Welcome to the Physiotherapy department at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring functional ability and quality of life to those affected by physical impairments or disabilities. This branch of medicine addresses a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries to neurological disorders, aiming to enhance mobility, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being.

At its core, PM&R utilises a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the musculoskeletal, neurological, and other body systems. Physiatrists, specialists in PM&R, collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, orthotics and prosthetics specialists and more, to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation caters to various conditions, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Disorders

These encompass injuries or conditions affecting muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. From fractures to chronic pain conditions like arthritis, physiatrists devise comprehensive plans to manage and rehabilitate these issues.

Neurological Conditions

PM&R addresses conditions arising from neurological disorders such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. The focus is on restoring function, managing symptoms, and enhancing independence.

Sports Injuries

Athletes often seek PM&R services to recover from sports-related injuries, including muscle strains, ligament tears, and joint dislocations. Rehabilitation programs are designed to expedite recovery and prevent future injuries.

Chronic Pain Management

Physiatrists specialise in managing chronic pain conditions that affect daily life. By combining therapeutic techniques and medications, they aim to alleviate discomfort and improve functionality.

Orthotics and prosthesis

Physiatrist assesses and prescribe orthotics and prosthesis which may include ready-made or custom-made devices to aid mobility and correct deformities plus formulating a rehabilitation plan for post amputee patients. 

Physiatrists are key players within our PM&R team. They assess patients comprehensively, considering medical history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic tests to develop personalised treatment plans. Their expertise lies in coordinating care among various specialists to ensure a well-rounded approach to rehabilitation.

The primary goal of PM&R is to improve patients' quality of life by maximising function and independence and community integration. Through targeted therapies and interventions, individuals can regain strength, mobility, and confidence, enabling them to participate more fully in their daily activities and lead fulfilling lives.

Operational Hours: Saturday (10am-7pm), Sunday-Friday (7am-9pm)

Our methods at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department in Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital Abu Dhabi involve an interdisciplinary team who work together to increase function, decrease pain and disability, and maximise performance at work, in school, during recreation and in all other areas of life.

Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital was among the first major institutions in the UAE to organise and develop an independent department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, managed by a consultant accredited physician who provides physical, medical diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services for patients with disorders involving neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems.

Our PM&R department also offers a specialised unit that utilises custom made orthotics and splints.

Services include:

  • Rehabilitation of joint pathologies such as arthritis and ligament injuries
  • Rehabilitation of neurological cases such as hemiplegia, Parkinson’s and facial palsy
  • Occupational therapy services
  • Management of hand injuries and post-op tendon repairs
  • Management of low back pain, neck pain and joint pain
  • Physiotherapy services using state of the art machines and gym equipment
  • Local intra-articular injections for joint pain
  • Soft tissue injection and trigger points injection for all painful musculoskeletal conditions
  • PRP injections for different musculoskeletal conditions
  • Management of spasticity with Botox injection
  • Management of cervical dystonia and neck pain by Traptox technique
  • Sports and spinal injuries
  • Lymphedema treatments with pneumatic pressure massage machines
  • Rehabilitation of rheumatologic diseases
  • Paediatric rehabilitation for cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury and muscular dystrophy
  • Cardiac rehabilitation

Speech therapists at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi  specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing difficulties in children and adults.

Speech pathologists may work with the following aetiologies and disorders:

Adult:

  • Neurological diseases (e.g. Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease)
  • Acquired brain injury (e.g. traumatic brain injury and stroke)
  • Aphasia/dysphasia
  • Dysarthria
  • Trauma
  • Oncology (head and neck cancer)
  • Voice disorders (e.g. vocal fold nodules)

Paediatric:

  • Cognitive/linguistic disorders
  • Developmental delay
  • Speech difficulties
  • Language difficulties
  • Semantic-pragmatic disorder
  • Autistic spectrum disorder
  • Hearing impairment
  • Cleft palate/lip
  • Syndromes and other genetic conditions (e.g. Down Syndrome)

Both:

  • Dysarthria
  • Swallowing (dysphagia) and feeding disorders
  • Fluency disorders/stuttering
  • Voice disorders (e.g. vocal fold nodules)
  • Central auditory processing disorder

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation stands as a vital specialty in the realm of healthcare, offering hope and support to individuals grappling with physical impairments or disabilities. By integrating a holistic approach to treatment, PM&R strives to empower patients on their journey towards recovery and improved well-being.

Contact us today and learn more about our services at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department in Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi.