A stroke can be a life-changing event for stroke survivors as well as their loved ones and caregivers. But quality rehabilitation that begins early after survival can preserve function and cognition to return people to independence and the activities they enjoy.

Jeanna Conder, OTR/L, MBA, Senior Director of Clinical Operations for RehabCare offered real-life solutions for treating patients with mental health conditions at this year's AOTA Annual Conference & Expo in Nashville.

Learning to use a prosthesis takes time, great effort, strength, patience and willpower. What you will be able to do while wearing a prosthesis will depend partly on the level of your amputation. The best prosthesis in the world will never be as good as your own natural limb, but when combined with your patience and willpower, it can HELP you do whatever you want to do.

Each year, approximately 30,000–40,000 lower extremity amputations are performed in the United States. 30% of lower extremity amputations are performed above the knee (AKA), and 70% are performed below the knee (BKA). In every instance, intensive and specialized rehabilitation is required to adjust to a prosthesis and adapt in order to return to activities of daily living and the hobbies a patient enjoyed prior to surgery.

After discharge, there are times when our patients want to maximize the success of their rehabilitation by having continued access to the state-of-the-art equipment that helped them recover. A therapy maintenance program can be a great way for orthopedic patients to continue self-care and preserve regained function on one’s own time, under the supervision and counsel of trained therapists.

Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) recently introduced the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act (H.R. 775) last week in support of a permanent solution to the therapy cap issue that threatens patient access to essential care.

Approximately 332,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year. Hip replacements are among the most common and effective surgeries in orthopedics, and quality rehabilitation following surgery returns restores function for patients whose activities have become limited by difficulties with walking.

Total knee replacement can be a good option for individuals with a deteriorating knee joint and progressive pain. Learn exactly what knee replacement entails and what to expect following surgery.

Experts offer common sense strategies for mitigating "text neck," the spinal problems that can result from looking down at our phones.

When it comes to rehabilitation, patients often have the option to choose who they trust with their recovery. Patients can research and interview therapists and rehabilitation providers to make sure they feel confident about the care they are going to receive. As the first installation in this series about selecting the best therapists and as part of Physical Therapy Month, Mary Moretti, DPT, PT, Director of Clinical Operations for RehabCare shares tips for selecting a great physical therapist and provider.