Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and rehabilitation (physiotherapy and rehabilitation) is a specialized field aimed at treating functional disorders caused by musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and pulmonary system conditions. The goals in this field include reducing pain, enhancing participation in daily activities, restoring body balance, and maintaining the individual's place in society. Physical therapy and rehabilitation is divided into subfields such as orthopedic, neurological, pediatric, rheumatological, cardiopulmonary, obstetric, and urogynaecological rehabilitation. Additionally, there are subfields targeting specific anatomical body regions, such as the hand and spine. Treatment methods include the use of heat-light-water agents, electrotherapy, manual therapy, mechanotherapy, therapeutic exercises, home exercises, daily life modifications, assistive devices, and orthosis-prosthesis usage.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is applied in the treatment of musculoskeletal system diseases, both before (pre-operative) and after (post-operative) surgical interventions. In this field, treatments are commonly performed for conditions such as ankle sprains, bursitis, tendinitis, herniated disc (lumbar and cervical), osteoarthritis, flat feet (pes planus), hallux valgus, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle tears, scoliosis, nerve entrapment, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, myofascial pain syndrome, heel spurs, and torticollis. Physical therapy applications include electrotherapy, heat agents, manual therapy, massage, and therapeutic exercises.
Neurological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Neurological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is applied in the treatment of disorders resulting from nervous system diseases. In this field, conditions such as stroke (hemiplegia), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and muscular diseases are treated. The treatment process includes different goals during acute and chronic phases and varies depending on the progression of the disease.
Pediatric Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Pediatric Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is applied in the treatment of congenital or acquired neurological and orthopedic problems in children. Conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP), pediatric neuromuscular diseases, obstetric brachial plexus paralysis, and spina bifida are frequently treated. The treatment methods are determined based on the child’s age, neurodevelopmental status, and physical disability.
Rheumatological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Rheumatological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is applied in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in the musculoskeletal system. Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are the most commonly encountered conditions in this field. The treatment program aims to reduce pain, control inflammation, and increase functionality through the use of electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, exercises, and massage techniques.
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is applied to individuals with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this field is to improve physical, psychological, and social conditions and to slow the progression of the disease. Cardiac rehabilitation is applied in cases such as acute myocardial infarction, stable angina pectoris, and coronary artery bypass surgery, while pulmonary rehabilitation is applied in chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
Obstetric-Urogynecological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Obstetric-Urogynecological Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation includes treatment methods applied in cases such as urinary and fecal incontinence. Urinary incontinence develops due to the weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and has different types. The treatment of incontinence includes methods such as retraining the pelvic floor muscles and the bladder.
Hand Rehabilitation
Hand Rehabilitation includes the treatment of hand and wrist injuries. Flexor tendon injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hand fractures are the most common injuries encountered in this field. Rehabilitation procedures vary depending on the level and type of injury and are usually applied after surgery.
