WhatsAppRestoring Movement and Independence
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department aims to restore, through non-surgical methods, the loss of function experienced in musculoskeletal, nervous system and joint disorders. Movement disorders after stroke, recovery following orthopaedic surgery and chronic pain management are the core areas of expertise of this department. Led by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, the Academic Hospital team also includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and delivers personalised rehabilitation programmes.
Contents
- What Is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
- Who Should Consult This Department?
- When Should You Seek Care?
- Assessment and Examination Process
- Rehabilitation Programmes and Methods Applied
- Programme Duration and Progress Monitoring
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Academic Hospital
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
What Is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is the medical specialty that treats loss of function arising from illness or injury using methods other than medication and surgery. The specialist assesses restricted movement, pain, muscle weakness and balance problems, and then sets a personalised rehabilitation goal. The treatment approach in this field covers not only physical recovery but also the individual's ability to carry out daily living activities independently.
Who Should Consult This Department?
The following conditions are among the main indications for consulting the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department:
- Osteoarthritis (joint degeneration)
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Frozen shoulder
- Myofascial pain
- Paralysis of the arm, leg or face developing after a stroke (cerebrovascular event)
- Need for rehabilitation after hip replacement, knee replacement or spinal surgery
- Chronic low back pain and neck pain (cervical and lumbar syndromes)
- Fibromyalgia syndrome
- Sports injuries; recovery after tendon, ligament and meniscus damage
- Movement disorders due to multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions
- Paediatric rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy and developmental delay
- Joint stiffness and loss of strength after a fracture
- Shoulder, wrist and elbow problems linked to occupational disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis)
When Should You Seek Care?
If any of the following signs are present, a physical medicine and rehabilitation assessment should not be postponed:
- Any pain in a joint, muscle or bone that lasts for one week
- Being advised to have physical therapy after orthopaedic or neurological surgery
- Progressively increasing stiffness in a joint or a marked reduction in range of motion
- First rehabilitation assessment after a stroke, brain injury or spinal cord damage
- Occupational injuries that make returning to work or daily activities difficult
- Noticeable deterioration in walking, balance or hand skills
Assessment and Examination Process
At the first examination the specialist carries out a comprehensive functional assessment covering range of motion, muscle strength and daily living activities. The following steps are followed during the examination:
- Measurement of active and passive range of motion in all joints (using a goniometer)
- Muscle strength assessment (MRC scale)
- Balance and gait analysis
- Assessment of daily living activities with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
- Setting rehabilitation goals together with the patient (short term and long term)
- Involving the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist in the process where necessary
Following the assessment, an individualised rehabilitation programme is prepared and a start date is set.
Rehabilitation Programmes and Methods Applied
The department uses the following methods and modalities according to each patient's diagnosis and goals:
- Physical therapy modalities: pain control with TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation); ultrasound therapy; laser therapy; heat application (hot pack) and cold application (cryotherapy)
- Exercise therapy: strengthening, stretching, balance and proprioception exercises; progressive resistance training
- Manual therapy: joint mobilisation techniques, soft tissue mobilisation, myofascial release
- Hydrotherapy: in-water exercise programmes; regaining joint mobility without weight bearing
- Occupational therapy: relearning daily living activities; hand function rehabilitation; use of adaptive equipment
- Speech and swallowing therapy: rehabilitation of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and aphasia after stroke
- Prosthesis and orthosis fitting: use of supportive devices such as wrist splints, knee orthoses and ankle-foot orthoses, and the adaptation process
- Botulinum toxin injection: intramuscular application in the treatment of spasticity developing after stroke and cerebral palsy
- Medical Pilates
Programme Duration and Progress Monitoring
Although the duration of a rehabilitation programme varies with the diagnosis and the initial functional status, typical programme characteristics are as follows:
| Programme type | Duration and session frequency |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 weeks; 3 to 5 sessions per week | |
| 3 to 5 weeks; 3 to 5 sessions per week | |
| Long term; arranged in blocks across the year |
- Progress is assessed every 3 to 4 weeks with functional scales (FIM, Barthel Index, VAS pain scale)
- As the goals are met, transition to a home exercise programme is planned
The Academic Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department carries out assessments for musculoskeletal disorders, rehabilitation after stroke, recovery following orthopaedic surgery and chronic pain programmes. At the first consultation the specialist evaluates current complaints, functional limitations and goals, and prepares a personalised programme.
Book an appointment with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department.
Book an AppointmentPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Academic Hospital
At the Academic Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department, outpatient assessment, physical therapy applications and exercise programmes are carried out under one roof; each programme is planned by a team of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. The department works routinely with the following departments:
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology: rehabilitation planning after fractures, tendon and ligament injuries
- Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery: early mobilisation and exercise programmes after joint replacement
- Neurology: joint follow-up of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions
- Stroke and Preventive Treatments: rehabilitation of movement, speech and swallowing function after stroke
- Neurosurgery: rehabilitation after spinal and nervous system surgery
- Rheumatology: exercise and pain management in inflammatory joint disease
- Sports and Knee Injuries: return to sport programmes after meniscus and ligament injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
References
The general information given on this page about rehabilitation methods, programme durations and functional assessment scales is supported by the reliable health sources listed below.
- World Health Organization, "Rehabilitation Fact Sheet", who.int
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Overview", ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mayo Clinic, "Stroke Rehabilitation: What to Expect as You Recover", mayoclinic.org
- NHS, "Physiotherapy", nhs.uk
The information on this page is for general information only; it does not replace a medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
