Rehabilitation


What is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is to prevail over human physiologic or anatomical disorders by medical, surgical and physical means, either totally or partially, and by using supporting devices with the aim of rendering the physical, economical and social achievable independence of the patient.

Cardiac Rehabilitation:

In order to maintain the lasting welfare of the patient with cardiac disease the role of the physiatrist is to institute accurate exercise programs, control the stress and educate the family. PMR can be introduced at the early stage of the disease only after the critical phase. At the later stage, the exercise program is formulated according to the specific needs of the patient.

Cancer Rehabilitation:

Irrespective of the cancer type, patients who have totally or partially overcome cancer, may have several physical and social problems that affect their quality of life. Cancer rehabilitation involves pain management, treatment of bladder and intestinal disorders, handling spasticity and dealing with the fatigue and weakness.

Pediatric Rehabilitation:

The majority of pediatric cases that the PMR specialist encounters and treats are composed of: Cerebral Palsy ( child with spastic muscles), Spina Bifida ( congenital vertebral opening), Brachial Plexus Palsy at birth ( injury of the nerves of the arm ) and Torticollis ( insufficiency in turning the head to the side, due to neck muscle contraction). In addition, traumatic brain injury, congenital or acquired loss of arm or leg and spinal cord injury are also treated by the physiatrist. Medicines, exercise program, supports, ortheses and prostheses constitute the treatment agents.

Rehabilitation after amputation:

The majority of the amputations (surgically removing a part of the arm or the leg) are performed after injuries or vascular problems. Nearly one third of the amputations are carried out after injuries, and two thirds are executed due to vascular disorders in which diabetes makes up the greatest part.

Due to advanced technology used in production of the prostheses, it is possible for the patient to maintain his quality of life. The newest prosthesis are strong, durable, comfortable and light due to usage of aviation technology in production. One may encounter athletes wearing prothesis who run only 2-3 seconds slower than Olympic champions. Prosthesis can be designed to fit the patient's life style and his aspirations.

In the case of arm prostheses, attaining the hand functions is possible only by employment of high technology myoelectrical prostheses. In these devices nerve impulses are strengthened and applied to the mobilizing unit to move the elbow and fingers. Even if the independent finger movement is not attained, patients continue performing their daily activities or occupation.