Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation a Final Step Towards a Full Recovery

Rehabilitation serves as a critical step in recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions or improving overall physical function. For many, it opens the door to a better quality of life.

“Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty whose primary objective is restoring mobility, reducing pain and enhancing daily living skills for individuals facing physical challenges,” says Jose Mena, M.D., a board-certified physiatrist at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care. 

What Is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is a structured program designed to improve a patient’s function, mobility and strength following injury, surgery or the onset of a chronic condition, Dr. Mena explains. It is a comprehensive inpatient approach that often combines medical expertise, therapeutic exercises and assistive technology.

According to Dr. Mena, “Rehabilitation is not just about movement; it’s about enabling individuals to regain control and independence in their daily lives.” Programs are typically tailored to meet individual needs, whether addressing acute injuries or managing long-term conditions such as arthritis or neurological disorders.

What Are the Benefits of Rehabilitation?

The benefits of rehabilitation extend far beyond just pain alleviation, Dr. Mena emphasizes. Some key advantages include:

• Enhanced Physical Function: Strengthening muscles and improving mobility are core goals.
• Pain Management: Techniques like manual therapy, exercise and posture training help reduce chronic pain.
• Improved Quality of Life: By restoring independence, patients can return to work, leisure and family activities. 
• Prevention of Secondary Complications: Physical rehab reduces the risk of complications like muscle atrophy, balance issues or pressure sores. 

Dr. Mena adds, “With a personalized plan of care and the right support, patients can see measurable improvement—sometimes even exceeding their initial goals.”

How Does It Differ From Physical Therapy?

While PM&R and physical therapy share similarities, they are two different disciplines and are not interchangeable. Physical therapy focuses specifically on treating movement impairments through exercises, massage and other techniques.

PM&R, Dr. Mena explains, is a medical field that collaborates with physical therapy but also works alongside:

• Occupational Therapy: To improve functional independence in daily tasks. 
• Speech Therapy: For patients with communication or swallowing difficulties.
• Psychological Support: To address emotional well-being during recovery.

This holistic scope makes PM&R particularly effective for complex or multi-faceted conditions, says Dr. Mena.

Who Typically Needs Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

PM&R services are recommended for individuals facing a wide range of health conditions, such as:

• Post-Injury Recovery: Those healing from fractures, ligament tears or other injuries.
• Post-Surgical Care: Patients recovering from joint replacement, spinal surgery or cardiac procedures.
• Neurological Disorders: Physical rehab is crucial for conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
• Chronic Pain or Disability: People with arthritis, back disorders or movement restrictions often benefit significantly.

“A PM&R evaluation is especially valuable for conditions related to the spine and back, where specialized strategies make a tangible difference,” Dr. Mena notes.

What a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Team Looks Like

Baptist Health’s PM&R program employs physiatrists like Dr. Mena (physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) who oversee diagnostics, treatment planning, targeted injections and interdisciplinary referrals for a wide range of orthopedic issues to spinal and neurological injuries.

A comprehensive rehabilitation team typically includes a variety of professionals working together, such as:

• Physiatrists: Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• Physical Therapists: Experts in movement and mobility techniques.
• Occupational Therapists:  Focus on improving functional abilities.
• Speech and Language Pathologists: For patients facing communication challenges.
• Rehabilitation Nurses: Ensure continuity of care and provide education.
• Case Managers: Coordinate logistics, insurance and follow-up appointments.

“This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of recovery are addressed,” Dr. Mena says.

How Long Does Rehabilitation Usually Take?

The duration of rehabilitation can vary widely depending on the patient’s condition, goals and commitment to the program. Short-term programs may last several weeks, while recovery from severe injuries or surgeries may require months of PM&R.

Dr. Mena stresses that “progress is highly individualized, and consistent effort plays a crucial role in achieving results.”

What Treatments and Exercises Are Involved?

Baptist Health’s rehabilitation program is one of the region’s most comprehensive and uses the most advanced technology for treating patients, according to Dr. Mena.

Rehabilitation at Baptist Health typically includes a combination of treatments, such as:

• Therapeutic Exercises to enhance strength, flexibility and balance.
• Manual Therapy involving joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques.
• Assistive Devices like braces, walkers or orthotics for added support.
• Education on body mechanics and techniques to prevent re-injury.

Specialized interventions such as aquatic therapy or electrical stimulation may also be included to accelerate recovery. “Our programs adapt to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring functional and measurable results,” Dr. Mena explains.

Why Baptist Health for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

Baptist Health Orthopedic Care sets itself apart with a patient-centered focus that combines cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment plans.

Benefits for PM&R evaluations for patients at Baptist Health include:

• Specialized Expertise: Highly trained professionals in spine and back disorders, led by experts such as Dr. Mena.
• Advanced Facilities: State-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive care centers.
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• Collaborative Care Approach: Close coordination among physicians, therapists and support staff.
• Focus on Outcomes: Proven success in improving mobility, reducing pain and enhancing recovery times.

“Our team combines medical expertise with empathy and innovation to provide the best possible care,” says Dr. Mena.

Expanding Inpatient Rehabilitation at Baptist Health

Multidisciplinary comprehensive rehabilitationcare is available at Baptist Health Homestead Hospital’s 23-bed CARF-accredited rehabilitation unit, which offers specialized care in stroke, brain injury and cancer rehabilitation, among others. It is equipped with advanced rehabilitation technology like gait-training systems, walking exoskeletons, virtual reality environments and simulated real-world environments to support recovery.

Similarly, The Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine at Bethesda Hospital East, part of Baptist Health, has been providing high-quality, comprehensive rehabilitation services to the Palm Beach community for two decades. The Institute, led by medical director Marcalee Alexander, M.D., physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, also part of Baptist Health, offers expert occupational, physical and speech therapy; rehab nursing; and case management, as well as all other services provided at Bethesda Hospital.

In addition, Baptist Health’s new 100,000-square-foot Rehabilitation Hospital, its first dedicated inpatient rehabilitation hospital, being developed in partnership with LifePoint Rehabilitation, is expected to open in South Miami in 2026. The new facility, which will include a parking garage and 62 inpatient rooms (expandable to 92), will serve patients with brain, spinal cord, orthopedic, stroke and select cardiac and oncology conditions.

“Rehabilitation can be life-changing, offering a path forward for those coping with injury, illness or chronic conditions,” says Dr. Mena. The expertise, compassion and resources at Baptist Health ensure that patients receive the highest level of care on their road to recovery.”

Click here for more information Baptist Health Orthopedic Care or to schedule a consultation with a Baptist Health orthopedic specialist.

Jose Mena, M.D., a board-certified physiatrist with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care

Marcalee Alexander, M.D., physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Marcus Neuroscience Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and medical director of The Cornell Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine at Bethesda Hospital East, both a part of Baptist Health