Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Getting you moving again
People who have had joint replacement surgery, bone trauma, a musculoskeletal injury, or a degenerative joint disease often have limited function and mobility, pain and other complications. The orthopedic rehabilitation specialists at UF Health Rehab Hospital help individuals like you recover the skills, strength and strategies to confidently resume their daily activities.
A male and female therapist help a male patient get out of his wheelchair.

The UF Health Difference

Where a person goes for treatment can make all the difference in their recovery. Studies1 show that those treated in a specialized rehabilitation hospital – like UF Health Rehab Hospital – have greater improvement, fewer complications and return home sooner than patients at nursing facilities. We provide the comprehensive program of medical, nursing and therapy care that can make a difference in your recovery.

  • UF Health Rehab Hospital draws on the expertise of medical rehabilitation specialists to address the range of physical and functional issues that occur following injury, joint replacement or other bone-related conditions.

    This interdisciplinary team is led by a physiatrist, a physician board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and includes rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, and recreation therapists; prosthetists; neuropsychologists; dietitians; pharmacists; case managers and other clinical and support staff, as needed.

    In addition, your family members are an important part of the care team. They may be asked to participate in therapy sessions to understand your condition and how to help support you.

  • Because every patient is different and has varied challenges, goals and expectations, treatment will be tailored to your individual needs to help:
    • Restore physical abilities
    • Build strength and endurance
    • Minimize pain
    • Improve balance and mobility
    • Enhance skills to perform daily activities
    • Avoid complications
    • Optimize independence
  • Your therapy sessions will include hands-on activities with some aided by high-tech therapy equipment. Sessions will be provided three hours per day, five days a week or 15 hours over a seven-day period, depending on your tolerance and ability to actively participate.

    Your care plan may focus on:

    • Mobility skills training such as transfers, standing and/or walking
    • Strengthening, coordination and endurance exercises
    • Tactics to improve communication, swallowing and/or vision
    • Daily living activities such as dressing, eating and bathing
    • Strategies to improve memory, concentration, judgment and problem solving
    • Medication management
    • Community reintegration strategies
    • Caregiver education and training

    It’s important to remember that recovery takes time. Each patient is different and your stay with us will depend on your diagnosis, rehabilitation needs and goals and daily progress.

James sitting up in his hospital bed and two male therapists standing behind him.
Our patients say it best
James' story
“The therapy team really encourages you and pushes you to meet your full potential.”

How can we help you? 

We will work closely with you, your family, physician and/or the referring hospital to ensure a smooth transition to UF Health Rehab Hospital for your recovery. 

1Assessment of Patient Outcomes of Rehabilitative Care Provided in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) and After Discharge. Dobson DaVanzo & Associates, LLC. 2014.