after leaving the hospital.
Occupational Therapy
After your injury, you may need help in getting used to performing everyday tasks again. Injuries can make it hard to get dressed, eat, drive or take a shower.
Occupational therapists work with you in the hospital or at home to help you learn to do all these tasks despite your injuries. You may need long-term occupational therapy if you have traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.
Speech Therapy
If you’ve suffered from a traumatic brain injury, communication may be difficult. Speech therapists help you regain communication, and may also help with eating, swallowing and language comprehension.
Speech therapy takes place in the hospital, at home or at an outpatient center depending on your condition.
Psychosocial Counseling
Going through a trauma takes a toll on you emotionally. Social workers provide psychosocial counseling, which focuses on helping you and our loved ones communicate your feelings and emotions after injury. Social workers also helps you access financial and legal resources and connects you to support groups in the area so you can meet others with similar injuries.
Chaplain Services
Chaplain services provide spiritual counseling, no matter your religion or beliefs, after your traumatic injury. Hospitals also features a small chapel for quiet reflection and prayer.
What to Expect from Trauma Rehabilitation
Trauma rehabilitation services include:
Physical Therapy
If you suffered injuries to bones, muscles, nerves, the spinal cord or the brain, you may need a physical therapist. When you are in the hospital, physical therapists may visit your bedside in both critical care and acute care sections of the hospital.
A physical therapist can help you increase mobility, strength, balance and flexibility after an injury using stretches, exercise and massage. Physical therapy can also help decrease pain and limit permanent disability. You may continue to see a physical therapist at home or at an outpatient center after leaving the hospital.
Occupational Therapy
After your injury, you may need help in getting used to performing everyday tasks again. Injuries can make it hard to get dressed, eat, drive or take a shower.
Occupational therapists work with you in the hospital or at home to help you learn to do all these tasks despite your injuries. You may need long-term occupational therapy if you have traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.
Speech Therapy
If you’ve suffered from a traumatic brain injury, communication may be difficult. Speech therapists help you regain communication, and may also help with eating, swallowing and language comprehension.
Speech therapy takes place in the hospital, at home or at an outpatient center depending on your condition.
Psychosocial Counseling
Going through a trauma takes a toll on you emotionally. Social workers provide psychosocial counseling, which focuses on helping you and our loved ones communicate your feelings and emotions after injury. Social workers also helps you access financial and legal resources and connects you to support groups in the area so you can meet others with similar injuries.
Chaplain Services
Chaplain services provide spiritual counseling, no matter your religion or beliefs, after your traumatic injury. Hospitals also features a small chapel for quiet reflection and prayer.
After a traumatic injury, it may be a while until you can resume regular daily activities. Some questions you can ask your provider include:
- How long will I need therapy after my injury?
- When do you think I will be able to resume normal activities?
- How will this injury make my life different than it was before?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Trauma Rehabilitation
After a traumatic injury, it may be a while until you can resume regular daily activities. Some questions you can ask your provider include:
- How long will I need therapy after my injury?
- When do you think I will be able to resume normal activities?
- How will this injury make my life different than it was before?
Brain Trauma Foundation
Provides information about treatment of traumatic brain injuries, including who is involved in trauma care.
Resources
IU Health Physical Therapy
Learn about IU Health physical therapy services both in and outside of the hospital.
Brain Trauma Foundation
Provides information about treatment of traumatic brain injuries, including who is involved in trauma care.
