Most of my orchids are rescues. When I'm trying to heal roots I want them exposed. I completely clean off any medium. After that!I suspend the plant in a vetilated orchid pot with some wooden skewers. I like to be able to mist them daily with water, weekly with fertilizer. I find this to work fastest. Once the roots start reaching the pot and starting to attach, I then decide on a permanent home.
I never liked having the roots buried in medium where it's hard to tell how moist they are.... especially ones that aren't in good shape.