Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

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The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Department is a vital cog in the SCTIMST hospital wing machinery.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Clinics

Rehab clinic - Monday to Friday 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM

History

The department had humble origins as a physiotherapy section in 1976. Gradually more physiotherapists were recruited and it evolved into physiotherapy department under the administration of the medical superintendent. In 2011-12, to further streamline the services of the department a physiatrist, namely the visionary Dr. U. Nandakumaran Nair was appointed to head the team of physiotherapists and the department was re-designated as the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. The department is located in the 1st floor of the middle block of the hospital wing.

Dr. U. Nandakumaran Nair with Department Staff Dr. U. Nandakumaran Nair (seated 2nd from left) with Department Staff
Services

The rehabilitation team at the department consists of a physiatrist as the leader, a team of physiotherapists and a unit helper. The industrious and dedicated team of physiotherapists provide bedside physiotherapy to all the patients in the various wards and ICUs of the hospital wing. This routinely includes chest and limb physiotherapy to pre and post operative patients of neurosurgery, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery as well as to patients post medical event and interventions in stroke, medical neurology, interventional radiology and cardiology. Stable patients from ward are brought to the department to continue rehabilitative efforts including tilt tabling, balance training, gait training. At the time of discharge patients/caretakers are provided clear instructions for continuing the exercise programme. Patients attending various outpatient clinics also are daily sent to the department for exercises and physical modalities. Physiatrist (PMR doctor/rehabilitation consultant) can be consulted at the department on working days (Monday – Friday) or at the rehab clinic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays (8am – 10am) with referral from treating physician. Additionally the physiatrist is a member of the multidisciplinary pain management group available at the pain clinic on Fridays (2pm – 4pm). Also the institute inpatients and outpatients requiring expert opinion regarding rehabilitation are referred to the physiatrist. The physiatrist conducts a detailed clinical evaluation including functional assessment and identifies the rehab issues of the patient and then orders further laboratory/radiological investigations as needed. The physiatrist sets appropriate goals to improve/restore the functional status based on outcome prediction of the particular case and tailors a rehabilitation programme to achieve the goals and prevent complications. This may include modification of drug management, semi invasive interventions, prescription of assistive technology including orthotics (splints), ambulatory and self care aids and exercise/physical modality/activity prescription to the physiotherapist, occupational therapist as well as discussion for surgical interventions and social rehabilitation.

Dr. Nitha with Team in October 2021 Dr. Nitha (seated in middle) with Team in October 2021
Common Clinical Conditions Handled
Spinal cord injury (traumatic and non traumatic including spinal tumors, myelomeningocele) – rehab issues tackled include weakness, loss of sensations, spasticity, neurogenic bladder, neurogenic bowel, sexual dysfunction, limb contractures, pain, pressure sores, deep vein thrombosis, dependence in self care, ambulation.
Stroke and traumatic brain injury – rehab issues managed are weakness, spasticity, cognitive dysfunction, swallowing and speech dysfunction, limb contractures, CRPS, shoulder subluxation, repetitive strain injuries, heterotopic ossificans etc.
Cerebral palsy – rehab issues managed are weakness, spasticity, limb contractures /deformities, incoordination, difficulty in walking etc
Myopathies including DMD, BMD – rehab issues tackled are weakness, limb contracures/deformities, respiratory dysfunction, difficulty in walking and self care etc
Peripheral neuropathy including brachial plexopathy, diabetic neuropathy, HSMN, carpal tunnel syndrome, peroneal and ulnar neuropathy, sciatica – resulting neuropathic pain, weakness, deformities and ADL (activities of daily living) limitations are managed
Rheumatological conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis – rehab issues tackled include pain, deformities, ADL dependence
Musculoskeletal conditions including cervical/lumbar spondylosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, pes planus (flat foot), pes cavus, periarthritis shoulder, rotator cuff injury, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), Dequervains tenosynovitis, trigger finger, myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia – resulting pain, deformities, range of movement (ROM) limitations are managed
Lifestyle disorders related issues and cardiopulmonary disorders including coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity are addressed.
Interventions Available

Joint infiltration, peripheral nerve block, serial casting, total contact casting, saline cystometrogram, bandaging/taping, trigger point needling, chemodenervation

Facilities

The department has an enviable arsenal of physical modalities, gymnasium and rehabilitation equipments which matches any modern physiotherapy centre. These include but are not limited to tilt table, static cycler, unweighing system, treadmill, upper limb robotics, walk assist, virtual reality play station, parallel bar, dynamic stair trainer, cycle ergometer, balance master, dumbbells, exercise ball, exercise bands. The physical modalities available include UST (ultrasound therapy), SWD (short wave diathermy), IR (infra red), TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), IFT (interferential current therapy), Laser system, Vibrator, FES (functional electrical stimulation) with Faradic, Galvanic, Russian current modes.

PMR Department Robotics Station PMR Department Robotics Station
Academics

The department offers 2 months internship for physiotherapy students and advanced course in physiotherapy (ACP) in cardiology and neurology sub specialities.

BPT Interns with Department Staff on Tenure Completion BPT Interns with Department Staff on Tenure Completion
Contact Details

For queries or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact 0471 – 2524323 or 0471 - 2524623

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