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 play crucial roles within the
care team,
mirroring the commitment observed in specialised fields.
At the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Department of SSMC, we are committed to enhancing
the functional
abilities and quality of life of individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. Our
multidisciplinary team
of rehabilitation professionals including Physical Medicine Physicians (Physiatrists),
Physiotherapists,
Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists collaborates within an interdisciplinary
care model to
provide comprehensive, patient-centred treatment tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
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:
- Specialised hand therapy clinic – post hand surgery and hand trauma
- Burns rehabilitation and scar management services
- General hand and upper limb rehabilitation
- Wheelchair and equipment clinic
- Paediatrics Occupational Therapy Clinic
- Early intervention
- Autism spectrum disorders / ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Neurological disorders
- Developmental delay
- Learning disability
- Memory loss - Occupational therapy clinic
Inpatient Rehabilitation Services:
Our inpatient rehabilitation services cater to a wide range of conditions and patient populations,
including:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries (traumatic and non-traumatic)
- Burn injuries
- Paediatric rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Inpatient physiatrists work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including allied health
professionals
(physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers) to
deliver holistic
care that addresses the diverse needs of our patients.
Outpatient Rehabilitation Services:
In the outpatient setting, physical medicine physicians provide personalised therapy plans for a
variety of
conditions including:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain
- Neurological conditions
Outpatient services also include:
- Provision of specialised therapy equipment for patients to support their recovery.
- Telehealth services for some patients (as needed) to ensure care is accessible and convenient.
- Follow-up care for patients transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation, with referrals to the
appropriate
specialities within the division to ensure continuity of care.
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
