Pharmacological and Physical Therapies in Rehabilitation: A Collaborative Perspective

Over the past few decades, rehabilitation science has undergone a profound
transformation: from a largely siloed discipline concerned mainly with
restoring physical capability to an integrated, multidisciplinary field
characterized by evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and
collaborative decision-making. Rehabilitation professionals today work in
ever more complex clinical environment where pharmacologic agents,
physical activity and exercise, and technology converge to promote
function, to decrease disability and to improve the quality of life.
Pharmacological and Physical Therapies in Rehabilitation: A Collaborative
Perspective was written to address the gap in knowledge that exists
between the disciplines of pharmacology and physical rehabilitation
practice. Though, each domain has their own depth in standards and
sophistication, the ideal patient outcome occurs with the context that
clinicians have an understanding of how the therapeutic strategies actually
complement—and usually influence—each other. The reasons are multiple
but organized strategy is required in the management of pain, spasticity,
inflammation, neuromuscular disorders, cardiopulmonary dysfunction,
orthopedic and chronic disease affecting mobility and functional status.
We want to provide a full resource to health professionals, students and
researchers, which encompasses:
Core pharmacological practices applicable to rehabilitation
This article reviews common drugs in use including their mechanism,
indication and adverse effects Physical therapy modalities like exercise therapy, electrotherapy, manual
therapy, therapeutic technologies, functional training
Integrated models of interprofessional collaboration that provide seamless
patient care.
Examples from various theatres of practice demonstrating practical
applications
At every stage in this book, readers will see evidence-based practice,
interprofessional collaboration, and moral obligation to provide safe and
effective care. Written at the appropriate level of clarity, with clinical
relevance and scientific rigor each chapter is designed to benefit students
beginning their journey, practicing clinicians fine tuning their skills, and
researchers pursuing creative new rehabilitation pathways.
With ongoing innovations in pharmacology, artificial intelligence,
regenerative medicine, and individualized rehabilitation, the demand for
integrated treatment strategies will continue to increase. Perhaps not just an
academic reference but also a prompt, we hope the text can stimulate some
collaborative thinking, and innovative practice.
We also thank the clinicians, educators, and other experts who have
contributed to this work and offer our heartfelt gratitude. This book has
been made possible by their dedication to the improvement of
rehabilitation science. Finally, we thank patients who, through their
resilience and trust, and willingness to teach us, have enabled our respective
journeys of learning and reflection, so that we might continue to improve
the science and practice of anesthesia. We hope that this book will aid in
the education of clinicians to be competent but also collaborative,
comprehensive, and perspective-based in their approach to rehabilitation.