Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Health Guide

Low back pain is a common health problem seen across all age groups today and significantly affects quality of life. In our clinical experience, we observe that low back pain is not attributable to a single cause; rather, it is most often a multifactorial condition related to the musculoskeletal system, postural habits, and daily mechanical loads. In this process, one of the muscles that is frequently overlooked yet plays a critical role in lumbar stability and movement control is the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle.

Scoliosis is most commonly seen in the form of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In addition, congenital, neuromuscular, syndromic, and degenerative types of scoliosis are also encountered in clinical practice. Particularly in individuals with remaining growth potential, the risk of curve progression is the main factor guiding treatment decisions.

Low back pain is one of the most common health problems encountered today, both clinically and socially. Although the etiology of low back pain is often multifactorial, the condition of specific muscle groups within the musculoskeletal system (particularly the iliopsoas muscle) plays a critical role in spinal health. When evaluating our patients and developing treatment plans, we meticulously consider the anatomical and functional characteristics of the iliopsoas muscle.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive hand condition in which the thick connective tissue in the palm gradually hardens and pulls the fingers inward, causing them to bend. The ring and little fingers are most commonly affected. This condition can make daily activities difficult. As Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists, we emphasize that physical therapy plays an important role at every stage of this disease.

Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis) is a chronic condition that significantly affects quality of life, resulting from gradual wear of the joint cartilage, qualitative deterioration of synovial fluid, and inflammatory reactions of the periarticular tissues. The most common complaints we hear from our patients are difficulty climbing stairs, pain during long walks, morning stiffness, and significant limitations in daily activities.

With this article, I aim to help you better understand the symptoms you are experiencing regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), to participate consciously in your treatment process, and to manage your daily life in a healthier way.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that significantly affects the quality of life, especially in individuals aged 50 and above. It leads to joint pain, limited mobility, and, over time, muscle atrophy. Today, apart from surgical interventions, there are numerous conservative and minimally invasive treatment options available for knee osteoarthritis. Among these, intra-articular (joint fluid) therapies play a leading role.

As specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, we evaluate walking difficulties not merely as a problem of muscles or joints, but as a complex functional disorder involving the interaction of multiple body systems. Walking requires the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, balance mechanisms, circulatory, and respiratory systems to work together harmoniously.

As specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, we focus not only on treating existing conditions but also on sustainable ways to maintain a healthy and long life. In recent years, one molecule that has attracted increasing attention in the scientific community is NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). This coenzyme, which plays a critical role in our cells’ energy production, has a decisive impact on the aging process and chronic health issues.

As specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our primary goal is to both reduce patients’ symptoms and enhance their quality of life throughout the treatment process. In recent years, one of the supportive therapies that has drawn increasing attention in our clinical practice is alpha lipoic acid. Known for its antioxidant properties, this natural compound has found its place in treatment protocols due to its benefits across various fields.

In the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation, technological advancements provide us with new opportunities in the treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal disorders. One of these innovations is high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). Unlike conventional low-level laser treatments, HILT can penetrate deeper tissues and deliver effective results in a shorter period of time, which has made it an important component of treatment protocols in recent years.

Thanks to the opportunities provided by technological advancements in physical therapy and rehabilitation practices, we can now target not only symptoms but also cellular-level healing processes. At this point, magnetic field therapies stand out due to their non-invasive nature, high patient comfort, and ability to directly stimulate cellular repair.

In our clinical practice, we frequently encounter musculoskeletal disorders that significantly reduce individuals’ quality of life. Among the modern approaches in physical therapy, one method that has gained prominence in recent years and whose effectiveness has been supported by scientific studies is ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy). This non-invasive technique has enabled us to achieve successful outcomes in a variety of conditions.

As Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is one of the common musculoskeletal conditions we encounter in clinical practice. It affects the wrist and thumb, often impairing a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. This condition is particularly prevalent among mothers, manual laborers, and desk workers. In this article, we will discuss De Quervain’s tenosynovitis in detail—its causes, symptoms, diagnostic approach, and our modern rehabilitation strategies.

Throughout my professional career, lateral epicondylitis—commonly known as tennis elbow—has been one of the leading clinical conditions affecting patients’ quality of life and requiring a patient and persistent treatment process. Although it may appear to be a simple musculoskeletal issue, a detailed evaluation is essential due to the underlying mechanisms and variability in treatment response.

When osteoporosis is mentioned, most people think of elderly women. However, this disease can also seriously affect men. In my clinical practice, I often encounter many male patients who come in with a complaint of fractures and are unaware of their osteoporosis until it is diagnosed. Yet, osteoporosis in men is a frequently overlooked condition that can lead to serious health problems if diagnosed late.

Every day, many of the patients who come to my outpatient clinic present with complaints associated with aging, such as low energy, decreased muscle strength, chronic pain, and limited mobility. A significant portion of the changes that occur in our bodies with age actually begins at the cellular level. At the center of this process lies a structure that is often overlooked but is essential for sustaining life: the mitochondria.

As a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, I have observed over the years that aging is not merely the result of time passing. It is, in fact, a consequence of biochemical changes occurring in our bodies, cellular damage, and lifestyle choices. Healthy aging is not just about living longer; it is about maintaining a high quality of life, preserving independence, remaining pain-free, and staying functional throughout the aging process. This is where the concept of "longevity," which we hear more frequently nowadays, comes into play. Longevity is a holistic approach that aims not only to extend lifespan but also to protect physical and mental health during the later stages of life.

Facial paralysis is a condition that arises from impairment of the nerves controlling facial muscles, leading to significant functional and aesthetic challenges for the individual. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in managing this condition. As a specialist in physical therapy and rehabilitation, I have personally witnessed the critical role physiotherapy plays in the treatment of facial paralysis in each of my patients.

As a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, one of the most common issues I encounter in my clinical practice is osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Medically referred to as coxarthrosis, this condition is a progressive and often painful process that can significantly diminish one’s quality of daily life. In order to help my patients better understand this condition and approach treatment options more consciously, I would like to explain coxarthrosis in all its aspects in this article.