J Arch Mil Med

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Rehabilitation and Return to Service for Military Personnel After Physical Injuries

Author(s):
Ameneh MarzbanAmeneh MarzbanAmeneh Marzban ORCID1,*
1Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Journal of Archives in Military Medicine:Vol. 13, issue 4; e165237
Published online:Nov 05, 2025
Article type:Letter
Received:Aug 09, 2025
Accepted:Nov 03, 2025
How to Cite:Marzban A. Rehabilitation and Return to Service for Military Personnel After Physical Injuries.J Arch Mil Med.2025;13(4):e165237.https://doi.org/10.5812/jamm-165237.

Dear Editor,

Rehabilitation and return to service for military personnel after physical injuries are critical and vital topics in the field of military healthcare (1). Military personnel are exposed to numerous risks that may lead to physical injuries. These injuries not only affect their physical health but may also have psychological and social implications (2). In this letter, we will discuss the challenges of rehabilitation and return to service for military personnel after physical injuries and propose solutions to improve this process.

Challenges

- Complexity of Injuries

Military personnel may suffer from various types of injuries requiring specific treatment and rehabilitation. Some of these injuries include fractures, deep wounds, burns, and nerve damage. The complexity of these injuries can pose challenges to the rehabilitation process (3).

- Access to Rehabilitation Services

One of the major problems in rehabilitating military personnel is limited access to rehabilitation services (4). Many military personnel serve in remote and hazardous areas where access to necessary equipment and expertise for rehabilitation may be difficult (5).

- Psychological Impact of Injuries

Physical injuries can also have serious psychological effects. Many military personnel experience psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after injuries. These psychological issues can complicate the rehabilitation process (5).

Solutions

- Establishing Specialized Rehabilitation Centers

Establishing specialized rehabilitation centers for military personnel can significantly improve the process of returning to service. These centers should be equipped with advanced facilities and various medical specialties to cover all rehabilitation needs (4).

- Utilizing Advanced Technologies

Utilizing advanced technologies such as telemedicine and robotics can improve access to rehabilitation services. Telemedicine provides remote consultation and monitoring, while robotics can assist in physical rehabilitation processes (6).

- Psychological and Social Support

Providing psychological and social support to military personnel during the rehabilitation process is crucial. Psychological counseling programs and support groups can help improve mental health and increase the motivation of military personnel (3).

- Education and Awareness

Educating military personnel about the rehabilitation process and the importance of self-care can play a significant role in improving this process. Increasing the awareness of military personnel about the importance of rehabilitation and their active role in this process can lead to better outcomes (1).

Conclusion

Rehabilitation and return to service for military personnel after physical injuries are of utmost importance. By establishing specialized rehabilitation centers, utilizing advanced technologies, providing psychological and social support, and increasing the awareness of military personnel, we can improve this process and ensure their physical and mental health. We hope that by implementing the proposed solutions, we can contribute to the betterment of military rehabilitation and prepare them for a successful return to service.

Footnotes

References

  • 1.
    Campbell P, Pope R, Simas V, Canetti E, Schram B, Orr R. The Effects of Early Physiotherapy Treatment on Musculoskeletal Injury Outcomes in Military Personnel: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(20):13416. [PubMed ID: 36293997]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC9602812]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013416.
  • 2.
    Orr R, Pope R, Lopes TJA, Leyk D, Blacker S, Bustillo-Aguirre BS, et al. Soldier Load Carriage, Injuries, Rehabilitation and Physical Conditioning: An International Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(8):4010. [PubMed ID: 33920426]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC8069713]. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084010.
  • 3.
    Grimm PD, Mauntel TC, Potter BK. Combat and Noncombat Musculoskeletal Injuries in the US Military. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2019;27(3):84-91. [PubMed ID: 31361716]. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0000000000000246.
  • 4.
    da Silva DF, Edwards CM, Puranda JL, Miller E, Semeniuk K, Adamo KB. Sex disparities in self-reported musculoskeletal injuries in the Canadian Armed Forces. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2023;48(10):757-70. [PubMed ID: 37311255]. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2023-0029.
  • 5.
    Schram B, Canetti E, Orr R, Pope R. Risk factors for injuries in female soldiers: a systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022;14(1):54. [PubMed ID: 35351209]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC8966186]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00443-z.
  • 6.
    Sammito S, Hadzic V, Karakolis T, Kelly KR, Proctor SP, Stepens A, et al. Risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in the military: a qualitative systematic review of the literature from the past two decades and a new prioritizing injury model. Mil Med Res. 2021;8(1):40. [PubMed ID: 34886915]. [PubMed Central ID: PMC8662851]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40779-021-00357-w.

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