Orthopedic rehabilitation looks different for everyone based on your condition, goals, and abilities. Your healthcare team creates a personalized treatment program and adjusts it according to your recovery along the way. Although it differs for everyone, rehab does follow a natural progression to maximize your recovery. First, the extent of your illness or injury determines whether rehabilitation would be best on an outpatient basis or through a post-acute inpatient program. Inpatient rehab is typically recommended in more complex situations, while outpatient rehab may be recommended for minor injuries.

For example, someone recovering from a surgical amputation due to diabetes complications may be best served through a post-acute inpatient program while someone with a shoulder fracture may easily be treated through outpatient visits.