Whether you need rehabilitative care after time spent in hospital or rehabilitation treatment to prevent hospital admission. You can receive physiotherapy treatment for rehabilitation as an outpatient.

Outpatient physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation. The most common type of outpatient rehabilitation is that which restores the patient’s mobility, strength, and function.

In this article, we will provide information on what outpatient physiotherapy care is, the benefits of outpatient treatment. Plus, detail what you can do as an outpatient to improve and increase your recovery whilst receiving physiotherapy.

What is outpatient physiotherapy care? 

Outpatient physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that is carried out in a designated clinic within a hospital, private clinic, GP practices, care homes or within your own home.

A chartered physiotherapist is assigned to you and will offer advice and exercises to help improve your condition.

Outpatient rehabilitation physiotherapy can help you recover from injuries sustained through accidents, surgery, illness, and ageing.

It's also useful for those who need rehabilitation after an event such as a heart attack or stroke. To receive the benefits of outpatient treatment, you may be referred for physiotherapy by your GP, self-referral or referred as an inpatient.

Why is outpatient rehabilitation care necessary? 

Outpatient physiotherapy is necessary for patients who want to avoid going into or remaining in hospital whilst still being able to access the care they need to recover.

Outpatient rehabilitation is beneficial as it allows you to continue your day-to-day life without interruption. 

As a result of the modern need to treat injuries and ailments in a less restrictive, more comfortable setting; outpatient rehabilitation programs are facilitated by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. 

This way you’re able to be seen when necessary, take care of your children and continue with school or work commitments whilst undergoing physiotherapy treatment.

The benefits of outpatient treatment 

Outpatient rehabilitation, or outpatient physiotherapy, is given for many different health conditions such as injuries, mental health disorders and chronic diseases.

Outpatient rehabilitation can provide faster progress and shorter-term therapy than inpatient therapy.

Some benefits of outpatient treatment include:

• gives more flexibility with your schedule

• you’re more relaxed and committed to exercises

• recovery time is typically shorter

Undergoing outpatient physiotherapy treatment helps to reduce chronic pain, fatigue, restriction and recovery. Also improving your overall physical and general mental health.

What can outpatient physiotherapy treat? 

Outpatient rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with chronic or acute conditions that need more than short-term treatment.

There are many things that outpatient physiotherapy can help with. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you return to your normal life as quickly as possible.

Some of the conditions outpatient physiotherapy is used to treat:

• Musculoskeletal conditions

• Repetitive strain injury

• Sporting injuries

• Respiratory problems

• Effects of circulatory problems

• Mobility treatment for elderly 

Whether referred by the hospital, GP or self-referred. Outpatient physiotherapy covers a wide spectrum of ailments, injuries, diseases and disabilities.

How are outpatient physiotherapy sessions facilitated? 

Your initial outpatient physiotherapy sessions will focus on finding out about your 

• Physical history

• Current condition 

• How it affects your daily life 

• Your immediate needs

• Intended goal

Your outpatient physiotherapist is responsible for your continual assessment, planning and executing treatment programs, and providing/relaying any information of progress or concern to you.

Generally, there are three major types of outpatient rehabilitation sessions: a short course, regular follow-up/maintenance, or a long course.

Short course rehabilitation sessions 

Short courses are designed for patients who require specific treatment but don't need to attend the clinic on a regular basis.

Regular follow-up and maintenance 

Regular follow-ups are for patients who will need regular check-ups to keep their condition under control. 

Long course rehabilitation sessions 

Long courses are often used when it's not possible for patients with chronic conditions to come into the clinic regularly due to physical restrictions, work or other commitments that they have outside of home or work.

Outpatient physiotherapy can be done in the privacy of your home or in one of our clinics. Our physiotherapist will work with you to create a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs and situation.

Your therapist will be able to prescribe exercises, recommend home modifications, provide education on self-management, and make referrals if needed.

Outpatient physiotherapy is typically administered in 30-60 minute sessions, 1-3 times per week for as long as necessary after illness, injury or surgery.

What can an outpatient do to help improve or increase recovery? 

Our physiotherapists will prescribe exercises to be carried out in the physiotherapy sessions.

Yet to yield greater recovery extra input from you outside of the designated physiotherapy sessions is highly recommended.

Exercises can be done at home, in a gym or in the workplace with the advice of a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. 

Help the muscles to recover faster 

Physical exercise can improve the physical condition of your muscles. You can do this by performing basic exercises that are agreed upon by your physiotherapist. These exercises will help your muscles recover faster and reduce the risk of further injury.

Improving recovery after illness, injury or surgery

Exercises are important for those who are recovering from any illness, injury or surgery and also for those who are healthy but want to improve their physical fitness.

Physiotherapy and physical activity help you improve your mental health, sleep quality, and weight control. It also helps manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Extra rehabilitation exercises 

Depending on your physical limitations or the severity of your injury. There are extra exercises you may wish to perform to assist your physiotherapy sessions.

We’re not encouraging being teachers (physiotherapist) pets, but a few extra brownie points in outpatient rehabilitation can’t hurt!

Exercises that are good for rehabilitation include:

• Cycling is a low impact exercise and a great way to get a cardio workout. It is also a wonderful way to increase leg strength.

• Swimming is also superb for rehabilitation, it causes less stress on the joints and spine than other more strenuous forms of exercise. The low forces, combined with the buoyancy of the water, create lower pressure on the joints. 

• Walking is an excellent form of exercise for rehabilitation. It's low impact, which means it's friendly to joints and bones, and studies have shown that it can even help with weight loss.

CK Physio outpatient rehabilitation services 

CK Physio understands the need for you to receive the best treatment to help you get back to enjoying your everyday activities and more.

The CK Physio team consists of highly qualified physiotherapists with years of experience in the industry. Our physios are highly skilled professionals who are passionate about providing quality care for all their patients.

We offer a range of outpatient rehabilitation services for people dealing with pain and injury, including:

• Outpatient physiotherapy

• Manipulative therapy

• Pain assessment and management

• Electrotherapy

Contact us today to discuss the best course of action for your physiotherapy programme to receive multiple benefits of outpatient treatment.

Use our online booking form to secure your initial physiotherapy assessment, offered virtually for your safety and precautionary measures.