REHAB OF DRUG ADDICTION

Getting Help for Drug Addiction

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There are an estimated 20 million people in the U.S. alone who are in need of help for a problem they are having with drug addiction, yet have not received it. Each individual has their own varying needs, circumstances and problems that may hinder them from getting the help they need. However, all of these things become unimportant when one considers that remaining on drugs is not even an option. In the end, one either gets help or loses everything because of addiction. The purpose of drug rehab is to help the individual come off of drugs, give them tools to be able to maintain their sobriety, and help them transition into a more productive and drug-free life. For this to work, individuals must address all issues associated with their substance abuse including psychological, social, vocational, medical, and legal problems.
The most effective treatment method is going to allow for the individual to remain in drug rehab until they have received a sufficient amount of treatment. This can vary from individual to individual, and depends on their history of drug use including the type of drug the individual is using. However, long-term addicts and their families shouldn't kid themselves, as any drug addiction treatment method that takes under three months is ineffective in ceasing to use drugs. Getting over a drug addiction takes a lot of hard work and an honest effort, which may take a considerable amount of time; Up to a year in some circumstances. The more time the individual remains in treatment the greater the likelihood of recovery.
The initial phase of the drug treatment program is a thorough drug detox. This is the point when the individual will be going through what is known as drug withdrawal. Individuals will typically experience intense cravings during this time, and if not in a drug rehab most will revert back to drug use. The intensity and duration of withdrawal can vary depending on the individual's drug of choice. Many withdrawal symptoms pass quickly, while the complete detox can be in about seven days. Certain types of drug withdrawal and drug detox, such as from alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be life-threatening and medical supervision is advised. This is why it is always best to undergo drug detox and withdrawal in a drug rehab setting.
After detox, group and individual counseling is part of most if not all drug rehab programs. Most programs use both individual and group counseling to help individuals discover what may have caused their addiction issues. This counseling is also geared to help individuals recognize things in their lives which must change in order to achieve long-term sobriety. Group counseling is effective in helping individuals gain a different perspective regarding addiction, and they will be able to see that others are experiencing the same challenges and overcoming them. Many programs encourage families to take part in counseling as well, so that each individual that has been affected can be a part of the recovery process. This will also give loved ones an opportunity to understand addiction better, which can help them support the addict in recovery and when they return home.
Many drug rehab programs utilize behavioral therapy or treatment which helps individuals change their attitude and behaviors in relation to drug abuse and addiction. Behavioral treatment can be an effective tool to help and individual make healthier choices in their life so that they will remain sober and have a better shot at a more productive life. There are different approaches to behavioral therapy. For instance, Cognitive Therapy's goal is to help people face their lives head-on and deal with situations that trigger substance abuse. Behavioral treatment may also utilize motivational therapy which addresses the individual's motivation to change.
So drug rehab programs utilize medications as a drug addiction treatment method, which can be used used at all stages of treatment. The drug detox and withdrawal period is a very typical time when medication is used, to help ease physical withdrawal symptoms. Individuals seeking help for drug addiction and their families should be warned that addicts that go through a detox (assisted medically) but discontinue further drug addiction treatment are likely to relapse.
This takes us to another side of addiction treatment which is controversial, and will not offer the most effective treatment for most. Certain medications are used for more long-term "treatment", in an attempt to treat heroin and other opiate addiction. These medications are used for months, years and sometimes for the duration of one's life, and only work to suppress opiate withdrawal and cravings, and actually "treat" nothing. The medications which are commonly used as part of "maintenance" treatment are methadone, buprenorphine, and for some individuals, naltrexone. While an individual may not be using heroin or other opiates when taking subsitution medication, they most certainly become dependent on them and withdrawal symptoms will occur as if they were on an illicit drug. Many addicts describe methadone and buprenorphine treatment as going from being addicted to one drug, to becoming addicted to another. The withdrawal from these drugs is much, much worse than other opiate withdrawal, especially methadone withdrawal. That says a lot, since heroin withdrawal is particularly punishing. So again, addicts and their loved ones should not be fooled and should make sure that they are seeking the most effective treatment that will help guarantee a higher quality of life.
The most effective drug rehab programs are done on an in-patient basis. The residential treatment available is a tried and true drug addiction treatment option for people with addictions. Imagine trying to overcome drug addiction, when your dealer is just a phone call away. This simply doesn't work. In an in-patient drug rehab, addicts remain at the drug treatment center for up to a year. More importantly, there will be no drugs or access to drugs, and drugs will most certainly not be a phone call away. This will allow for the individual to go through the challenges and drug cravings, with all of the care and support needed to overcome these without reverting back to drug use. In an in-patient or residential setting, individuals will be able to stay clear of any negative distractions and influences which may hinder rehabilitation. This makes it possible for the individual to take the time to get to the root of addiction issues, so that they can have a better shot at long-term sobriety.
There are other drug rehab programs available which individuals may partake in, which are more short-term and even out-patient. These types of programs can last anywhere from a week to 30 days. This type of drug addiction treatment method is only recommended for individuals with very little history of drug use, who require only a moderate amount of treatment. Individuals and group counseling as well as education are all key components of such a program, which is delivered intensively in the short amount of time allowed in treatment. A short term drug addiction treatment program may seem appealing for someone who wants drug rehab to be a short process. However, short-term treatment and most out-patient drug rehab programs are not going to give individuals who have struggled with long-term addiction the results that they need to maintain any kind of long-term sobriety. It can take as long as 30 days to just overcome the physical symptoms, not to mention allowing for time to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues involved. So give yourself or your loved one a fighting chance in recovery, and get them the most effective help possible.
One drug rehab method has had much success in treating addiction and getting the individual fully rehabilitated with lasting results. This drug rehab program first focuses on a full drug detox. The individual is then put through an intense curriculum of education and counseling to take full responsibility for their addiction issues, and spot things in their life that need to be changed in order to live a drug free life. The individual will work with drug treatment counselors to develop new skills for life and new ways to cope with life situations which may have caused them to use drugs in the past. This ensures that they will be able to handle real life situations once treatment is complete, so that they can maintain long-term sobriety.
Sometimes, an individual cannot find the strength within themselves to seek help for drug addiction. In these cases, and when the individual's drug use has reached a crisis point, it is sometimes necessary for family members and loved ones to intervene to get them that help. An intervention is a coming together of loved ones, friends and even co-workers who care about the individual and will go whatever it takes to get them to get help. A drug intervention is typically overseen by a professional interventionist who will provide guidance and support to those who are assembling to help the addict who cannot help themselves. The interventionist will help devise and workable plan and agenda of how the intervention will take place, giving each individual who wishes to speak a chance to communicate to the individual how drugs or alcohol is destroying their relationship and the addict's life. The ultimate goal of an intervention is to communicate to the individual that there is an alternative to living a life of addiction, and it can start immediately if they choose to get help. The addict can be made aware of the treatment options that exist for them, a process which can be begun immediately. Many lives have been saved through interventions, and they are worth the effort in the end.
When the individual has completed a drug rehab program, strong aftercare programs can help the individual stay sober and continue their rehabilitation. Drug treatment counselors may suggest that the individual continue treatment through an outpatient drug rehab program or a 12-step program where they can continue to make progress in recovery. Some individuals need a more intense aftercare program, and may even require a stay at a halfway house or sober living facility. This type of facility is meant for individuals who need help during the transition period from drug rehab back out into to the real world. The individual will live at the halfway house or sober living facility and take part in counseling and educational programs where they can become more and more stable and able to maintain their sobriety long-term.
With the variety of drug rehab programs available, it is just a matter of choosing which is the best fit for you or a loved one and getting started on the road to rehabilitation as soon as possible. Many drug treatment programs take insurance and will work with individuals to help get treatment financed. For example, many drug rehab programs offer fees on a sliding scale which depends on an individual's income. Speak with a drug treatment professional to discover which drug rehab programs are available in your area and take the first step to a new life today.

REHAB OF DRUG ADDICTION AND CRIME

Drug Addiction and Crime

 

Drug addiction and crime go hand in hand. It is an unfortunate fact that individuals who are addicted to drugs and alcohol will do just about anything to get more drugs and alcohol. Individuals will not only perpetrate crimes to get more drugs, some extremely violent in nature, but will also perpetrate crimes because they are using alcohol or drugs. Drugs and alcohol can affect individuals in many ways, as these substances can create changes in the mind which alter mood, disposition and reality. So while many individuals may take drugs or consume alcohol for the pleasant effects that these substances are known for, drugs and alcohol can also cause individuals to become extremely violent and destructive.
Much research has been done on the subject, as drugs and alcohol have been linked to violent crime and destructive behavior for some time now. Studies have shown that an estimated 73% of felonies are alcohol-related. One survey reported that alcohol was a factor in an estimated 67% of child-beating cases, 41% of forcible rape cases, 80% of wife-battering, 72% of stabbings, and 83% of homicides where either the attacker or the victim or both were drinking alcohol. In a survey of individuals who were imprisoned and convicted of robbery, weapons violations, burglary, or motor vehicle theft, over half admitted to having had been using drugs when the offense was committed. Based on reports of victims, 183,000 sexual assaults and rapes each year involve the use of alcohol by the offender. In contrast to other crimes, alcohol use is also involved in almost 1.7 million minor assaults, about 661,000 aggravated assaults, and over 197,000 robberies. Violent crimes and violence as a result of drug addiction also happen at places of work.
An estimated three million violent crimes take place every year whereby the person victimized by these crimes can perceive that the individual was using alcohol or drugs. In about 36 percent of these victimizations, the victim reported that the person commiting the crime was drinking alcohol. Out of victims of a violent crime from someone they were close to, two-thirds stated that alcohol was involved. Amongst victims of spousal abuse, 75 percent of incidents were perpetrated by the spouse who was drinking alcohol. In contrast, out of the victimizations where the perpetrator was a stranger, the victim could detect the presence of alcohol in 31 percent of these cases. Out of the violent crimes where alcohol use was perceived, 1 in 5 victims also stated they suspected that the offender was also using drugs.
One FBI study indicates that about 50 percent of alcohol-related incidents involved individuals who knew each other intimately. Victim perceptions puts this into perspective as well, with an annual estimate of 457,000 alcohol related violent offenses between people who have an intimate relationship together. Drinking offenders commit an estimated 1,360,000 incidents of violence committed against strangers, an estimated 744,100 violent crimes between known acquaintances, and approximately 118,000 acts of violence on family members (not including spouses) annually. A similar FBI study shows that about 70 percent of alcohol related violent incidents happen in a residence, beginning at around 11 p.m., with 2 out of every 10 incidents involving the use of a weapon. Only 1 out of 10 alcohol-involved
violent incidents occur in a bar or restaurant. Violent crimes as a result of alcohol use happen at places of work as well. Of workplace victims of violent crime, 35% report that the perpetrator of the violent act was using drugs or drinking alcohol during the incident.
An estimated 40 percent of convicted murderers, currently incarcerated in jail or in a state prison report that alcohol use was involved during the crime. Almost 50 percent of individuals convicted of assault-related charges and then sentenced to probation were drinking alcohol when their offense took place. In a survey of Federal and State Correctional Facilities it was found that 26 percent of federal prisoners and 32 percent of state prison inmates admitted that they had done their crime while high on a drug. The study of State prison inmates found that individuals who had been incarcerated for drug offenses (44 percent) and property offenses (39 percent) had the highest rates of using drugs during the crime. Amongst federal prisoners, violent offenders (24 percent) and drug offenders (32 percent) were had the highest likelyhood to have been using drugs during the incident for which they were arrested. More specifically, 17 percent of state prison inmates and 18 percent of federal inmates reported that they committed their crime for the purpose of obtaining money for illegal drugs. Additionally, approximately a quarter of convicted drug and property offenders in jail had committed their crime(s) to get money for the purpose of buying drugs.
Drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues also go hand in hand. Individuals who are incarcerated and also suffer from mental health issues have a higher rate of addiction to drugs than to alcohol. More specifically, a survey of inmates in prison who also suffer with mental disorders found that 51 percent abused or were addicted to alcohol and 62 percent abused or were addicted to drugs. Over one third of the state prisoners with mental health issues that were surveyed, reported that they had been using drugs prior to the incident.
It is unfortunate that many children lose their parents to addiction, as drugs and alcohol can cause an individual to lose sight of what it truly important and worth protecting. A survey of parents who were incarcerated in a state prison found that a third of these individuals admitted to committing their crime while being high on drugs. The drugs with high rates of use by these parents when the crimes were committed were marijuana (15 percent) and cocaine or crack cocaine (17 percent). Stimulates (5 percent) and Opiates (6 percent) were also a factor in a great deal of these crimes, while 2 percent of parents had used hallucinogens or depressants. One-third of mothers being held within state prison admitted to having committed their offense to get illegal drugs or the money to buy drugs, whereas the same was the case for 20 percent of fathers.
It is a fact that drugs and alcohol are commonly abused by college students, and can be found on every college campus in the nation. This also leads to violent crimes, many sexual in nature, against college students and committed by college students. Rates of arrest for liquor law violations are highest at public 4-year colleges. College students report nearly half a million violent victimizations annually in which alcohol use by the offender is a factor, 22% of which also involve offender drug use. An estimated 90 percent of these violent victimizations happen off campus. About 2 in 5 of all rape/sexual against a college student were committed by an offender who was perceived to be using drugs.
This is not just a problem among college youth, but youth in general. The likelihood of youth engaging in violent behavior increases with the number of drugs used in the past year. For example, a study found that 45.6% of youths who had used at least one illicit drug had also engaged in violent behavior. Youths aged 12 to 17 who had used any illicit drug in the past year were nearly twice as likely to engage in violent behavior then those who had not used drugs. Almost half of adolescents who had used marijuana in the past year had also engaged in past year violent behavior, as did 55.4 percent of those who used inhalants. Almost 70% of adolescents who used methamphetamine in the past year had also engaged in violent behavior within that time. The likelihood of youth having engaged in violent behavior increases with the number of drugs used in the past year, and over 60% of youths who had used three of more illicit drugs within that time had engaged in violent behavior. An estimated 26 percent of youths who were involved in a serious fight at school or work during the past year also admitted to past month use of alcohol. While an estimated 18 percent of youths who were involved in a serious fight at school or work during the past year also admitted to past month use of illicit drugs.
A great number of youth become involved in drug crimes, and a 2005 government study reported that over 800,000 adolescents ages 12–17 were involved in the sale of illicit narcotics during the twelve months preceding the survey. Another survey the same year conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 25.4% of students nationwide had been offered, sold, or given an illegal drug by someone on school property. The prevalence of having been offered, sold, or given an illegal drug on school property ranged from 15.5% to 38.8% in State surveys, and from 20.3% to 40.0% in local surveys. Even though over 7 billion dollars is spent every year towards the arrest and prosecution of almost 800,000 individuals in the U.S. for marijuana related offenses, the Monitoring the Future Survey reports that nearly 85 percent of high school seniors feel that marijuana is "easy to obtain", a statistic that has basically stayed the same since 1975, never falling below 82.7 percent in thirty years of national surveys.
The illegal drug trade is a multi-billion dollar global black market. Many individuals commit crimes everyday as a result of this very lucrative business and thousands of individuals are dedicated to the illegal cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illegal narcotics. As of 2009, the Justice Department had identified over 200 U.S. cities in which Mexican drug cartels were maintaining drug distribution networks or supplying drugs to distributors, which was double the amount from three years earlier.
At the core of drug crimes is drug consumption. Based on global estimates of the number of drug users worldwide, it is estimated that there are anywhere from 16 to 38 million problem drug users in the world at any given time. With only approximately 12% to 30% of problem drug users receiving treatment in the past year for their drug or alcohol problem, this leaves between 11 and 33.5 million problem drug users untreated and liable to commit violent crimes and destructive acts.
The answer to this is effective drug and alcohol treatment. While many offenders find their way to treatment through the criminal justice system, individuals who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction to have to wait until their problem has reached such a crisis point. While each individual has their own varying needs, circumstances and problems that may hinder them from getting the help they need, effective solutions do exist and most can be fully rehabilitated. An effective drug rehab can help someone avoid all of the negative consequences of drug and alcohol use mentioned above, give them tools to maintain their sobriety and help them transition into a more productive and drug-free life.

Drug Rehab Alcohol Rehab

Turkey drug rehab alcohol rehab programs provide the stability and professional guidance needed to recover from drug or alcohol addiction. It is common for people suffering with drug and alcohol addiction problems to feel that they can quit on their own and that attending a drug rehab alcohol rehab in Turkey is not necessary. Unfortunately research has proven that very few ever recover on their own without the assistance of a professional drug rehab alcohol rehab program. While attending a drug rehab alcohol rehab in Turkey, recovering addicts learn about addiction, recovery, and relapse. They learn life skills and coping skills as well as address underlying issues, traumas, and transgressions. Effective drug rehab alcohol rehab programs in Turkey not only help individuals to stop using drugs but they help return individuals to productive functioning within their families, workplaces, and their communities. If you or someone you know has a drug or alcohol addiction problem, don't hesitate and get help immediately. Where drug and alcohol addiction are concerned, time is of the essence and the sooner professional help is received from a Turkey drug rehab alcohol rehab, the sooner happiness through successful recovery is achieved.

REHAB OF DRUG ADDICTION IN TURKEY

Drug Addiction Treatment in Turkey is imperative for obtaining a drug free life. An Alcohol Rehab and Drug Treatment Facility in Turkey, NC. that matches your needs will have the best chances of success. There are many different options when it comes to Turkey Alcohol Rehab and Drug Treatment Facilities. Many people look for specific criteria that helps them choose the right Alcohol Rehab and Drug Treatment Center. The first thing is, will you be living at the Alcohol Rehabilitation and Drug Rehab Program or maintaining your own residence while attending meetings or therapy groups in Turkey, North Carolina? Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation and Drug Rehab Programs in Turkey offer meetings or intensive day treatments for drug or alcohol addiction at a specified location or facility. Once you are done with your meetings for the day, you return to your own home until the next meeting. This type of treatment in Turkey, NC. can work if you have the right kind of support group around you outside of treatment. Outpatient Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers in Turkey, North Carolina can be attended indefinitely until you feel you are ready to move on.
Residential Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Rehabs in Turkey are live in facilities where you stay onsite at the drug addiction treatment facility until you are finished with your program. A residential Alcohol Rehabilitation and Drug Treatment Facility in Turkey, NC. has a few advantages that make their success rates higher than other types of treatment. The first is remaining in a drug-free environment while rehabilitating from drugs or alcohol. This allows you to truly concentrate on your treatment without temptation to use or outside distractions. Second is Turkey residential Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs offer thorough treatment programs that generally last 90 days or longer. This gives the addict enough time to make a serious life change and decreases the chance of relapse.
Here are some other important points to consider when trying to find the right Drug Addiction Treatment in Turkey, North Carolina:
- No single treatment in Turkey is appropriate for all individuals. Matching drug addiction treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.
- Treatment needs to be readily available. Because individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol may be uncertain about entering a Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility in Turkey, North Carolina; taking advantage of opportunities when they are ready for treatment is crucial. Potential treatment applicants can be lost if treatment is not immediately available or is not readily accessible.
- An effective Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center in Turkey, NC. attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. To be effective, treatment must address the individual's drug use and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems.
- An individual's treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that the plan meets the person's changing needs. An individual in Turkey drug addiction treatment may require varying combinations of services and treatment components during the course of treatment and recovery. In addition to counseling or psychotherapy, a patient at times may require medication, other medical services, family therapy, parenting instruction, vocational rehabilitation, and social and legal services. It is critical that the treatment approach be appropriate to the individual's age, gender, ethnicity, and culture.
- Remaining in a Drug Rehab and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program in Turkey, North Carolina for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The appropriate duration for an individual depends on his or her problems and needs. Research indicates that for most individual, the threshold of significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in Turkey drug addiction treatment. After this threshold is reached, additional treatment can produce further progress toward recovery. Because people often leave treatment prematurely, programs should include strategies to engage and keep individuals in treatment.
- Counseling (individual and/or group) and other behavioral therapies are critical components of effective treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol. In therapy, patients address issues of motivation, build skills to resist drug use, replace drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding non-drug using activities, and improve problem-solving abilities. Behavioral therapy in Turkey, NC. also facilitates interpersonal relationships and the individual's ability to function in the family and community.
- Turkey Detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug use. Detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to attending a Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program.
- Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective. Strong motivation can facilitate the drug addiction treatment process. Sanctions or enticements in the family, employment setting, or criminal justice system can increase significantly both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of drug treatment interventions in Turkey, North Carolina.
- Possible drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously. Lapses to drug use can occur during treatment. The objective monitoring of an individual's drug and alcohol use during their stay at a Drug Rehabilitation and Alcohol Treatment Center in Turkey, such as through urinalysis or other tests, can help the patient withstand urges to use drugs. Such monitoring also can provide early evidence of drug use so that the individual's treatment plan can be adjusted. Feedback to individuals who test positive for illicit drug use is an important element of monitoring.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists are concerned with the diseases and disorders of the neuromuscular system (the nerves and muscles).

 These specialists are skilled in using heat, cold, water, electricity, massage, and exercise to help patients regain use and function of parts of the body that have been damaged by stroke, severe arthritis, or other injury.
After completion of medical school, the physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist is required to complete at least three additional years of training, followed by two years of specialty practice. Specialty board examinations are required.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

SPECIALISTS IN REHAB MEDICINE

Our Therapies Treat:

Acute or chronic back pain Neck pain or headaches Shoulder arthritis or tendonitis Knee injury Plantor faciitis

Fibromyalgia Carpal tunnel syndrome Tennis elbow Hip bursitis

We treat all musculoskeletal injuries including post operative rehab following orthopedic surgery.

Our goal is to reduce your pain and restrictions returning you to the active lifestyle you enjoy. Our Licensed Physical 

Therapists

 use hands-on manual therapy techniques to restore range of motion, various modalities to reduce pain, and functional exercises to increase strength and stability. Your treatment will maximize your potential and speed your recover

We provide a comprehensive home exercise program to continue progress between sessions and at the conclusion of physical therapy. Our Physical Therapist regularly attend conferences and seminars to stay current with new techniques and findings.

Physical Therapy Testimonies:

“Absolutely wonderful! The care was great. Improvement was immediate. The education on what to do to discourage further injury—priceless!”

“Everyone was very encouraging and helpful. I enjoyed being there every time. My therapist was top notch. I have had physical therapy for other problems before, and didn’t make as much progress as I did at your facility.”

“My therapist was very informative and I’m still doing the exercises to this day and will continue. I feel so much better! Thank you!"

“Everyone was very helpful, kind, and easy to work with.”

Our doctors spend as much time with each patient as they need, compassionately listening to their concerns. In this way, each patient is an active participant in his or her care. We are non-surgical experts in issues relating to the spine, nerves, muscles, bones and joints. We use a wide variety of tools to help diagnose and treat these conditions. These treatments may include education physical therapy, medications, injections and acupuncture.

About Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Physical and rehabilitation (PM&R), also called physiatry, is the branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders – particularly related to the nerves, muscles, bones and brain – that may produce temporary or permanent impairment. PM&R is one of 24 medical specialties certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Psychiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are medical doctors who have completed

 training in the medical specialty of PM&R. Rehabilitation physicians treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move, with the aim of enhancing performance. These specialists treat any disability resulting from disease or injury involving any organ system. The focus is not on one part of the body, but instead on the development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person's life back together – medically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally – after injury or disease.

Rehabilitation physicians manage issues that span the entire spectrum, from complicated multiple trauma to injury prevention for athletes. Some rehabilitation physicians have broad-based practices that encompass many different types of patients. Others pursue special interests and focus on specific groups or problems (e.g., rehabilitation physicians who focus onsports medicine treat sports-related injuries, develop programs to help athletes avoid injury, and may do research in the field).

Why Visit A Rehabilitation Physician?

Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. By taking the whole body into account, they are able to accurately pinpoint problems and enhance performance - without surgery. Consider seeing a rehabilitation physician if:

• You had an accident or you have an injury or chronic condition that has left you with pain or limited function
• You’re contemplating or recovering from surgery
• You have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily
• You’re recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve damage
• You have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems
• Excess weight makes it difficult to exercise or has caused health problems
• You think you’re too old to exercise
• Life changes such as childbirth or menopause have created new challenges to your physical function

Getting started

A rehabilitation physician will thoroughly assess your condition, needs, and expectations and rule out any serious medical illnesses to develop a treatment plan. A clear understanding of your condition and limitations will help you and your rehabilitation physician to develop a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.

Tailoring your plan

You need the right type of exercise to effectively overcome fitness obstacles. A runner may have gained weight after being sidelined by a knee injury. A rehabilitation physician can prescribe tailored, low-impact activities that burn calories without aggravating the injury, simultaneously prescribing physical therapy and use of a brace to strengthen and support the knee. Another patient may be suffering from chronic neck pain. The rehabilitation physician might prescribe medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief, as well as strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is a necessity, rehabilitation physicians work with patients and their surgeons before and after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other health care professionals, a rehabilitation physician is able to specially design a treatment program tailored to you.

Understanding and identifying your goals

Do you want to strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or walk up the stairs without being winded? A rehabilitation physician can work with you to determine realistic short- and long-term goals. Along the way, he or she will help you to find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if necessary.

How can I locate a rehabilitation physician?

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) represents more than 8,000 rehabilitation physicians. As a public service, AAPM&R provides listings of its member rehabilitation physicians by state.

THE SOCIETY AND REAHB

THE SOCIETY

The International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) is the result of the merger and integration of the International Rehabilitation Medicine Association (IRMA) and the International Federation of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (IFPM&R). The merger was accomplished and the ISPRM formed on 13 November, 1999.

The International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) serves as the global agency for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). As non-governmental organization (NGO) in relation with the World Health Organization (WHO), as an international umbrella organization of PRM physician, and as a catalyst for international PRM research, ISPRM has a humanitarian or civil societal, a professional, and a scientific mandate.

ISPRM thus aims to “continuously improve PRM practice and facilitate PRM input in international health organizations with the goal to contribute to optimal functioning and quality of life of people experiencing disability”.

Since its foundation in 1999 ISPRM has been increasingly successful in achieving its mission, both within PRM and through its collaboration with the WHO. With its emergence as the pre-eminent international scientific and educational society for practitioners in the field of PRM and its evolving policy role in collaboration with the WHO and the United Nations (UN).

MISSION & GOALS

The mission of the International Society for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) is to optimize functioning and health-related quality of life and minimize disability in persons with disabilities and medical problems throughout the world. 

Mission

• enabling physicians researchers active in physical and rehabilitation medicine to develop and apply optimal care

• strengthening the development and capacity of national organisations of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

• partnering with international organisations to develop and implement effective disability and policies

• promoting collaboration among governments, non-governmental organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities, business and others

Goals 

• To influence rehabilitation policies and activities of international organizations interested in the analysis of functional capacity and improvement of the individual quality of life.

• To help national professional organizations to influence national and local governments on issues related to the field of medical rehabilitation.

• To encourage and support the development of a comprehensive medical specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine.

• To develop appropriate models for physician training and, therefore, involvement and participation in the medical rehabilitation process ensuring that their level of training is optimal for the required community needs.

• To encourage a wide interest of physical and rehabilitation medicine in all physicians.

• To provide means to facilitate research activities and communication at the international level.

• To provide mechanisms to facilitate international exchange regarding different aspects of rehabilitation including disseminating information regarding rehabilitation related meetings.

Rehabilitation medicine

Rehabilitation medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and management of people with disabling medical conditions. Rehabilitation medicine physicians work with people with disabilities to reduce the impact of their disease or disability on their daily life, to prevent avoidable complications and to minimise the effects of changing disability.

Rehabilitation medicine serves two main groups of people: those with neurological disabilities and those with limb loss and other musculoskeletal impairments. Some of the conditions covered are: spinal and head injuries, amputation, stroke, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In childhood these may also include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, congenital limb disorders and muscular dystrophies.

Most aspects of rehabilitation medicine require a multidisciplinary team. There is also much overlap with colleagues in other specialties in neurological, neurosurgical, orthopaedic, palliative care, psychiatric, psychological, rheumatological, vascular and pain medicine, as well as paediatric and geriatric colleagues. Social services and other non-medical agencies are often involved in the rehabilitation process to ensure that suitable care continues outside the hospital.

This book provides comprehensive information for healthcare commissioning and service organisation of 28 medical specialties within the UK, and has now been updated to reflect the changes in the NHS commissioning arrangements since the enactment of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It is therefore an invaluable resource for the NHS clinical commissioning groups, hospital trusts, regional advisers, specialty leads and individual doctors, as well as government departments and leading healthcare bodies.

Along with key points for commissioners within each specialty chapter, the book also lays out specialty workforce requirements and job plans, patterns of clinical work and referral, interspecialty organisation and standards of healthcare provision, which will be of interest to aspiring and newly qualified consultant physicians in the UK and abroad.