Physiotherapy Department

The Physiotherapy Department at Smita Memorial Hospital and Research Centre incorporates evidence based practice in the rehabilitation of a range of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, paediatric, sport related injuries & other complex problems. The process involves maximizing the functional potential of anindividual with disease, dysfunctin or injury & also facilitates health promotion, lifestyle modification& fitness training. The physiotherapy services are provided in the intensive care unit (surgical, medical & paediatric), In Patient Department (IPD) and Out Patient Department (OPD). Patient & family education being an integral component of the management process, a discharge counselling session is given to all our In patients. Furthermore, patient education sessions are held once a month for our cardiac & pulmonary patients.

Location : The outpatient department is located in the 10th floor of the hospital.

Appointment Timings

Monday – Saturday 09.00 am to 05.30 pm
OPD patients by prior appointment only

Contact Us

For queries / appointments contact on 04862350700 or email us at [email protected].

Facilities And Infrastructure

The Physiotherapy Department is well equipped with state of the art specialized systems like

  • Balance Master: It is a computerized system of objective assessment, sequence training & custom-based training used for evaluation and treatment of balance using visual feedback. It provides a numeric and comprehensive progress report.
  • Treadmill: The treadmill is specially designed to have a zero start capability which is a must for rehabilitation.
  • Recumbent cycle: provides a total body workout.
  • ARKE: The exercise system comprises of balls and weights for a core-centric training method to achieve better physical movement, co-ordination, strength, stability & balance.
  • Kinesis: is a slick set of cable & pulley resistance exercise system for various exercise routines at varying intensity levels. Unlike traditional weighted cable equipment this machine provides free movements which prove to be more challenging for a workout.
  • Theraband wall station: is a compact total body rehabilitation system designed for strength training, balance & core-training with the help of resistance bands & tubes, stability trainers, rockers board & wobble board.

Services

  • Musculoskeletal & Sports Rehabilitation
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Neurological Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Rehabilitation
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Geriatric Rehabilitation
  • Cancer Rehabilitation
  • Health Promotion and Lifestyle Modification
  • COVID 19 Rehabilitation

Musculoskeletal & Sports Rehabilitation

The physiotherapy department sees a large variety of musculoskeletal (orthopedic) conditions in IPD as well as OPD. The rehabilitation process incorporates assessment, goal setting, treatment, education as well as preventive aspect. Some of the common musculoskeletal conditions seen are:

  • Neck & back pain, including post operative cases
  • Degenerative conditions
  • Complex hand & foot injuries / crush injuries
  • Shoulder - cuff tears, bankarts repair, adhesive capsulitis, painful shoulder.
  • Joint replacement & ligament injuries
  • Trauma and acute post operative care

Treatment Techniques:

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)/ McKenzie method: Each patient is evaluated thoroughly using the MDT assessment forms and classified into one of the syndromes namely derangement, dysfunction, posture or other (if they don’t fit into any syndrome). Treatment is then provided as per the classification; which includes an active exercise component & an education component emphasizing posture awareness & prophylaxis.

  • Kinetic control & movement therapy
  • Mulligan & Maitland mobilization
  • Taping & muscle activation
  • Soft tissue mobilization.
  • Strengthening by weight cuffs, ARKE, Kinesis &Theraband.
  • Electrotherapy used as an adjunct

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation is provided by cardio respiratory therapists to enhance and maintain cardiovascular health. This Cardiac Rehabilitation program includes exercise testing, education on heart healthy living and counseling to reduce stress and help the patient to return to an active life. Cardiac Rehabilitation is indicated in post bypass surgery, angioplasty, myocardial infarction, valve replacement surgery and peripheral vascular diseases.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a customized exercise program based on functional testing which includes the following stages -:

  • PHASE A – In-patient Rehab -This starts immediately when the patient is admitted in the hospital for the surgery.
  • PHASE B – Out-patient Rehab – Post suture removal and after discharge from hospital.
  • PHASE C – Out -patient Rehab- Custom made for the patient to attain previous level of fitness.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation at Smita Memorial Hospital & Research Centre is a program incorporating exercise, education and support to help pulmonary patients breathe better and function at the highest level possible. The patient works with a team of specialists who help in improving the overall physical condition. This program is beneficial for patients suffering from COPD, bronchiectasis, asthma, interstitial lung diseases, sarcoidosis and post lung surgeries.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program incorporates a detailed patient assessment and custom made exercise program.The  custom made exercise program includes breathing exercises, chest clearance techniques (using postural drainage bed, nebulization ,vibrator) in an isolated room.Further, use of Assistive devices like spirometer, acapella, flutter, ezypap may be a used as and when necessary.Conditioning, strength training and functional training is also done.Patient education sessions are conducted by cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists on a monthly basis. These sessions cover topics like breathing retraining, lifestyle modification, etc. and encourage patients to share their experiences

Neurological Rehabilitation

Our Team offers supervised programs designed for people with neurological disorders in the Intensive Care Unit, In Patient Stroke Rehabilitation Unit and Outpatient Neurorehabilitation department in order to achieve the following goals:-

  • Maximize functional independence in transfers and activities of daily living and thus improve quality of life.
  • Improve voluntary control, strength, balance, co-ordination and gait.

This program caters to people with neurological problems like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Traumatic brain injury, Spinal cord injury, nerve palsy, polyneuropathy and other imbalance and co-ordination issues.

Treatment plan includes:-

  • Bobath, Neurodevelopmental therapy, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Sensory integration
  • Motor control and postural control training
  • Balance and co ordination training using balance master, swiss ball, wobble board, balance beam & foam.
  • Gait training using partial body support treadmill system
  • Hand rehabilitation exercises using various functional training equipments and peg boards.
  • Mirror therapy using mirror box.
  • Constrained induced movement therapy
  • Tilt table standing .
  • Skifit for upper and lower limb work out
  • Arke and Kinesis for core training and strengthening

Pediatric Rehabilitation

Our physiotherapists work with children with special needs and help them achieve age appropriate milestones and maximal functional independence with the following goals:

  • Help facilitate & guide movement aiming towards correct posture & movement pattern
  • Improve strength, flexibility, balance & co-ordination
  • Provide opportunities of sensory experiences in a controlled fashion in order to enhance motor behaviour, social interaction & active participation.
  • In the NICU, help in maintaining state regulation, range of motion and Oro-motor stimulation

Target Population:

  • Developmental Delays
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Muscular Dystrophies
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • ADHD
  • Erb’s palsy
  • Post orthopedic surgeries and Botox

Treatment plan includes a range of approaches like Bobath, Neurodevelopmental facilitation, Sensory integration, Early Intervention and postural control training with use of appropriate orthotics and walking aids. We work in partnership with parents and other health care professionals like Neurologists, Pediatricians, Orthopedic consultant and Speech therapist  to ensure that the best care is given to children requiring Neuro and ortho rehabilitation.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise based program for reducing symptoms of disequilibrium and dizziness associated with vestibular pathology with the following Goals:

  • To reduce dizziness & visual symptoms
  • To improve balance and gait
  • To improve general activity levels

It caters to patients with:

  • BPPV (Being paroxysmal positional vertigo)
  • Vestibular hypofunction
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Functional training
  • Vestibular neuritis

Vestibular Rehabilitation include Barndfdaroff exercise, Epley’s maneuvers and Semontmaneuvers along with Gaze stability exercises, balance and gait training and counseling to increase confidence levels.

Geriatric Rehabilitation

With increased age patients often face many physical changes that can affect level of function and well being. The primary purpose of rehabilitation is to enable people to function at the highest possible levels despite physical impairments.This program caters to the elderly population who have problems like multi joint pain, frequent falls, osteoporosis, imbalance &mobility issues, arthritis, incontinence etc.Goals of management include

  • Improving strength and endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination
  • Promoting functional independence and improving quality of life
  • Reducing the number of falls
  • Decreasing pain

Treatment plan includes:

  • Sarah Meek’s protocol for Osteoporosis
  • Strength training using theraband station and weight cuffs.
  • Balance training with balance master
  • Gait training
  • Aerobic exercise program including treadmill

 

Geriatric Gym :  The Physiotherapy Department provides free Geriatric Gym for senior citizens.

Timing: 08.00 am to 09.00 am and 05.30pm to 06.30pm

Cancer Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is provided for cancer patients to reduce the complications arising due to its medical and surgical treatment, thus promoting an increase in the level of activity thereby improving the quality of life. Lymphedema post breast surgery is managed in the physiotherapy department in the following manner:

  • Manual lymphatic drainage and nodal stimulation
  • Soft tissue and scar mobilization.
  • Range of movement, stretching and strengthening
  • Posture re-education
  • Pressure garments

Health Promotion and Lifestyle Modification

Although most patients understand the importance of physical activity and healthy eating, many seem unable to change their unhealthy behavior to reduce weight and improve chronic conditions like abnormal lipids (cholesterol or triglycerides), High blood pressure, Diabetes etc. These chronic conditions & sedentary lifestyle increase the risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Lifestyle changes with Fitness program have shown to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates.

– Components of fitness program include:

  • Assessment of functional capacity.
  • Exercises tailored to patients’ abilities and interests.
  • Fitness training on treadmill, sci- fit and elliptical under continuous monitoring and supervision by the therapist.
  • Strength training using ARKE, theraband, pilates, kinesis.
  • Education and counseling regarding lifestyle changes to lower the risk of heart/medical problems.

– Pelvic floor exercises (Keigel’s exercises) and/ or electrical stimulation are used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

– Infrared radiation therapy is given post normal deliveries and vaginal hysterectomy for suture healing and pain relief

COVID 19 Rehabilitation

COVID-19 is an infectious viral disease which mainly attacks the lung and is transmitted through the droplets produced when an infected person coughs ,sneezes or exhales.

Symptoms :

  • Fever 
  • Cough or Sore Throat 
  • Difficulty in breathing 
  • Chills 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Loss of taste or smell 
  • Nausea/vomitting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Headache/fatigue

Patients are classified into : Asymptomatic and Symptomatic.Recovering from Covid-19 will be slow and the ability to return to everyday tasks will be gradual.

Rehabilitation improves health outcomes of covid-19 patients and benefits through :

  • Optimizing health and functioning outcomes of elderly and patients with pre-existing health conditions who may be more vulnerable to the effects of severe illness. Rehabilitation can be beneficial for achieving and maintaining their previous level of independence.
  • Facilitating an early discharge.
  • Reducing the risk of hospital readmissions.
  • Improving overall psychological well-being.
  • Improving the quality of life.

At SMHRC physiotherapists have been at the forefront in providing rehabilitation services to covid-19 affected patients since the beginning of the pandemic.Covid-19-affected patients may experience remnant symptoms post-discharge as well. Rehabilitation with trained physical therapists will aid them in regaining their functional independence.