Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Q&A

What is rehabilitation?

Dr. Hatam and his colleagues at Virginia Family Chiropractic provides rehabilitation services through chiropractic treatment to make sure the body is in proper alignment and able to function and move correctly following an injury or surgery. The adjustments and massage used can help a patient improve strength, flexibility and range of motion while also relieving pain and discomfort. The goal is to make it easier for a patient to complete necessary, everyday tasks and activities without discomfort.

How can chiropractic treatment help me to rehabilitate?

There are several treatment options in chiropractic care available for patients in need of rehabilitation including:

Exercise- these are created to improve coordination, strength, flexibility, and endurance. They commonly involve stretching, lifting weights, walking, and aerobics. They are especially used following an accident or surgery.
Manual therapy- mobilization, massage, and manipulation by the chiropractor are widely used manual therapy techniques and can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Education about lifestyle changes- To reduce discomfort and prevent re-injury, the doctor can instruct patients on how to alter certain activities and/or postures. This can include employing devices such as crutches and for a person with balance or strength concerns making the home safer.

How Long Does Rehabilitation Take?

The length of rehabilitation depends on the severity of the injury or post-surgical condition. If the injury does not change how a patient’s body functions, rehabilitation may involve strengthening exercises that focus on a specific movement or action. If the injury has caused major damage to nerves or has caused any type of structural damage that affects how a person moves or functions physiologically, the rehabilitation period may be extensive. Another factor that will dictate the length of rehabilitation is the patient’s motivation to get better and their will to regain their prior state of health.