Recovery therapy options for trauma and critical illnesses

Among the Australian population, the most common trauma or critical illness conditions are heart attack and stroke as well as cancer and heart bypass surgery (sometimes referred to as the ‘Big 4’). While the risks of these conditions increase with age, they can also occur in younger people. Insurer Noble Oak outlines some rehabilitation therapy methods.

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Rehabilitation therapy methods

Heart attack: According to Better Health, heart attacks occur when one or more coronary arteries become blocked, causing permanent damage to the heart.

Treatments for heart attack may include implantation of a stent, pace-maker or defibrillator, bypass surgery, and / or medication. Rehabilitation after a period of rest and recovery may include exercise routines, lifestyle changes, dietary changes and counselling.

Stroke: A stroke occurs when there is an interruption in blood supply to the brain. In some severe cases, strokes can lead to either temporary or permanent disability.

Stroke rehabilitation depends on which parts of the brain have been damaged, and may include relearning skills or learning new ways of doing things. Rehab often starts in the hospital and may involve physiotherapists, psychiatrists, speech pathologists and nursing staff.

Heart bypass: Bypass surgery is done in response to heart disease, and involves bypassing the damaged, narrowed section of coronary artery using part of a vein from elsewhere – often from the leg. This is a major procedure that may require considerable recovery time.

Rehabilitation after rest and recovery may include wearing an elastic support stocking on the leg from which the vein was taken, avoiding lifting objects for several weeks, quitting smoking if necessary, and lifestyle improvements through diet and exercise.

Cancer: There are many different types of cancer, and treatments may involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and medications.

Rehab may involve exercise programs, pain management, nutrition and other therapies.

Alternative therapies

Some of the complementary therapies for these conditions may include dietary advice from a dietitian, meditation for relaxation and learning a positive outlook, massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, ‘TENS’ therapy for pain management, and gentle exercise such as yoga or Tai Chi.

Getting back to ‘normal’

These conditions may require some time off work or away from your usual routines. Returning to normal health can take time so it’s important to be patient. Some people find that a traumatic illness can be a ‘benefit’ in that it causes them to take stock and recognise where they’ve been overdoing things or neglecting their health.

Trauma insurance

Trauma or Critical Illness insurance comes as an optional extra to a Life insurance policy or as stand-alone cover. Money Smart recommends Trauma insurance to provide a safety net for such events as those listed above when a Life insurance policy wouldn’t pay a benefit. A benefit paid from a Trauma insurance policy can allow you to take the time you need to focus on your recovery without compromising or adding stress to your financial health.

NobleOak’s Life insurance calculator can assist you in working out how much cover you need – and check CANSTAR’s Life Insurance Star Ratings report to help find an outstanding value policy.

Please note that the information we provide is not advice but general information only. Readers should always consult a health professional for advice in respect of their personal health and circumstances.

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