A complete look at rehabilitation support in Fukushima Prefecture! A detailed explanation of the recovery period and types of home training | column | 日常で気軽に実践できる片麻痺のリハビリ方法や機能を低下させない生活習慣などを解説

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation refers to training and support to restore physical and mental functions that have been impaired by illness, disability, or accident. In Japan, it is often abbreviated to "rehab," but its official name is "rehabilitation," and it means "returning to an appropriate state." This is a broad concept that goes beyond simple "exercise training" and includes support for the recovery of physical functions, daily living functions, and social functions.

In Fukushima Prefecture, the community-based rehabilitation system is being strengthened in response to the aging population and increasing medical needs. The targets of rehabilitation are a wide range, from the elderly, stroke patients, people with fractures, dementia patients, and children with developmental disabilities, and each has different goals.

The main goals of rehabilitation can be broadly divided into four points: recovery of basic movements, regaining activities of daily living (ADL), supporting return to society and work, and improving mental independence and quality of life (QOL).

To achieve these goals, a multi-disciplinary team approach is being implemented, involving physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech-language-hearing therapists (STs), doctors, nurses, care workers, etc. This team approach has been standardized in many hospitals in Fukushima Prefecture, and plays an important role in the comprehensive community care system.

Below is a table classifying rehabilitation objectives by area.

Rehabilitation field	Examples of main target users	Example of purpose	Support profession
medical	After stroke, fracture, or cancer treatment	Recovery of motor and language functions	Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language-hearing therapists
social	Elderly and disabled people	Ensuring opportunities to participate in society and go outside	Consultation support staff/Regional comprehensive support center staff
educational	Children with developmental disorders, polio, etc.	Adaptation to self-expression and learning	Special needs educator/psychologist
professional	Adults with accidents and disabilities	Work style innovation and employment support	Employment transition support staff/vocational rehabilitation specialists

In this way, rehabilitation is not just "muscle training" or "training," but also has a strong aspect of being "social support to help people live life the way they want to." If you are considering rehabilitation in Fukushima Prefecture, it is important to first clarify your goals and wishes, and then choose a facility with an appropriate support system in place.

Types of rehabilitation in Fukushima Prefecture

When undergoing rehabilitation in Fukushima Prefecture, it is very important to understand "where" and "what kind of support" you will receive. The content, duration, and cost of rehabilitation vary greatly depending on the location and method of rehabilitation, so the patient and their family must make the most appropriate choice.

Rehabilitation can be broadly divided into four types: inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, home visit rehabilitation, and day care rehabilitation (day care).

The table below compares the characteristics of various rehabilitation services available in Fukushima Prefecture.

kinds	Main target	Location	Features	Examples of support
Inpatient rehabilitation	Acute and recovery stages after stroke, fractures, and cancer surgery	Specialized hospitals/general hospitals	Intensive training by multiple professions under the supervision of a doctor	Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional guidance
Outpatient Rehabilitation	Maintenance phase patients after discharge	Hospitals and Clinics	Continue training by visiting the hospital several times a week	Maintaining function and preventing recurrence
Home visit rehabilitation	Elderly people and those requiring care who have difficulty going to the hospital	one's home	A physical therapist visits the home and provides at-home training	Walking training, lifestyle guidance, and environmental improvement advice
Day rehabilitation	People who need support or nursing care	Daycare facilities	Half-day to full-day training available with transportation	Daily living training, bathing, meals, recreation, etc.

In this way, in Fukushima Prefecture, it is possible to choose from a wide variety of services while utilizing both the medical insurance and nursing care insurance systems.

What is the recovery phase? How is it different from the acute phase and daily living phase?

When undergoing rehabilitation, the first thing you need to understand is the meaning and role of the "recovery phase." Medical rehabilitation is divided into three stages: acute phase, recovery phase, and living phase, and each has a clear purpose and treatment policy.

The acute phase is the stage immediately after the onset of an illness or injury, during which intensive medical intervention is carried out to save lives. Patients are mainly treated in advanced acute care wards at university hospitals and general hospitals, with surgery, intravenous drips, and intensive care unit care being the main focus. Meanwhile, rehabilitation is only provided as a supplement, and full-scale training aimed at improving physical function is not provided.

After completing acute treatment, patients move on to the "recovery phase." At rehabilitation hospitals for the recovery phase, the goal is to restore physical functions and daily living abilities that have been impaired by illness or injury, and to help patients return to their original lifestyles as closely as possible. During this period, a team of specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists, will create individual rehabilitation programs for each patient. This is a particularly important place of recovery for patients with higher brain dysfunction or motor disorders, such as hemiplegia after a stroke or difficulty walking after a femur fracture.

The final stage of living refers to the stage where patients are supported to live at home or in a facility after completing rehabilitation. During this stage, support such as at-home rehabilitation, day rehabilitation, and visiting rehabilitation is utilized, and emphasis is placed on preventing recurrence and maintaining quality of life (QOL).

The table below compares the differences between each phase.

Differences in the goals of each medical phase and facilities/rehabilitation

Medical Stage	Main Objective	Main Facilities	The role of rehabilitation
acute stage	Sustaining life and stabilizing symptoms	Acute care hospital	Supportive (maintaining range of motion, etc.)
Recovery period	Improve physical function and activities of daily living	Rehabilitation Hospital	Intensive and multidisciplinary training
life period	Continuing support for rehabilitation and living at home	Home care, day care, and facilities	Maintenance, recurrence prevention, and improved QOL

Explains the length of hospital stay, post-discharge support system, and transfer process

When considering admission to a rehabilitation hospital, the specific steps are of concern, such as "how long can I stay in the hospital?" and "will there be support after I leave the hospital?" In fact, if you choose the wrong rehabilitation hospital, you may not receive appropriate support and your risk of being readmitted to hospital may increase.

First, regarding the length of hospital stay, this is mainly determined by the medical fee system called disease-specific rehabilitation fee. For example, the maximum length of hospital stay is 180 days for cerebrovascular disease and 90 days for femoral fractures. However, depending on the patient's condition, an extension may be allowed, and this is determined according to the doctor's diagnosis and the degree of recovery.

Estimated length of hospital stay by disease

Target diseases	Standard hospital stay (guideline)
Stroke and higher brain dysfunction	Approximately 150 to 180 days
Femur and spine fractures	Approximately 90 days
Surgery (heart, abdomen, etc.)	Approximately 90 days
Disuse syndrome (prolonged bedriddenness)	Approximately 90 days

Next, the post-discharge support system is also an important point when choosing a hospital. A good rehabilitation hospital will have a social worker (medical counselor) and a discharge coordination nurse on staff who will work with the care manager before you are discharged to make arrangements for nursing care insurance services, home renovations, home visit rehabilitation, etc.

In practice, many hospitals offer a combination of the following types of support:

Main support provided upon discharge

Support details	Content Example
Pre-discharge visit guidance	Check the actual home environment and evaluate steps, handrail installation, etc.
Housing renovation and welfare equipment introduction	Rental and purchase suggestions for wheelchairs, beds, handrails, etc.
Introduction of home rehabilitation services	Physiotherapists and occupational therapists visit patients at home to continue their training
Day rehabilitation information	Accompanying visitors to day care facilities and arranging for service use
Care manager collaboration	Providing information necessary for creating nursing care insurance plans and providing coordination support

Benefits and case studies of rehabilitation equipment that can be used at home

Rehabilitation equipment that can be used at home is a great hope for elderly people and people with physical disabilities who have difficulty going out. Even in cases where it is difficult to go to a hospital or training at a facility, if an environment is created where rehabilitation can be carried out safely at home, the quality of life can be greatly improved.

In particular, equipment that supports self-training is easy to naturally incorporate into daily life and helps establish a continuous exercise habit. For example, equipment specialized for a specific function is selected depending on the purpose of strengthening the muscles in the legs and hips or increasing the range of motion of the shoulders. These devices are highly specialized technologies used in medical settings that have been adapted for home use, and their safety and effectiveness have been evaluated.

Another reassuring factor is that the training can be done within the range of family members' supervision. The quality of rehabilitation is maintained by regular advice from rehabilitation professionals, and the training content is evaluated and revised. Some local governments have subsidy systems for the introduction of equipment, and systems have been established that allow participants to participate while keeping the financial burden low.

The table below summarizes the characteristics and purpose of rehabilitation assistive devices used in homes in Fukushima Prefecture.

Function details	Main target audience	Expected effects
Continuous leg exercise support	Elderly people with reduced lower limb strength	Maintaining muscle strength, reducing the risk of falling, and promoting blood circulation
Support for joint movement of upper limbs and shoulders	Those with hemiplegia or contracture	Improved movement, increased range of motion, and improved daily activities
Assistive movements that reduce strain on muscles	Those with spinal cord injuries or neuromuscular diseases	Stabilizing posture, strengthening continuity of training, and psychological support for independence
A training device that reconstructs the sense of balance	Elderly people and those with Parkinson's disease	Prevent falls, stabilize trunk, and improve walking ability

As these examples of implementation show, home equipment is not just for medical facilities, but is becoming established as a support tool for everyday life. The key to implementation is to select equipment that matches the purpose of the training and the physical condition of the individual. The key to success is to select equipment in cooperation with caregivers and physical therapists, and to continue to record and evaluate the training.

Examples of use in medical facilities

In Fukushima Prefecture, many medical facilities have introduced advanced rehabilitation equipment and power assist technology to help patients recover their physical functions and return to their daily lives. These devices enable scientifically based training, such as repetitive training of precise movements that are difficult to do manually, and visualization of recovery status through measurement functions.

A multidisciplinary team of doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language-hearing therapists, etc. work together to design optimal training programs for each patient. The assistive technology introduced not only maximizes the effects of rehabilitation, but also helps reduce the physical burden on medical staff.

Some facilities are introducing assistive technology specialized for higher brain dysfunction and motor disorders, and are taking a multifaceted approach that also incorporates mental rehabilitation to improve concentration, memory, and judgment. Furthermore, with the ability to measure effectiveness through remote monitoring and cloud-based data management, the environment is expanding in which patients can enthusiastically engage in training while checking their own progress.

The table below introduces the purpose and characteristics of medical facilities in Fukushima Prefecture that have introduced rehabilitation support equipment.

Purpose of use	Utilization details	Features
Lower limb muscle recovery/walking support	Mechanical assistance for walking training	Repeating correct walking movements and improving early recovery
Rehabilitation for higher brain dysfunction	Concentration and memory training using digital devices	Brain function activation program using VR and tablets
Multi-joint strength training	Joint training with automatic control function	Individual programs can be set according to recovery level
Speech training and vocal rehabilitation	Conversation training with voice recognition	Continuous speaking evaluation and training support in collaboration with speech-language-hearing therapists

The use of assistive devices in such medical facilities allows for planned training based on medical evidence, and provides comprehensive support that takes into account not only treatment but also the patient's lifestyle after the treatment. Patients can actually feel that they can "walk now" or "speak more smoothly" because data management and regular evaluations are firmly built in.

In Fukushima Prefecture, options for rehabilitation support are expanding not only in medical facilities but also at home. In particular, with the aging population, interest in home training and independent functional recovery is growing, and examples of the introduction of assistive devices that can be used at home are attracting attention. By making it possible to carry out movement training that is closely related to daily life, the quality of daily life improves, and people can have hope of participating in activities in the local community again.

Additionally, medical institutions in Fukushima Prefecture are increasingly introducing assistive devices and power assists, creating an environment in which physical functions can be maintained and improved during rehabilitation. Physical therapists and occupational therapists provide individual support, with programs tailored to the patient's physical condition and lifestyle goals. The use of assistive devices based on medical evidence helps to improve the quality of rehabilitation, and the system allows patients to feel at ease when undergoing rehabilitation, which is also appealing.

Many people are worried that the costs will be higher than expected and that they don't know where to get help, but Fukushima Prefecture has established a system of government support and cooperation with local medical institutions. For example, by utilizing the Regional Comprehensive Support Center and the long-term care insurance system, it is possible to reduce the cost burden at the time of introducing equipment and receive appropriate guidance and evaluation.

If left untreated, this can lead to an increased risk of falls in daily life and increased dependency on nursing care, but by choosing the appropriate support now, these losses can be prevented. Making the most of local resources and choosing the rehabilitation support that is best suited for you and your family is the first step in protecting your future health and independence.

Q. What is the process for receiving home rehabilitation in Fukushima Prefecture?
A. To use home rehabilitation services in Fukushima Prefecture, you must first obtain a prescription from your doctor. After that, procedures are carried out through a care manager or the Regional Comprehensive Support Center. Before the service begins, a specialist such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist will visit you to evaluate your physical function and check your living environment, and create an individual training plan. Home rehabilitation services do not only provide functional training, but also include guidance on daily living activities and improving your living environment as important support.

Q. How long can I stay in a rehabilitation hospital?
A. The length of hospitalization at a rehabilitation hospital for the recovery phase varies depending on the illness and recovery status, but in general, rehabilitation after a stroke or femur fracture is expected to last several months. During hospitalization, comprehensive training combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc. is provided, and preparations for discharge are made according to the patient's degree of recovery and living environment. Even after discharge, continuous support is provided until the living stage by utilizing day rehabilitation and visiting rehabilitation.

Q. What kind of support is available for home rehabilitation?
A. Fukushima Prefecture has a system in place for providing rehabilitation support that can be carried out at home. In addition to visiting support from physical therapists and occupational therapists, they also provide instruction on therapeutic exercise and stretching, and training in activities of daily living. They also create exercise menus to make it easier for users to continue their self-training, and regularly follow up to monitor the progress of their physical functions, helping to maintain the motivation of users and allowing them to continue their rehabilitation safely.

Q. I would like to start rehabilitation in Fukushima Prefecture. Who should I consult?
A. If you wish to undergo rehabilitation, in Fukushima Prefecture it is recommended that you first consult with your family doctor or a local comprehensive support center. Depending on the content of your consultation, you will be connected to appropriate medical and nursing care resources, such as hospitals with rehabilitation departments or local home rehabilitation centers. In addition, there is a system in place to develop individual support plans with the involvement of specialists such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists, depending on the level of disability and living environment. Early consultation will lead to a better living environment and the maintenance of function.

Customer 1: We appreciate your help in renting the power assist.
Thanks to you, my husband's fingers, which used to be clenched, can now be straightened. It will take some time before he can move them freely, but we will keep trying. The same goes for his ankles, and he can walk a lot better now. thank you very much.

User 2: About two years ago, I was in a traffic accident and suffered brain damage that left me paralyzed in both hands.
It has been eight months since I started using the Power Assist Hand in April, and now I can make rock-paper-scissors.

User 3: Continues rehabilitation every day using the power-assisted hand. Maybe it's because the blood circulation in my right hand has improved, but I feel like the nails on my right hand are growing faster than before. It's a big change. The cold weather is about to get even more severe, so I would like to continue with rehabilitation and care.

Customer 4: I would like to thank you on behalf of my son. It has been over eight years since I suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and I spend most of my daily life undergoing ST and PT training. However, I was worried because the treatment wasn't working for my hands.
I discovered your Power Assist Hand and have been using it every day. I was surprised at first because my fingers were stretched for a while after using it, but before I knew it, they were back to their original state.
I hope to be able to report good results, but I will continue to work hard and take my time.

Fukushima Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Tohoku region and is the third largest prefecture in Japan after Hokkaido and Iwate. Its vast land is divided into three regions: Aizu, Nakadori, and Hamadori, each of which has its own unique nature, history, and culture. The Aizu region is home to a strong historical castle town and traditional culture, Nakadori has developed as a key commercial and transportation hub, and Hamadori faces the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by a warm climate and abundant seafood. Fukushima Prefecture also has a wide variety of tourist resources, including beautiful natural scenery, hot springs, and historical buildings.

Below is a table that lists Fukushima Prefecture's representative landmarks by region. These spots are popular with many people as places of tourism and learning.

Landmark Name	overview
Tsuruga Castle	Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, this castle features a distinctive red-tiled castle tower. It is also known as the site of the Boshin War.
Ouchijuku	A tourist destination lined with rows of thatched-roof houses that retain the atmosphere of a post town from the Edo period.
Aizu Sazaedo	It is a rare wooden building with a double helix structure and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Bandai Azuma Skyline	A 29km long mountain tourist road that weaves through the Azuma mountain range, offering beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Abukuma Cave	This limestone cave was formed over a period of approximately 80 million years and is said to be the largest in the Orient.
Miharu Takizakura	This weeping cherry tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and is one of Japan's three most famous cherry trees.
Spa Resort Hawaiians	This perpetual summer resort facility offers activities such as swimming pools, hot springs, and hula dance shows.
Shiramizu Amidado	Built in the late Heian period, this is Fukushima Prefecture's only national treasure and is characterized by its elegant Buddhist temple architecture.
Soma Nakamura Shrine	This historic shrine in Soma City is also famous for the Soma Nomaoi festival.

These landmarks symbolize the diverse charms of Fukushima Prefecture. Dotted with historical buildings and spots where you can experience the beauty of nature, the prefecture offers visitors new discoveries and inspiration. When you visit Fukushima Prefecture, why not explore these landmarks and experience the unique characteristics and culture of each region?

LAP Co., Ltd., which provides rehabilitation support in Fukushima Prefecture, provides careful support tailored to the condition of each individual while being close to the lifestyles of local residents. We have established a system that can handle a wide range of stages, from recovery to at-home care, and have worked to improve the rehabilitation environment throughout the region in cooperation with medical institutions and nursing care facilities.

One of the reasons we continue to be chosen is that we have listened sincerely to the voices of our users and their families and built up their trust and security through our activities rooted in our local Kanagawa. We have a system in place where specialists such as physical therapists and occupational therapists form a team and accompany users until they achieve their goals, providing full support in continuous functional recovery and improving the quality of life. We will continue to work steadily in the future so that we can remain a trusted presence for those in Fukushima Prefecture who need rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation refers to medical efforts to restore physical and mental functions that have been impaired by injury or illness, and to support patients in rejoining daily life and social activities. The official term is rehabilitation, whose origin is the Latin word for "to make fit again." Rehabilitation, which is carried out as part of medical care, is not just physical exercise, but is a comprehensive process that includes mental care and preparation for social participation.

Rehabilitation can be broadly divided into three types: physical therapy, which aims to improve motor function; occupational therapy, which focuses on supporting activities of daily living; and speech-language-hearing therapy, which provides training in language and swallowing. These types of training are carried out by a team of specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists, under the direction of a doctor. Appropriate rehabilitation methods are selected according to the recovery stage and the patient's condition, and effective support is achieved through repeated continuous evaluation and adjustment.

Rehabilitation is also classified according to its purpose, including medical rehabilitation aimed at restoring physical functions, nursing care rehabilitation aimed at supporting daily life, and vocational rehabilitation to help people return to work. In recent years, home rehabilitation and visiting support services have expanded, and a system is being put in place that allows people to receive rehabilitation while living in the community.

Early intervention is considered key to the timing and content of rehabilitation. For example, it is known that starting appropriate training immediately after a stroke or fracture can reduce the risk of sequelae and dependency on nursing care. It is important that rehabilitation is not a one-time thing, but something that must be done continuously. Various factors, such as the patient's own motivation, the cooperation of their family, and adjustments to their living environment, greatly affect recovery.

In this way, rehabilitation is not just functional training, but a comprehensive medical activity to support social reintegration through physical and mental recovery. For people with illnesses or disabilities, a correct understanding of the basics of rehabilitation is an important step in regaining quality of life, and the first step towards appropriate support and recovery.

Company name: LAP Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-1-40 Oikawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 243-0212
Telephone number: 046-204-9343

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Aizuwakamatsu City, Nihonmatsu City, Otama Village, Adachi District, Motomiya City, Asakawa Town, Ishikawa District, Ishikawa Town, Ishikawa District, Tamagawa Village, Ishikawa District, Hirata Village, Ishikawa District, Furudono Town, Ishikawa District, Iwaki City, Sukagawa City, Kagamiishi Town, Iwase District, Amae Village, Iwase District, Aizumisato Town, Onuma District, Kanayama Town, Onuma District, Showa Village, Onuma District, Mishima Town, Onuma District, Aizubange Town, Kawanuma District, Yanaizu Town, Kawanuma District, Yukawa Village, Kawanuma District, Kitakata City, Koriyama City, Shirakawa City, Iitate Village, Soma District, Minamisoma City, Shinchi Town, Soma District, Soma City, Tamura City, Ono Town, Tamura District, Miharu Town, Tamura District, Fukushima City, Kawamata Town, Date District, Kunimi Town, Date District, Koori Town, Date City, Izumizaki Village, Nishishirakawa District, Nakajima Village, Nishishirakawa District, Saigo Village, Nishishirakawa District, Yabuki Town, Nishishirakawa District, Samegawa Village, Higashishirakawa District, Tanagura Town, Higashishirakawa District, Hanawa Town, Higashishirakawa District, Yamatsuri Town, Higashishirakawa District, Okuma Town, Futaba District, Katsurao Village, Futaba District, Kawauchi Village, Futaba District, Tomioka Town, Futaba District, Namie Town, Futaba District, Naraha Town, Futaba District, Hirono Town, Futaba District, Futaba Town, Minamiaizu Town, Minamiaizu District, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Tadami Town, Minamiaizu District, Hiedaga Village, Minamiaizu District, Inawashiro Town, Yama District, Kitashiobara Village, Yama District, Nishiaizu Town, Yama District, Bandai Town