Rehabilitation or physical therapy is a form of treatment that aims to restore function to those recovering from an injury or surgery, as well as those with a physical impairment or disability. Exercise and physical manipulation, without the use of drugs or surgery, is often employed. There are many types of rehabilitation, including:

• physical therapy: a general term describing exercises and active movements meant to treat or recover from an injury, impairment or disability.
• occupational therapy: exercises and movements that improve dexterity, coordination, mobility and strength in the upper body with a focus on performing everyday tasks independently (opening a jar, brushing your teeth).
• speech-language therapy: techniques and exercises to treat language, articulation, eating and motor difficulties and weaknesses.
• massage: kneading and working muscles to improve performance and decrease risk of injury by assisting range of motion, recovery and circulation.
• Pilates: an exercise system or method emphasizing breathing and movements to strengthen the core (spine and pelvis), while creating strong, lean muscles and improving flexbility and joint mobility.
• acupuncture: an ancient form of treatment where small needles are inserted into specific points of the body to offer pain relief and treat chronic and acute diseases. Learn more about acupuncture.
• alternative medicine: nontraditional treatments that can include exercises like pilates and yoga, along with supplements, healing energy, diet and meditation.

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