What Is Inpatient Rehab? Your Partner in Post-Surgical & Stroke Recovery
July 16, 2025Categories: Healthy Living
Healing Takes Strength, We’re Here to Help You Rebuild
After a major surgery, illness, or stroke, healing doesn’t stop when you leave the operating room or ICU. In fact, for many patients, that’s when recovery truly begins.
That’s where inpatient rehabilitation comes in.
At St. Mary’s Hospital, our Inpatient Rehabilitation Center is designed to help you regain strength, confidence, and independence to help you get back to the life you love with dignity and support.
What Is Inpatient Rehabilitation?
Inpatient rehab is a specialized program where patients stay in a special unit of the hospital or rehab center to receive intensive, coordinated therapy and medical care. It's not the same as a nursing home or long-term care, it’s short-term, goal-focused, and highly personalized to support functional recovery after:
- Orthopedic surgery (like hip or knee replacements)
- Stroke or neurological conditions
- Major illness or extended hospitalization
- Trauma or injury (including fractures or joint injuries)
- Cardiac surgery or serious medical events
Our team works with you daily to help you regain mobility, communication skills, self-care abilities, and overall strength.
What to Expect: A Day in Inpatient Rehab
Your experience will be tailored to your specific needs, but here’s what a typical day might include:
- Three hours of therapy per day, spread across physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy
- Medical oversight by a rehabilitation physician and skilled nursing care
- Support for personal care, like bathing, dressing, and medication management
- Emotional and spiritual support, including counseling or chaplain visits
- Family education and training, so your loved ones are prepared for your return home
All of this occurs in a supportive, healing environment, often with access to communal dining spaces and adaptive equipment for training.
Why Inpatient Rehab Matters After Surgery or Stroke
The days and weeks following a stroke or surgery are a critical window for recovery. Inpatient rehab provides the structure, intensity, and teamwork needed to:
Rebuild Strength and Coordination
Reduce the Risk of Future Complications or Falls
Regain Independence in Daily Tasks
Speed Up Return to Home and Community
Studies show that patients who participate in inpatient rehab recover faster and more fully than those without this level of support.
Relearn Language or Swallowing Skills (after stroke)
Boost Confidence and Emotional Well-Being
How to Know If Inpatient Rehab Is Right for You
Not everyone needs inpatient rehab, but for many, it’s the best next step after hospitalization and before returning home.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have had a stroke, major orthopedic surgery, or serious injury
- Need daily therapy and 24/7 medical oversight
- Are motivated to participate in your recovery
- Have goals of regaining independence and returning home
Your hospital care team, surgeon, or primary care provider will help determine the best rehab setting based on your condition, goals, and overall health.
Inpatient Rehab at St. Mary’s: Our Commitment to You
At St. Mary’s Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, you’ll be cared for by a compassionate, expert team that includes:
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
- Rehab physicians and nurses
- Case managers and discharge planners
- Social workers and spiritual care providers
We partner with you and your family to create a recovery plan built around your goals, abilities, and timeline.
Start the Conversation Today
If you or a loved one is preparing for surgery or recovering from a stroke, ask your provider if inpatient rehab is right for you.
If you or a loved one is in the hospital, talk to your nurse, physician, or case manager. If major surgery is in your future, start the conversation with a trusted primary care provider at St. Mary’s:
- Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens
- Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens
- Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville
- Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
- Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
- St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Watkinsville/Oconee
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates on Chase – North Athens/Jackson/Madison
- St. Mary's Primary Care – Athens
We are with You Every Step of the Way
Rehabilitation isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about hope, dignity, and determination. Let St. Mary’s inpatient rehab team be your partner in recovery by providing you with high-level care and higher-level caring.

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