As the aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases continue to rise, there is an increasing demand for rehabilitation services among the public. On October 24th, the Shanghai Health Commission announced that the city is actively advancing the establishment of community rehabilitation centers. So far, Shanghai has successfully completed the construction of the fourth batch of 22 community rehabilitation centers, bringing the total number to 141. This expansion enhances the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation services right in people’s neighborhoods.
Many residents are now gravitating towards integrated rehabilitation services that blend traditional Chinese and Western medicine due to their convenience. Among the new proponents of rehabilitation are fitness enthusiasts, office workers, and those who spend long hours sitting, indicating a shift from simply serving post-operative patients to a broader audience in need of overall wellness.
Once established, community rehabilitation centers are equipped with a dedicated rehabilitation medicine department and a team comprising rehabilitation physicians, therapists, and nurses. These centers also include specialized rehabilitation wards that coordinate outpatient and inpatient care, integrating advanced rehabilitation technologies such as robotic devices alongside various traditional rehabilitation methods. The goal is to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation service system that links hospital care with outpatient services, community stations, and home care, all tailored to the community’s specific needs.
In addition, based on local residents’ demands, these centers are starting to offer diverse services, including child rehabilitation, post-stroke recovery, disability rehabilitation, and specialized care for conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and pelvic floor, thereby catering to a wide spectrum of rehabilitation needs.
Mr. Shen, who is undergoing high-frequency treatment at the She Shan Town Community Health Service Center, shared his experience: “I’ve been treated here for a month, and my left hand can now move normally. With my body feeling better, my mood has improved too.” A month prior, Mr. Shen suffered from severe shoulder pain that restricted his movement. After consulting a rehabilitation physician at the center, he received a tailored rehabilitation plan. His condition has improved significantly, with his shoulder joint pain alleviating and range of motion increasing.
The She Shan Town Community Health Service Center noted that they view the creation of a community rehabilitation center as an opportunity to expand service offerings and enhance their approach, focusing on shoulder joint pain treatment while also addressing common conditions related to the nervous system, musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and age-related diseases. They combine traditional Chinese medicine practices like acupuncture with modern rehabilitation techniques, ensuring comprehensive and easily accessible care for working professionals and the elderly.
During the visit, it was discovered that the Huajing Community Health Service Center has partnered with Fudan University Children’s Hospital to address the rehabilitation needs of special needs children. They are implementing a community-based, family-centered rehabilitation model and have formed interdisciplinary teams including rehabilitation therapists, psychological counselors, and social workers to guide family-based rehabilitation efforts.
Additionally, the center collaborates with various local resources, such as the Xuhui District Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Xuhui District Mental Health Center, to provide specialized services for children with disabilities and their families. One success story is of a boy diagnosed with autism who had been largely non-communicative. Through the center’s tailored program that incorporates game-based learning and one-on-one training, he has begun to express himself, much to the joy of his family and rehabilitation team.
At the Nanjing West Road Community Health Service Center, the focus is on the area’s demographic characteristics, which include a significant population of elderly and white-collar workers. They have developed two key rehabilitation programs: physical therapy for stroke patients and an integrated exercise rehabilitation program for office workers dealing with sports-related injuries. By coordinating with East China Hospital and employing a multidisciplinary team approach, the center offers comprehensive assessments and tailored intervention plans that provide high-quality rehabilitation care for older patients.
The Shanghai Health Commission emphasized its commitment to enhancing the collaboration between community rehabilitation centers and higher-level hospitals, integrating rehabilitation medical resources, and elevating the quality of services. This initiative aims to benefit more patients in need of rehabilitation across the city.
