Rehabilitation: Your questions answered in a compact form
What is rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation includes specific measures to restore, maintain or improve physical and mental health after illness, injury or surgery. The aim is to promote patients’ independence and quality of life. Various forms of therapy are used, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic gymnastics and rehabilitative sports.
Who covers the costs?
In most cases, the costs of rehabilitation are covered by health insurance, pension insurance or accident insurance. It is necessary that a treating physician determines the medical necessity and makes the corresponding application.
How long does rehabilitation last?
The length of rehabilitation depends on the illness or injury. Generally, outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation programs last several weeks. The exact duration is determined on an individual basis by the treating physician and rehabilitation team.
Where does the rehabilitation take place?
Rehabilitation measures can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis:
- Rehabilitation clinics offer complete hospital programs.
- Physiotherapy offices, physiotherapy centers and rehabilitation facilities allow for outpatient treatments that can be flexibly integrated into daily life.
What therapies are offered?
Some of the most common therapies include:
- Physiotherapy and therapeutic gymnastics: improvement of mobility and muscle strengthening
- Occupational therapy: fostering independence and fine motor skills
- Rehabilitation training: strength and endurance development after illness or surgery
- Rehabilitation sports: specific sports exercises to improve stability and mobility
What requirements must be met?
A medical prescription is required to access rehabilitation. In addition, patients must be motivated and actively participate in their recovery.
When can rehabilitation begin?
Once the measure has been approved by the health insurance company or the corresponding entity, rehabilitation can begin immediately. In cases of acute injuries or operations, treatment usually begins directly after hospitalization.
Why is rehabilitation important?
Early and personalized rehabilitation promotes the healing process, improves quality of life and helps prevent permanent damage or functional limitations.
How to prepare for rehabilitation?
Some important preparations include:
- Have all relevant medical documents available
- An updated list of the drugs consumed by the patient
- Comfortable clothing for movement therapies
- A prior consultation with the treating physiotherapist may be helpful.
More information
For any questions about rehabilitation, patients can consult their physician, their health insurance or a rehabilitation facility. Also physiotherapy offices and physiotherapy centers offer additional information and personalized advice.
Early rehabilitation ensures the best chance of recovery – take advantage of the opportunity to actively improve your health!
