Who works in rehabilitation?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Shannon Sproule | Published: 25 September 2017 | Updated: ~

A team of health care professionals and specialists works in collaboration with an individual and their family members to meet the goals and objectives of Rehabilitation.

Physical therapists helping a person regain walking function with an exoskeleton.¹³

Physiatrists

(Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians)

are medical doctors who specialize in rehabilitation and provide care to individuals with SCI. They help determine if an individual should participate in rehabilitation and treat many of their physical issues.

Specialist Physicians

offer consultation and specialized treatment related to SCI. These include General Surgeons, Neurologists (nervous system), Urologists (urinary system), Plastic Surgeons (restoration or reconstruction), Orthopedic Surgeons (bone, muscle, and joint), and Neurosurgeons (nerve and brain).

Nurses

provide consultation services and various forms of direct care such as pain management, bowel and bladder routine management, wound management, and skin care.

Pharmacists

specialize in the management of medications. They prepare and dispense medications, and provide consultation services to patients and other professionals.

Physical therapists

(Physiotherapists, PTs)

specialize in helping people to maximize their movement and functional independence. Physiotherapists work with individuals on mobility skills like transfers, walking, wheelchair skills, arm movements, the treatment of wounds and pain, and may also prescribe mobility devices.

Occupational therapists

(OTs)

specialize in helping people to meet their goals for daily living and functional activities. Occupational therapists work with individuals on developing techniques for daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and eating. They also assess the safety and accessibility of living spaces and prescribe equipment like wheelchairs and braces.

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs)

specialize in improving speech and swallowing ability, dealing with problems associated with breathing assistance during mechanical ventilation and tracheostomies, and developing communication skills.

Therapy assistants (Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Assistants, Rehabilitation Assistants)

work under the supervision of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. During rehabilitation, they may assist with sitting, self-care, and other therapy tasks.

Respiratory therapists (RTs)

specialize in

cardiopulmonary

(heart and lungs) treatments related to oxygen delivery, suctioning, and mechanical ventilation.

Recreation therapists

specialize in developing the abilities needed to participate in leisure activities.

Peer mentors can offer emotional support and practical advice on living with a SCI.¹⁴

Social workers

specialize in the provision of community resources, support, and counseling related to recovery from mental disorders, and may assist in planning care after hospitalization.

Psychologists

specialize in the provision of mental health assessments, counselling and psychotherapy for mental disorders, and additional support in coping with psychological or emotional problems.

Dieticians

specialize in managing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups. They are also involved in meal planning, nutritional assessment and dietary education.

Sexual health clinicians

specialize in assisting individuals with a meaningful sexual life after illness or injury.

Spiritual care professionals (Chaplains)

provide counselling related to spiritual, emotional or religious needs.

Vocational rehabilitation counsellors

assist individuals in returning to work.

A

peer mentor

is a person with SCI who provides support during rehabilitation by describing their own experiences in adjusting to life after SCI.