A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is the result of a blow to the head in which the brain suffers damage. A number of complications can occur from a TBI that require both immediate and ongoing, long-term treatment, according to brainandspinalcord.org. Treatment is aimed at helping the patient work through disabilities so that he may live as independently as possible. For a patient to participate in rehabilitation, he must be able to complete exercises therapists provide. All components of rehabilitation work together to help the patient live a normal life.
Physical Therapy
According to Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, physical therapy helps a patient with a TBI gain strength, mobility and fitness. Physical therapy specifically targets the lower body in TBI patients. Thus, exercises focus on strengthening large muscles in the body core and legs. Exercises are meant to help a patient sit, maintain a sitting position, stand, maintain a standing position and walk. Furthermore, physical therapists can stretch limbs that are stiff or spastic, massage muscles and include ice and heat therapy into treatment plans. A patient must be able to fully participate in exercises in order to benefit from physical therapy. Over time, physical therapy will help a patient with a TBI move more independently.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that focuses mainly on upper body movements. Thus, occupational therapy will work muscle and improve flexibility in shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand, states The American Occupational Therapy Association. Working these muscles will allow a patient to work with his hands, eat, lift objects, groom himself and communicate. In addition, occupational therapists are involved in joint protection, sensory re-education, scar management, pain management and training for necessary assistive devices. Like physical therapy, a patient must be able to fully participate in occupational sessions to benefit.
Speech Therapy
Medline Plus states that speech therapy is also an integral part of a rehabilitation program. The role of speech therapy after a TBI is to help the patient with speaking, understanding, reading, writing and swallowing. Thus, speech therapy will improve communication and eating, or nutritional outcomes in a patient with a TBI. A patient must be motivated and have the ability to participate in speech therapy sessions.
