Doctors know what symptoms to expect in a patient that has sustained a particular injury. Sometimes though, that same patient develops unanticipated symptoms. That is a sign that a complication has arisen.
A complication makes a given injury worse.
Some injuries, such as a broken bone, lead to immobilization of the affected body part. That can invite the development of certain complications. For instance, the patient’s muscles might lose their normal range of motion. Alternately, those same muscles might show a diminished level of strength. At the same time, the immobilization could reduce the level of blood that is flowing to the immobilized region.
Other injuries must be corrected by surgery. A patient that has undergone surgery does not feel inclined to get out of bed. Still, such movement can work to prevent the development of some sort of complication.
For instance, prolonged bed rest could lead to a contraction of the muscles. It could also trigger changes in the patient’s posture. In addition, it might alter the same person’s nerves. That would make it possible for the affected person to suffer a loss of coordination. Imagine what could happen if someone has a diminished level of coordination. He or she is more apt to fall. Obviously, someone that could fall easily would be in a position to get injured more readily.
The role of rehabilitation in reducing the number of complications
Physical therapy helps to keep the muscles moving. That reduces the chances for development of any of the problems named in the previous section. It lowers the chances that that the muscles might contract or lose their strength. Hence, it increases the chances that the patient will enjoy a complete recovery.
The role of the patient’s friends and family
Personal Injury Lawyer in Kitchener knows that doctors know that an injured patient, or one recovering from surgery does not find it easy to get out of bed. Still, a patient’s refusal to carry out such actions invites the appearance of an unwanted symptom. That same symptom is indicative of the appearance of a complication.
Friends and family have the ability to encourage certain patients to get out of bed, if only to sit in a chair. If possible, a friend or family member should keep a patient occupied, while sitting. A friend or family member could also accompany a patient that is scheduled to go to spend time with a physical therapist. Such assistance can lower the chances for any complication to arise. Thus, a worsening of a particular injury cannot be attributed to the patient’s own actions. If the insurance company cannot find any evidence of such a link, then it must agree to cover the worsened injury’s added costs.