Physiatrists are physicians board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They lead the rehabilitation team in assessing and treating persons with disabilities and others needing rehabilitation following surgery.

Rehabilitation nurses provide the necessary follow-through with skills learned in therapy.

Physical therapists help patients walk again, develop balance, regain muscle tone and strength and develop other skills using a range of equipment.

Occupational therapists help patients improve coordination and strengthen the muscles needed for everyday activities such as eating, dressing, cooking and maintaining personal cleanliness.

Speech/language pathologists evaluate and treat problems in communicating and swallowing, using data from barium-swallow studies to diagnose swallowing difficulties.

Recreational therapists use leisure activities such as games, painting or gardening to improve physical, social and cognitive skills. They also help patients to organize and plan free time after they return home.

Neuropsychologists evaluate cognitive abilities, or thinking skills, and behavior. They also counsel patients for depression and anxiety and provide family support and education.

Dietitians evaluate and monitor patients' diets so that their meals provide energy for therapy and healing.

Social workers coordinate services for patients, working with insurers to solve problems, and with families and rehabilitation professionals to develop a discharge plan.

Discharge planners help patients and their families make arrangements for the care patients may need after they leave the hospital.

Families are crucial to rehabilitation. A supportive, understanding family can make all the difference in the hard work of rehabilitation. Working with physicians, nurses and therapists, families learn to understand treatment methods and help patients meet rehabilitation goals. Families are taught to help patients manage their medicines, care for wounds, assist with activities of daily living, and safely use wheelchairs or walk.