General Medicine and Surgery

General Medicine and Surgery

Northwestern Medicine offers functional therapy during your hospitalization for general medicine and general surgery.

General medicine 

Any amount of time in the hospital may affect your ability to safely get in and out of bed, move from place to place and take care of yourself. Physical therapists provide general medicine services, including:

• Evaluation of functional mobility
• Development of exercise programs aimed to increase strength
• Help with using a cane or a walker until your pain has decreased and you are stronger

Occupational therapists provide education and training on energy conservation and performing self care tasks.

The physical and occupational therapists work as a team to develop an individualized treatment plan and discharge recommendations, taking into consideration your current functional status and home environment.

General surgery

After general surgery, you may have difficulty moving or performing daily activities due to painful incisions or weakness from decreased activity. Physical and occupational therapists can help you learn how to modify your movement and daily tasks to minimize pain and reduce your recovery time.

Physical therapists provide general surgery services, including:

• Evaluation of functional mobility
• Development of exercise programs aimed to increase strength
• Help with using a cane or a walker until your pain has decreased and you are stronger