Acute Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy

Acute (bedside) rehab is when a licensed rehabilitation therapist begins physical or occupational therapy with you while you are still in the hospital. A rehab therapist conducts a thorough evaluation at your hospital bedside and creates a personalized plan to maximize your recovery. 

Therapy sessions are held in your hospital room and may include physical, occupational or speech therapy. Your treatment plan and goals are customized based on your condition and health needs. Your therapist works closely with your doctor to ensure you are receiving coordinated care. 

The goal of acute rehab is to:

• Increase your strength and mobility 
• Improve your independence in completing daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and eating
• Identify medical equipment and therapy services you may need after leaving the hospital

Your therapist will help you make a discharge plan so you can continue making progress after you leave the hospital.

The treatment you receive will depend on your condition and your function goals. Your care plan might include: 

Occupational therapy (OT) – Occupational therapists focus on helping you improve or recover skills that are needed for everyday activities, such as self-care, household chores, work or school. Treatment plans include exercises to improve your fine motor skills, balance, coordination and cognitive skills. 

You’ll learn about your condition, what to expect during recovery and adaptations you can use during your hospital stay or when you return home. Bedside OT services may include: 

• Assistive devices and tools
• Cognitive retraining (thinking and reasoning)
• Energy conservation strategies
• Muscle retraining
• Relearning activities of daily living
• Therapeutic activities using your arms, hands and fingers
• Wheelchair modification and mobility

Physical therapy (PT) – Physical therapists are movement experts who focus on improving your joint and muscle strength. PT supports your return to everyday activities, such as standing and walking. Our approach includes education about your condition, the recovery process and techniques you can use to regain function. 

Bedside PT services may include:

• Balance and coordination training
• Endurance training
• Gait training to improve walking
• Massage, heat or cold therapy
• Muscle retraining
• Pain management techniques
• Therapeutic exercises that focus on muscle strength, endurance, range of motion, flexibility, motor control, balance and stability
• Wheelchair, walker or cane training

Recreation therapy – Includes leisure activities designed to help you improve physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills. Activities may be delivered at your bedside, in a community room on your patient unit, or during “outings” on our campus. These can include:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Puzzles or games

Our certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CRTS) team has experience and training to work in skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation with adults who have serious medical conditions.