An interdisciplinary team of doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, prosthetists, and orthotists works under the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as Physiatry. The coordinated work aims at maximizing the functional abilities of people with disabilities. Various clinico-pathological conditions (listed below) which lead to physical/neurological impairments are managed through outpatient and inpatient services.

Conditions treated include:

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injury due to trauma and other causes
• Stroke
• Developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, spinal dysraphism
• Amputations of the extremities
• Rheumatological conditions
• Haemophilia
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Chronic pain

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also called Physiatry, takes over the continuing medical needs and rehab care of disabled patients who have sustained severe neurological or devastating orthopedic conditions. Physiatrists take over patient care once the acute critical condition or surgical period is over and conduct detailed assessments and management of disabling conditions and comorbidities. We set integrated rehab goals for maximum independence of the patient and seek interdepartmental consultations, if needed, to analyze the medical condition promptly. Physiatrists organize and coordinate the necessary therapies after setting an integrated care plan in consultation with the family.

Supporting therapy units in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department include:

• Physiotherapy – for physical fitness and gait training
• Occupational therapy – for Activities of Daily Life (ADL) and hand function training
• Speech therapy – for safe swallowing techniques and speech training
• Orthotic unit (outsourced) – for providing supportive equipment like splints, braces, etc.

PMR doctors conduct inpatient rehabilitation for Stroke, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and other orthopedic/neuromuscular diseases. We arrange sequential counseling sessions with the patient’s family, set goals, and create an integrated short-term inpatient rehab care plan or home care program for the patient.

Chronic pain management interventions, spasticity management, and Diabetic foot care clinics (prescribing modified footwear) are also offered under the Department of Physiatry.