Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is also called physiatry or rehabilitation medicine. Its primary focus is
on strengthening functional ability and improving the quality of life for individuals facing physical impairments or
disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
In line with the principle of comprehensive patient care, physiatrists within PM&R play crucial roles within the care
team, mirroring the commitment observed in specialised fields.
In the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) division, we strive to enhance patients' independence in daily
activities and elevate their overall quality of life. Our team of experienced physiatrists utilises a mix of
advanced, innovative, and established treatments tailored to individuals across a wide age spectrum, from infants to
seniors. The team is devoted to delivering the utmost care to ensure individuals lead vibrant and healthy lives.
Why choose SSMC?
The Rehabilitation Department at SSMC includes a diverse team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and
speech-language pathologists. Within the realm of the physical medicine and rehabilitation department, our focus
extends beyond mere physical treatment—we aim to address the complete well-being of individuals, both mentally and
physically.
Recognised as a profession dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, physical medicine and rehabilitation are
integral to our core mission: optimising overall bodily performance. In our pursuit of this goal, we prioritise
individualised care, tailoring rehabilitation programmes to meet the unique needs of each patient. The field of
rehabilitation medicine, synonymous with fostering a better quality of life, goes beyond conventional treatments,
offering distinctive programmes designed to cater to the specific requirements of every individual.
Physiotherapy Services
Our physiotherapy services provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, delivering a wide range of
evidence-based treatments, advanced techniques and innovative technologies.
Our goal is to rebuild strength and restore function and mobility, promoting independence for each patient. Through
personalised care plans, we guide individuals towards achieving their recovery goals, ensuring a safe and timely
transition to home or appropriate ongoing care.
Our team includes highly qualified professionals with advanced postgraduate degrees and specialised certifications.
These include experts in lymphedema, women’s and men’s health, vestibular therapy, Bobath technique, Cuevas Medek
therapy, visceral manipulation, critical care, oncology rehabilitation and cardiopulmonary care.
Inpatient services cover critical care, burns, stroke, medical, trauma and surgery, oncology, paediatrics and
neonatal care, ensuring comprehensive rehabilitation across all hospital areas.
Our outpatient services extend to both adult and paediatric populations. Paediatric services include a dedicated
therapy gym for children up to 16 years old. Adult services are divided into gender-specific treatment areas, each
equipped for sports rehabilitation, gait training and strengthening exercises, with multiple private rooms offering
enhanced comfort and added privacy.
Our outpatient physiotherapy services encompass a wide range of specialities:
For Adults
- Pre- and post-joint replacement rehabilitation (Hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, spine)
- Lymphedema rehabilitation
- Women’s health programme
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Scoliosis
- Scoliosis rehabilitation
- Chronic pain management
- Neurology problems (Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, TBI)
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Amputee rehabilitation
For Paediatrics
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Neurology conditions
- Amputee rehabilitation
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delay
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
- Down syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Neonatology
Occupational Therapy Services
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession concerned with promoting the health and wellbeing through occupation.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) achieve this outcome by enabling people to do things that will enhance their ability
to participate or by modifying the environment to better support participation. World Federation of Occupational
Therapists, 2023.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work within multidisciplinary teams providing specialist assessment and rehabilitation
of function both for inpatients and outpatients. All patients receive individual assessments and treatment plans
that are tailored to meet their identified clinical needs. In addition to the range of in-patient services offered,
a number of specialist out-patient services are provided to patients.
Occupational therapy services include:
For Inpatients:
- Burns occupational therapy
- Plastics and hand surgery rehabilitation
- Trauma, critical care and ICU rehabilitation
- Stroke and neurological rehabilitation
- General medical and surgery rehabilitation
- Paediatrics and NICU occupational therapy.
For Outpatients:
- Specialised hand therapy clinic
- Seating and equipment clinic
- Paediatrics cccupationaloccupational therapy clinic
- Early intervention
- Autism spectrum disorders/ ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Neurological disorders
- Developmental delay
- Learning disability
- Memory clinic occupational therapy
Speech and Language Pathology Services
At Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (SSMC), our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide comprehensive diagnostic and
therapeutic services to patients experiencing communication, cognitive and swallowing difficulties. We provide
assessment and treatment to patients across the age groups from neonates to the geriatric population. Our services
are
integral to the multidisciplinary care offered in an acute care hospital, with a focus on both inpatients and
outpatients.
We offer support for individuals who may be affected by:
- Developmental speech and language disorders
- Swallow and feeding difficulties in infants and children
- Stroke or brain injury
- Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, ALS)
- Post-surgical recovery (e.g., head and neck cancer, tracheostomy)
- Respiratory conditions affecting speech or swallowing
- Cognitive-communication impairments following trauma or illness
Our Services include:
- Swallowing (Dysphagia) management.
- Bedside evaluations and advanced diagnostic assessments such as fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of
swallowing
(FEES)
or video fluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS).
- Therapy for safe swallowing techniques and diet modification for all age groups.
- Speech and language therapy
- Assessment and treatment for speech disorders, including articulation, fluency and voice issues
- Cognitive-communication rehabilitation for memory, attention and executive functioning deficits.
- Voice therapy
- Rehabilitation for voice disorders, including those caused by surgery, injury or neurological
conditions.
- Tracheostomy management
- Training and support for patients with tracheostomies to communicate effectively, including speaking
valve
trials and
decannulation readiness.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):
- Evaluation and provision of AAC devices for patients with severe speech impairments
