How Long Is A Short-Term Rehabilitation?

Two medical professionals helping a patient at a short-term rehab.

Perhaps you or your loved one is in need of short-term rehabilitation. You may be wondering, “How long is a short-term rehabilitation stay?”

Whether it’s following surgery, illness, or injury, short-term rehab plays a critical role in helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence. However, the answer to how long it will last isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a number of factors that impact the length of stay, and understanding them can help you or your loved one better prepare for the road to recovery.

If you want to know how long you or your loved one might have to stay in short-term rehab, read on.

What Determines The Length Of Short-Term Rehab?

A number of factors determine the length of stay, but typically, they last for a few days to a few weeks. The length of stay will be determined primarily by:

Medical condition: Patients recovering from joint replacements, strokes, or complex surgeries often need longer stays than those recovering from minor injuries.
Doctor recommendations: Oftentimes, the length of stay will be determined by the doctor or doctors that provide care for you or your loved one.
Progress: Many times, the length of stay in short-term rehab is determined by how much progress the patient is able to make. For those who can make progress quickly, the stay may be shorter and vice versa for those who need extra time.
Insurance coverage: Unfortunately, insurance coverage can also be a factor. In some cases, insurance may determine the maximum length of stay for a certain procedure or patient.

Types Of Short-Term Rehabilitation Therapy Provided

At Monument Health Group, we provide a number of therapies that you or your loved ones may need. These include:

Physical therapy: This focuses on improving strength, mobility, balance, and coordination. Physical therapy helps individuals regain bodily independence after surgery, injury, or illness.
Occupational therapy: This consists of assisting patients in relearning everyday activities, like dressing, bathing, and meal preparation; the general facets of daily living.
Speech therapy: Speech therapy is used with individuals experiencing communication difficulties and cognitive challenges, often after a stroke or neurological condition.
Post-traumatic injury care: This is care for those who have experienced an injury, including car accidents, falls, fractures, and the like.
Post-hospital care: Post-hospital care is transitional support for those leaving the hospital but not quite yet ready to go home yet. This can take many forms but often falls under the umbrella of skilled nursing.

Call Monument Health Group Today For More Information On Our Services.

Personalized Treatment Plans

One of the strengths of short-term rehab is the individualized care planning that happens for all of our patients. This planning may involve a number of staff, from doctors, to nurses, to physical therapists and other therapists. Once an assessment is performed, a treatment plan is assembled. These are always personalized, so you or your loved one gets the exact care needed.

This treatment plan may include an assessment of current physical and mental abilities, improvement goals, pain limitations, and other personal goals. These goals can include:

Returning home
Living on one’s own
Walking on one’s own
Communication effectiveness
Medication management
Pain management

In short, whatever your needs and goals, we can help meet them.

Short-Term Rehab In Utah

Utah is an ideal place for short-term rehab. The weather is wonderful, the natural surroundings are particularly beautiful, we have a number of high-quality hospitals and other health facilities, and overall, your stay in Utah can be a pleasant one during medical circumstances that can often be challenging.

In addition to these natural advantages, Monument Health Group has a number of facilities to serve both Utahans and those from out of state. We have more than a dozen facilities in the Salt Lake City area as well as throughout Utah.

At Monument Health Group, we pride ourselves on respect, outcomes, compassion, and knowledge. We are Utah’s premiere skilled nursing and rehabilitation provider for a reason.

Call Monument Health Group Today

If you’re looking for the best place for a short stay at rehabilitation, give us a call today. Whether you need a few days or a few weeks, we can help make your stay in rehab the most pleasant experience possible.

With more than a dozen locations in Utah and the Salt Lake City area, we are always there when you need us. We’re always happy to answer any questions, and we also offer long-term options for those requiring them as well.

Contact Us Now For More Information.

Sources:

Inpatient Rehab Facilities. (2025).

Mills, J., et al. (2017). Disease Control Priorities: Improving Health and Reducing Poverty. 3rd edition. Ch. 15.

Rehabilitation. (2025).