Inpatient physical therapy takes place in a dedicated facility where the patient will live during treatment. This option is most appropriate for those who need extensive, long-term physical therapy, and in many cases, therapy will be a lifelong process. Inpatient facilities offer many amenities, round-the-clock care, and hours of dedicated therapy services every day. For joint replacement therapy, inpatient rehab provides an option for a faster and more complete recovery. Inpatient rehab physical therapy also provides the best possible environment for recovery from a stroke. This type of therapy is typically reserved for complex rehabilitative needs, such as a serious injury or a medically complicated condition. At an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, patients receive at least three hours of therapy five days a week to help them regain their independence after a life-changing injury or illness.
On the other hand, outpatient physical therapy is often the best choice for those who do not need extensive, long-term physical therapy. Outpatient programs offer the same types of therapy and similarly skilled therapists as inpatient facilities. They deliver measurable results in terms of strength and range-of-motion and provide patients with a greater sense of independence. Outpatient rehabilitation services require only 2 or 3 days per week for therapy sessions that last 30 minutes to an hour.
