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The services offered at the Max Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department are as following:
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 Back to Work Rehabilitation |
This programme is lead by our experienced occupational therapist who helps patients with chronic long-term and recurrent musculoskeletal conditions and neurological deficits to return to work and normal function. Research has suggested that Functional Restorative Programs (FRP) are the most effective route to a cure for chronic disorders to restore patients back to their occupation or help them to achieve a vocation.
This biopsychosocial intensive programme involves a cognitive-behavioural approach, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance, coordination and work conditioning.
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 Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation |
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Cardiothoracic surgeries |
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Post angioplasty |
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Vascular surgeries |
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Non surgical cardiopulmonary patients |
The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Programme at Max Hospital is designed to improve the health and quality of life of patients with heart, lung and vascular diseases. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation programme includes evaluation of the patient, exercise, education, counseling, risk factor modification and learning ways to live a healthier life.
Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation are designed to help patients lead active, productive lives - mentally,
physically and socially. Specific goals include:
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Prolonging survival (cardiac rehabilitation) |
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Helping patients adjust physically and psychologically to their illness |
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Improving patients capacity for physical exertion |
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Reducing symptoms |
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Reducing risk factors to help prevent future cardiac problems or progression of pulmonary disease |
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Providing education and counseling to improve patients understanding of their condition |
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Providing guidance on return to work, when applicable |
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation staff reviews each patient's medical regimen. They work with the referring physician to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to minimize disease progression by using proven preventive medications.
People have undergone cardiopulmonary rehabilitation because they have had:
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angina (chest pain) |
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angioplasty, atherectomy or stent placement |
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heart attack |
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heart transplantation |
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lung transplantation |
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open heart surgery |
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thoracic surgery |
Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is also recommended to patients diagnosed with:
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asthma |
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bronchiectasis |
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chronic bronchitis |
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congestive heart failure |
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cystic fibrosis |
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emphysema |
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interstitial fibrosis |
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occupational/environmental lung disease |
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peripheral vascular disease |
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respiratory failure |
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sarcoidosis |
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| Cancer Wellness Programme |
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The Max Cancer Wellness Program focuses on improving the quality of a person's life after cancer. We help cancer patients manage the following issues:
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Critical care in ICU |
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Lymph edema |
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Impaired mobility (reconditioning, weakness or loss of flexibility) |
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Energy management issues |
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Chemotherapy-related side effects |
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Physical well being after cancer |
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Palliative care |
Lymphedema, an impairment of the lymphatic system, may develop after cancer surgery and/or radiation therapy. There is a build-up of fluid in soft body tissues due to the blockage or damage to the lymph system. This condition results in chronic and debilitating limb or trunk swelling.
Lymphedema often occurs in breast cancer patients who had all or part of their breast removed and axillary (underarm) lymph nodes removed. Lymphedema in the legs may occur after surgery for uterine cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma. It may also occur with vulvar cancer or ovarian cancer.
Lymphedema may be either primary or secondary:
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Primary lymphedema is caused by the abnormal development of the lymph system. Symptoms may occur at birth or later in life. |
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Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymph system. The lymph system may be damaged or blocked by infection, injury, cancer, and removal of lymph nodes, radiation to the affected area, or scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgery. |
Signs and Symptoms may include:
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Swelling of an arm or leg, which may include fingers and toes |
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A full or heavy feeling in an arm or leg |
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A tight feeling in the skin |
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Trouble moving a joint in the arm or leg |
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Thickening of the skin, with or without skin changes such as blisters or warts |
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A feeling of tightness when wearing clothing, shoes, bracelets, watches, or rings |
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Itching of the legs or toes |
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A burning feeling in the legs |
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Trouble sleeping |
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Loss of hair |
Risk factors for lymphedema include the following:
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Cancer and its treatment |
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Removal and/or radiation of lymph nodes in the underarm, groin, pelvis, or neck. The risk of lymphedema increases with the number of lymph nodes affected. There is less risk with the removal of only the sentinel lymph node (the first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor) |
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Being overweight or obese |
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Slow healing of the skin after surgery |
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A tumor that affects or blocks the left lymph duct or lymph nodes or vessels in the neck, chest, underarm, pelvis, or abdomen |
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Scar tissue in the lymph ducts under the collarbones, caused by surgery or radiation therapy |
The goal of treatment is to control the swelling and other problems caused by lymphedema.
Damage to the lymph system cannot be repaired. Treatment is given to control the swelling caused by lymphedema and keep other problems from developing or getting worse. Treatment may be a combination of several of the physiotherapeutic methods. The goal of these treatments is to help patients continue with their daily activities, to decrease pain, and to improve the ability to move and use the limb (arm or leg) with lymphedema.
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Exercise |
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Pressure garments |
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Bandages |
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Manual lymph drainage |
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Skin care |
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Compression therapy |
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Weight loss |
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Family and patient education |
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| Critical Care |
The Critical Care team cares for patients in the ICU and HDU including Stroke ICU, Apex Coronary Care, and Neurosurgery ICU. They provide 24x7 services in order to keep the patient away from musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary complications and also to help the patient to move out of the ICU as soon as possible.
The effort starts right from the beginning in order to wean the patient off the ventilator and also to wake the unconscious patient by using coma arousal techniques.
Patient care and research are integrated to provide the best care available for our patients and advance the science of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
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| Dysphagia Management |
| The rehabilitation department has expertise and experience in treating dysphagia (swallowing problems) caused by various diseases, and specifically dysphagia followed by stroke. The treatment depends on the nature of the problem. Difficulty in swallowing caused by motility disorders may be treated by stretching narrowed passages. Dysphagia caused by neurological problems such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, and stroke or spinal cord injury, require treating the underlying condition. |
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Swallowing problems can occur in the mouth, throat or oesophagus.
The swallowing tract extends from the mouth to the stomach. The act of swallowing is divided into three phases:
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The oral or mouth phase - moving food or liquid into the throat |
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The pharyngeal or throat phase - squeezing food down the throat and closing the airway to prevent choking |
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The oesophageal phase - relaxing and tightening the openings at the top and bottom of the oesophagus and squeezing food through the oesophagus into the stomach |
Swallowing problems (dysphagia) can be grouped into two categories:
Oropharyngeal dysphagia - These swallowing problems happen before food reaches the oesophagus and may result from neuromuscular disease or obstructions. Patients experience difficulty starting a swallow; food goes down the wrong pipe; or there is choking and coughing. This may result in poor nutrition or dehydration, aspiration (which can lead to pneumonia and chronic lung disease) or embarrassment in social situations that involve eating. Conditions that may cause oropharyngeal dysphagia include Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, Zenker's diverticulum, cervical osteophytes or other obstructions.
Oesophageal dysphagia - These swallowing problems originate in the oesophagus. Food or liquids 'stick' in the chest or throat and sometimes come back up. Causes include oesophageal cancer, oesophagitis, gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD) and oesophageal-motility disorders.
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| VitalStim Therapy |
Dysphagia is not a medical disease, per se, but a symptom or side effect of various neurological, structural, or cognitive conditions or deficits. It may be the result of head and neck trauma, cerebrovascular accidents, neuromuscular degenerative diseases, head and neck cancer, or encephalopathies. Patients with dysphagia can be at risk for aspiration pneumonia, dehydration, malnutrition, failure to thrive, and even death.
Dysphagia is experienced by as many as 50 to 75 percent of stroke patients. This condition is responsible for the majority of respiratory infections in stroke patients. It is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of patients who undergo radiation therapy for head and neck cancer experience dysphagia. The rapid rise of oesophageal cancer has also increased the prevalence of this condition. In degenerative neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, myasthenia gravis, ALS and others, estimates of dysphagia's prevalence run as high as 90 percent. Dysphagia is especially common among the elderly.
Quality of life is seriously affected by dysphagia. Many dysphagia patients experience social isolation because they are unable to eat with family and friends. The loss of swallowing can also lead to severe depression due to the interruption of the patients normal ways of life.
VitalStim Therapy, the only electrical stimulation therapy cleared by the FDA for treatment of dysphagia, is an innovative treatment modality that has proven to be an effective means of reducing costs arising from dysphagia. Its impact is felt in three separate ways:
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correcting dysphagia at early stages of the condition |
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preventing its progression to the point where the patient may require a feeding tube |
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enabling many patients on tubes to return to normal or partly-normal eating |
| VitalStim Therapy can be expected to decrease the cost of patient's care by reducing the incidence of the following: |
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hospital readmissions |
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emergency room visits |
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extended hospital stays |
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the need for expensive respiratory and nutritional support |
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the necessity for long-term institutional care |
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a tracheostomy for breathing (in the most severe cases) |
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PEG tube |
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| Elderly Care |
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Fall prevention |
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Pain management |
| Falls and injuries in the elderly |
| More than one-third of the elderly population (ages 65 and older) fall each year. It's estimated that 50 percent of those who fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries such as sprains, hip fractures, or head traumas that permanently reduce their mobility and independence. |
| How can we prevent it? |
More than 90 percent of incidents that result in injuries are predictable and preventable. Many seniors imprison themselves in their homes from a fear of falling. By doing this, they lose the physical benefits of normal activities and may compromise balance and muscle strength, putting themselves at even greater risk of falling even at home. Impaired vision or mental functioning along with medications are other risk factors.
Studies show that modifying the home and reducing hazards in the community can reduce the risk of falls by half. The risk of falling in older adults can be reduced dramatically when specific exercises, activities and interventions are prescribed by a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist can help evaluate the home environment to identify objects that increase the risk of falling - loose rugs, slippery or uneven surfaces, unsecured cords and wires. Good lighting and well thought-out furniture arrangements can also help prevent unnecessary accidents.
Tips for reducing the risk of falling: |
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Plant both feet securely on the ground before getting out of the car |
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Wear a good pair of lace-up walking shoes that will support your feet and provide necessary cushioning for your joints; this will make walking safer and more comfortable. Avoid high heels, slippers, and open-toed sandals, which can cause you to trip |
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Use aids for walking, balancing, hearing and seeing - view them as sources of strength to help you do things, not signs of weakness |
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Sit rather than stand while dressing |
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Before you get up from a chair or out of bed, wait 10 seconds before rising to your feet to prevent dizziness |
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Install handrails and grab-bars in the bathrooms and stairways |
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Make sure stairways are well lit. Install a night light at the top of the stairs |
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Concentrate on what you're doing while you're doing it, and move at a speed that feels comfortable |
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Immediately wipe any spills, especially on ceramic floors |
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Keep a flashlight near the bed in case the power goes out |
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Avoid taking unnecessary risks like standing on furniture. Instead, use a sturdy stepladder, or better yet, ask for help |
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Put everyday items on the bottom shelf |
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Be mindful around pets. Feet can get caught in leashes, dogs can knock you down or you can trip over the sleeping or wandering pet |
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Slow down. Be conscious of risky situations and hazardous areas |
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Remove reading glasses when walking |
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Try to be physically active every day to improve posture, muscle strength and balance. Enroll in an exercise programme to improve flexibility |
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Don't leave clutter on the stairs that can cause a fall |
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Always keep one hand free when carrying things up and down the stairs so that you can hold on to the handrail and |
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Have your vision and hearing checked regularly |
| The benefits of regular activity and exercise include: |
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Decreased pain |
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Increased muscle strength and endurance |
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Increased bone strength and quality |
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Healthy joints |
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Increased joint range of motion |
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Enhanced ability to perform everyday activities |
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Greater fitness level |
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Better sleep |
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Improved balance |
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Reduced risk of falls |
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Enhanced self-confidence |
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Healthy body weight |
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Improved ability to manage stress |
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| Fitness programme and lifestyle management |
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| Obesity |
Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that is characterized by excess adipose tissue and that contributes to numerous chronic diseases and early mortality.
The adverse health consequences associated with obesity include cardiovascular disease; stroke; type 2 diabetes mellitus8; hypertension; dyslipidemia; cancers of the breast, endometrium, prostate, and colon; gallbladder disease; osteoarthritis respiratory problems, including asthma and sleep apnea15; and perhaps depression.
Obesity is pervasive, affecting people of all ages and at all socioeconomic levels and is also associated with an increase in age.
The goals of obesity treatment are to achieve and then to maintain clinically meaningful weight loss, with the ultimate goal of reducing the risk for or severity of obesity-related diseases, impairments, and functional limitations. Weight losses of 5% to 10% of initial body weight produce health benefits and are deemed by many health care practitioners to represent a clinical success.
In addition to formal exercise, daily physical activity plays a critical role in energy balance, weight control, disease prevention, and achievement and maintenance of overall health.
Exercise are very important adjunct to a weight-reducing diet because it increases energy expenditure, enhances loss of adipose tissue, and improves dietary adherence. |
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| Bariatric Surgery |
Make Exercise a Part of Your New Lifestyle
It is important that bariatric surgery patients adopt an exercise routine after undergoing the procedure. While weight loss surgery is effective in helping patients lose weight in the year after the procedure is performed, it is not enough to help patients maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise is an important part of a successful gastric bypass surgery. Done properly and under supervision, exercise speeds healing and recovery. Getting started on any post surgical exercise program is difficult. It may be even more difficult for people who were unaccustomed or unable to exercise previously due to excessive weight.
According to American Heart Association guidelines on physical activity, healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 65 should get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days of the week.
Walking is the ideal exercise for the period shortly after surgery. More intense exercise may be added to the routine in six to eight weeks, but walking and less vigorous but steady exercise should be a long-term goal. Making exercise part of a lifestyle change will help to keep your weight down, and will cause you to feel much better. |
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| Dyslipidemia |
Dyslipidemia is a disruption in the amount of lipids in the blood. In western societies, most dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias; that is, an elevation of lipids in the blood, often due to diet and lifestyle. The prolonged elevation of insulin levels can lead to dyslipidemia.
Optimum treatment of lipids helps in the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.
50% of CVD diagnoses and 15% of CVD deaths are in patients <65 yrs of age.
Many young adults have 2 or more risk factors that go unrecognized and untreated. It means that there is a Huge oppurtunity to prevent disease.
Increased exercise and weight management is the key to prevent or manage dyslipidemia. |
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| Diabetes |
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| Neuro Rehabilitation |
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Stroke/Head injury |
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Multiple sclerosis |
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Muscular dystrophy |
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Parkinson's disease |
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Max, Saket, focuses on the restoration of function in people with a wide range of disabling injuries and illnesses. The therapist deals not only with the physical aspects of injury or disease but also on the person's social, emotional and vocational well being.
The practice of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is based on a holistic and comprehensive approach to medical care for individuals who have experienced an impairment resulting from an injury, disease process or developmental disorder.
Conditions that benefit neurological rehabilitation
Disorders of the nervous system, which may be helped by physical medicine and rehabilitation, may include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Vascular disorders - stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), subarachnoid haemorrhage, subdural haemorrhage and haematoma, and extradural haemorrhage |
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Infections - meningitis, encephalitis, polio, and epidural abscess |
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Structural, trauma, or neuromuscular disorders - brain, head, or spinal cord injury, Bell's palsy, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain or spinal cord tumours, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome |
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Functional disorders - headache, seizure disorder, dizziness, and neuralgia |
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Degenerative disorders - Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's chorea, and Alzheimer's disease |
The neurological rehabilitation program
Rehabilitation programmes can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient, or on an outpatient basis. The neurological rehabilitation team revolves around the patient and family. The team helps set short and long-term treatment goals for recovery.
The goals of a neurological rehabilitation program include:
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Helping the individual to return to the highest level of function and independence, and improving the overall quality of life for that individual - physically, emotionally, and socially |
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Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, handwriting, cooking, and basic housekeeping |
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Counselling (to deal with anxiety and depression) |
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Bladder and bowel retraining |
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Activities to improve control and muscle balance in the trunk, pelvis, and shoulder girdle |
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An exercise programme (to improve function, safety, and efficiency of movement; to prevent or postpone weakness caused by lack of use; to manage spasticity and pain; to maintain range of motion; to develop the maximum potential of muscle, bone, and respiration) |
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Social skills retraining |
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Gait and balance retraining |
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Involvement in community support groups |
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Activities to improve cognitive impairments, such as difficulties with concentration, attention, memory, and poor judgment |
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Education regarding the disease and disease process |
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Goal setting (short and long-term) involving the individual and family members |
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Home modification and prescription of assistive devices |
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| Home Modification & Assistive Devices |
The occupational therapists provide comfort and safety based on complete evaluation of the patient and their home environment. Examples of home modifications include grab bars, handrails, ramps, curbless showers, stair lifts, and wider doorways.
Assistive devices are items or pieces of equipment that can help patients carry out daily activities. Examples of assistive devices include raised toilet seats, reachers, and walkers.
Home environment can help patients and their caregivers in the following three care-giving activities that often are difficult:
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bathing/showering |
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making use of the toilet |
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getting in and out of home |
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| Occupational Health |
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Ergonomics |
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Repetitive stress injuries |
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| Orthopaedics |
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Joint replacement |
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Fracture, joint, muscle and ligament injuries |
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Ligament reconstruction |
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Myofascial disorders |
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Arthritis |
At Max, Saket, nothing excites us more than helping our patients realize their full potential. In fact, our greatest reward is seeing the tremendous progress you make from when you arrive, to when you return to your home and community. That's why we approach each and every orthopaedic patient with unmatched intensity; so you can be you again as quickly as possible.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation is directed towards maximizing functional abilities and mobility in order to increase your independence. You will receive this treatment by working with our highly trained physical therapists.
At the beginning of your treatment, our therapists evaluate your strength, balance, endurance and ability to move. The therapist then develops a treatment programme to teach you about your illness or injury, practice skills and exercises to improve or regain your ability to walk, or, if appropriate, how to use equipment such as a walker, crutches or wheelchair to aid in mobility. Lastly, the therapist can provide instruction sessions to your family or caregivers to educate them in ways to best assist you outside of the hospital.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is a central element of treatment in inpatient and outpatient settings for nearly all conditions, including:
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Joint replacements (knee and hip) |
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Post surgical (ligament reconstruction, meniscectomy) |
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Traumatic injuries/bone fractures |
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Painful conditions of knee, back, shoulder and neck |
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Arthritis and arthritis-related conditions |
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Hand disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tendon injuries |
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Osteoporosis |
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Work-related injuries |
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| Paediatrics |
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Cerebral palsy |
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Delayed milestones |
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Autism |
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ADHD |
A child's main job/occupation is playing and learning, and an occupational therapist can evaluate a child's skills for play activities, school performance, and daily activities and compare them with what is developmentally appropriate for that age group.
In addition to dealing with an individual's physical well-being, OT practitioners address psychological, social, and environmental factors that may hinder an individual's functioning in different ways. This unique approach makes occupational therapy a vital part of health care.
One of the activities that occupational therapists can address to meet children's needs is working on fine motor skills so that kids can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting skills. Occupational therapists also address hand-eye coordination to improve play skills, such as hitting a target, batting a ball, or copying from a blackboard.
Occupational therapy is recommended for children suffering from:
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Birth injuries or birth defects |
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Cerebral palsy |
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Developmental delays |
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Learning problems |
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ADHD |
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Autism |
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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
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Spina bifida |
An occupational therapist can also:
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Help kids with severe developmental delays learn some basic tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and feeding themselves |
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Help kids with behavioural disorders learn anger-management techniques (i.e., instead of hitting others or acting out, the children would learn positive ways to deal with anger, such as writing about feelings or participating in a physical activity) |
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Teach kids with physical disabilities the coordination skills required to feed themselves, use a computer, or increase the speed and legibility of their handwriting |
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Evaluate each child's need for specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs, splints, bathing equipment, dressing devices, or communication aids |
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Work with kids who have sensory and attention issues to improve focus and social skills |
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| Rehabilitation OPD |
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| Physiotherapy |
When do you require it?
Physiotherapy is an established, respected and evidence-based profession, which uses scientifically proven techniques to help many conditions affecting your body, including:
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Spinal and joint conditions such as arthritis |
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Post accident treatment and rehabilitation |
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Back and neck pain |
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Fibromyalgia |
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Problems affecting children, including cerebral palsy, delayed milestone and spina bifida |
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Cancer and palliative care |
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Pre and post-natal care |
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Stress incontinence |
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Work-related injuries |
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Heart and lung conditions such as asthma, obstructive airways diseases (COPD), and other breathing difficulties |
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Dysphagia |
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Sports injuries |
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Brain injuries (e.g. strokes) and other neurological problems such as multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism |
What to expect in rehab?
When you see a physiotherapist, he or she will complete a thorough assessment that may include your health history, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes, sensation and cardiorespiratory status.
They will also examine relevant x-rays, laboratory tests, medical records and surgical notes. Based on this assessment, the therapist develops a diagnosis and works in partnership with you to plan individualized goals and treatment programs.
Therapists promote independence, including emphasis on how you can help yourself. For example, you may be shown exercises that you can do between treatment sessions and how to set goals to achieve results. Where appropriate, physiotherapists also advise caregivers on how they can help you.
Treatment options/modalities
Some treatment options:
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Strengthening and therapeutic exercise programmes |
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Mobility and flexibility improvement |
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Improvements in muscle imbalances and alignment |
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Balance retraining and movement coordination |
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Manual therapy - intervention to reduce pain and stiffness |
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Electrical modalities such as TENS (electrical nerve stimulation), ultrasound, laser, EMS |
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Gait retraining and general conditioning regimes |
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Biofeed back training (for incontinence, bell's palsy, chronic headache) |
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Heat therapy/cryotherapy |
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Pneumatic compression for lymphedema management |
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Traction (cervical and lumbar) |
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Vital stim for dysphagia management |
| Occupationl therapy |
Occupational therapy is a treatment that focuses on helping people achieve independence in all areas of their lives - can offer kids with various needs positive, fun activities to improve their cognitive, physical, and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Who needs occupational therapy? |
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birth injuries or birth defects |
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stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other chronic illnesses |
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cognitive impairments |
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traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord) |
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learning problems |
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autism |
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juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
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mental health or behavioural problems |
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orthopedic injuries |
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developmental delays |
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post-surgical conditions |
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burns |
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spina bifida |
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traumatic amputations |
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cancer |
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severe hand injuries |
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| Spine Rehabilitation |
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Spine surgeries |
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Spinal cord injury |
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Back and Neck pain |
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| Spinal Cord Injury |
Spinal cord injuries are typically caused by accidents, especially motor vehicle accidents, or other trauma. Other causes include tumours, infections or vascular insufficiency.
The goal of rehabilitation is to maximize the patient's functions and to help the patient return as an active participant in the community. Rehabilitation can help the patient gain the skills needed to be more self-sufficient.
Adaptive equipment, such as braces, walkers and communication devices, help patients and their families manage day-to-day challenges that accompany a spinal cord injury.
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| Low Back Pain/Neck Pain |
Back or neck pain is a symptom, not a disease. That means the pain is likely being caused by something - something that can often be relieved when treated by a physiotherapist. Before treatment can begin, your back or neck pain must be evaluated.
On your first visit to the physiotherapist, he or she will first determine exactly how serious the problem is. Once the most likely cause of your problem has been determined (your diagnosis has been made), you and your healthcare professional can decide on a treatment plan.
One of the keys to managing back pain or neck pain is to actively engage in rehabilitation and exercise. Physical therapy helps place patients on the right track by exercising weak points and regaining strength that may have been lost.
An exercise programme should be tailored to the individual's condition and pain level, and include a combination of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning. Knowing the right exercises and how to find the right trainers can be the difference between recovery and chronic pain.
The physiotherapist works to remove the cause of the damage to the spine and prevent further occurrence. Physiotherapy therefore aims to identify:
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Faulty movement patterns, for example, excessive mobility in the lumbar spine and insufficient participation in the hips and thoracic spine results in segmental overstrain and pain |
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Associated imbalance between muscles that have become too overactive and those that have become too weak, as a result of faulty movement patterns |
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Joint stiffness, soft tissue tightness and tension in the nerve structures, contributing to and resulting in faulty movement patterns |
Physiotherapy then aims to correct these problems by:
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Developing the tonic function of the deep stabiliser muscles (i.e. deep abdominals, and the gluteal/buttock muscles) to stabilise the spine initially, then |
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Re-educating the body to perform new and corrected movement patterns to redistribute the forces of movement more economically, and away from the overused vulnerable segments, and |
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Elongating shortened structures and mobilising neural tissues and facet joints in order to restore full and correct range of movement |
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| Post Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation |
| Spine surgery is a major undertaking, and rehabilitation is an important part of helping patients get the maximum benefit from their surgery. Essentially, rehabilitation (physical therapy, exercise) can help patients recover from spine surgery as quickly and completely as possible. |
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| Pre-operative Instruction |
| Most of the patients are fully assessed pre-operatively by the physiotherapist so that the exercises can be gauged according to each person's level of pain and disability. Pre-op physiotherapy aims to stabilise your spine and prepare the spine for rehabilitation post-operatively. |
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| Post-operative Instruction |
| The exercises shown pre-operatively should be restarted as soon as possible following surgery. |
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| Sports Injuries |
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Prevention and management |
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Taping |
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Proprioceptive training and Plyometrics |
Most sports injuries are preventable. They are often caused by the overuse or misuse of a muscle or joint. However, there are prevention methods that can significantly reduce the risk of injury. To assist in avoiding injuries, participants should maintain fitness, train adequately, play to standards, use the correct equipment and clothing, and cease activity as soon as a suspected injury occurs.
Signs and Symptoms |
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Pain |
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Swelling |
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Tenderness |
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Bruising (caused by bleeding into damaged tissues) |
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Limited movement |
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Difficulty doing daily tasks |
Why physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are university educated healthcare professionals who help people of all ages and lifestyles to gain and maintain their desired level of active living and physical functioning. With their applied knowledge and understanding of the human body in action, physiotherapists are able to help you to increase mobility, relieve pain, build strength and improve balance and cardiovascular function. Physiotherapists not only treat injuries, they also teach you how to prevent the onset of pain or injury that can limit your activity.
Prevention and treatment is facilitated with the use of:
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Physiotherapeutic modalities |
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Taping |
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Bracing |
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Strengthening and stretching |
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Core stability (especially for back injuries) |
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Theraband and plyometrics |
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| How to prevent injuries |
| Following are some general rules for injury prevention no matter what sport you play. While it is impossible to prevent every injury, research suggests that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if athletes took appropriate preventative action, including: |
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Be in proper physical condition to play a sport.
Keep in mind the weekend warrior has a high rate of injury. If you play any sports, you should adequately train for that sport. It is a mistake to expect the sport itself to get you into shape. Many injuries can be prevented by following a regular conditioning programme of exercises designed specifically for your sport.
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Wear appropriate protective gear and equipment.
Protective pads, mouth guards, helmets, gloves and other equipment is not for sissies. Protective equipment that fits you well can save your knees, hands, teeth, eyes, and head. Never play without your safety gear.
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Rest.
Athletes with high consecutive days of training, have more injuries. While many athletes think the more they train, the better they'll play, this is a misconception. Rest is a critical component of proper training. Rest can make you stronger and prevent injuries of overuse, fatigue and poor judgement.
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Always warm up before playing.
Warm muscles are less susceptible to injuries. The proper warm up is essential for injury prevention. Make sure your warm up suits your sport. You may simply start your sport slowly, or practice specific stretching or mental rehearsals depending upon your activity.
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Avoid playing when very tired or in pain.
This is a set-up for a careless injury. Pain indicates a problem. You need to pay attention to warning signs your body provides.
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The most common sports injuries are:
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Muscle strains |
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Ligament sprains |
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Bruises |
| These injuries are also known as soft tissue injuries. Taking the time to treat your injury early is important. Proper treatment will help relieve immediate symptoms and speed up your recovery. |
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| Women's Health |
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Pre and post natal care
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Osteoporosis |
The department offers a unique experience by combining clinical expertise with an integrated approach to the special health needs of women. The team of specialists work cooperatively in one location to diagnose, treat and counsel each patient. The therapists in the Women's Health team listen to each woman's concerns, work to identify and understand her needs, and then develop an appropriate treatment plan in coordination with her primary care provider.
The Women's Health team provides evaluation and treatment for the following concerns:
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Menopausal Osteoporosis
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Pre and post natal care |
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Fibromyalgia syndrome |
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Urinary incontinence |
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| Vestibular/Balance Rehabilitation |
Vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise programme designed by specially trained therapists to help people compensate for a loss or imbalance within the vestibular system. Vestibular rehabilitation can offer relief of symptoms for persons suffering from an inner ear disorder.
The programme may include balance activities and/or eye or head movement exercises. The balance activities help people maximize the use of the remaining vestibular function, their sight, and the sensation in their feet to keep their balance. When there is an imbalance in the vestibular system, a person may also experience dizziness because the reflexes that help with eye movement have been changed. The eye exercises help the brain relearn these reflexes. Because each patient's symptoms and needs are different, it is very important to design a programme to meet individual needs. Fall prevention is a very important part of vestibular rehabilitation. |
| Common diagnoses which may benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation |
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) |
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Infections of the inner ear |
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Labyrinthitis |
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Neuronitis |
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Post-surgery for acoustic neuroma |
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Meniere's disease/endolymphatic hydrops |
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Central vertigo resulting from CVA (stroke) or TBI (traumatic brain injury) |
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Multiple system involvement |
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Patients who have reduced or absent functioning in one or more balance systems |
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History of loss of balance or falls |
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| Inpatient Rehabilitation Services |
The Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation aims to provide the highest quality of rehabilitation services to optimize and promote wellness through an integrated practice supported by programmes in education and research. Care in the rehabilitation unit is designed to maximize the patient's independence and assist with their transition back into the community.
The Inpatient Services are offered 24X7.
Inpatient care programmes include:
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Neuro Rehabilitation |
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Orthopaedic Rehabilitation |
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Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation |
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Paediatric Rehabilitation |
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Cancer wellness programme |
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Critical Care |
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