15/11/2025
Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in ICU
• Physiotherapy is an important intervention that prevents and mitigates adverse effects of prolonged bed rest and mechanical ventilation.
• It incorporates any active and passive therapy that promotes movement and includes mobilisation.
• Early progressive physiotherapy, with a focus on mobility and walking whilst ventilated, is essential in minimising functional decline.
🔘Adverse effects of ICU stay:
• Physical Inactivity leading to muscular atrophy and generalized weakness
• Diaphragmatic weakness due to prolonged mechanical ventilation
• Pressure Ulcers
• Compromised cardiac and respiratory function
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infections
Physiotherapist works to maintain and improve respiration and cardiac functions and later on aid in rehabilitation.
🔘Short term Goals:
• Early activity – Both passive and active to maintain integrity of musculoskeletal syste
• Positioning patients: To allow gravity to help sputum drain from the lungs.
• Manual techniques such as shaking and vibrations: These are applied to the ribs to try to loosen and clear the sputum.
• Suction: By placing a small tube into the lungs to suck out the excess sputum.
• They play a vital role in weaning a patient off ventilation.
🔘Long term Goals:
• Physical therapist plan an extensive rehabilitation program to integrate and re-initiate the patient into society.
