Why Therapy in the ICU Matters — In the ICU with Jessie Franco

Why It Matters

The case for early rehabilitation in the ICU — the consequences of inaction, the evidence for therapy, and why your presence on the team makes a difference.

Consequences of prolonged immobility
What happens to patients who aren't mobilized early — muscle atrophy, deconditioning, delirium, and the downstream functional impact on recovery and quality of life.

Benefits of therapy
The evidence for what early OT, PT, and SLP intervention actually changes — shorter ICU stays, better functional outcomes, reduced delirium, and more.

Evidence to support early rehabilitation
A synthesis of the research base behind early mobility and rehabilitation in the ICU — for when you need to make the case to your team or institution.