Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the tertiary phase in the treatment of human suffering. Physiatrists are a part of every department in healthcare. Our physiatrists first make a patient specific rehabilitation plan . Physiotherapists , Occupational therapists, Rehabilitation nurses and a variety of other paramedical technicians implement specific parts of this . Aside from directly receiving patients we closely work with Orthopedics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Plastic surgery, Pediatrics including Neonatology, Hematology, Podiatry and other medical and surgical departments. We are the oldest tertiary level rehabilitation center in Kerala and the most advanced to date. Nowhere in India else can a person avail th is spectrum of rehabilitation sub- specializations under one roof.

• Brain injury: Acquired and Congenital  
• Spinal Cord Injury: Acquired and Congenital 
• Pain: Acute and Chronic 
• Hemophilia 
• Pelvic floor  
• Cardiac and Vascular 
• Amputee rehabilitation: Upper and lower limb 
• Post hand transplant rehabilitation 
• Peripheral Nerve Injury rehabilitation 
• Neural therapy 

• First bedside robot for rehabilitation in debilitated patients
• India’s first Psychiatric hyperbaric oxygen chamber
• First for post hand transplant rehabilitation in South East Asia
• First for neural therapy in India
• First for collaborating with Maker’s Hive Kalam bionic hand.
• Kerala’s first Yttrium synovectomy treatment
• First robotic rehabilitation system in Kerala

1. Amrita Hyperbaric Medical Services   
   Amrita’s Hyperbaric Medicine unit started in January 2015. It is the largest chamber in Kerala. Currently we serve patients with brain injuries including strokes, and radiation related damage, along with non-healing wounds. 
2. Spasticity Services 
   • Phenol neurolysis 
   • Botox neurolysis  
   • Hyaluronidase neurolysis
   • Comprehensive hand and leg functional retraining  
   • Motomed Viva  
   • Syrebo hand therapy solutions  
3. Spinal Cord Rehabilitation  
4. Amputee Rehabilitation  
   We offer below and above knee prosthetic manufacturing and bion ic hands for upper extremity amputations.  
5. Peripheral Nerve Injury Rehabilitation  
   The Brachial plexus clinic since 2010. We work as an entry point for collaborative efforts with Plastic surgery. We also treat entrapment neuropathy and autoimmune neuropathy.
6. Paediatric Rehabilitation    
   Cerebral Palsy    
   When a child has spasticity that is not improving with medications and therapy, if the spasticity is in a few muscles, injections like Botox can be helpful. In patients where half the body or whole body is having spasticity, we offer selective dorsal rhizotomy.  
7. Hand Transplant Rehabilitation    
   Once the hands are transplanted by the plastic surgeons, the next year-and-a-hal f recipients spen d in the Physical Medicine OPD learning how to use the hands.
8. Pain Rehabilitation    
   Pain can be caused by environmental, somatic and emotional stressors. People in pain may go to care providers too busy to understand what causes these pains. As a result they receive years of treatment and slowly deteriorate. Many people do not realize that their pain is not a deficiency of therapy machines, pills , injections , and surgery . As a result of receiving these , some find the pain recurs. We specialize in nonsurgical management of musculoskeletal and chronic pain and have techniques not found elsewhere in India to date.  

• Stroke and hemiplegic rehabilitation 
• Spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation 
• Treatment for musculoskeletal and repetitive strain injuries 
• Pediatric neuromuscular rehabilitation 
• Ergonomic assessment and correction advice 
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation 
• Comprehensive amputation rehabilitation (upper and lower limb)

• People who have had extensive workup for diseases but have no relief. 
• People who survive with diseases but have low quality of life. 
• Cerebral Palsy and other causes of motor Developmental delay  
• Acquired brain injury: Stroke, Infections, abscess, tumor, post radiation damage. 
• Pain: extensively worked up and treated without relief, repetitive strain injury, workplace, and ergonomic issues 
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Genital pain, Constipation, Urine flow problems, Sex performance issues, with either inadequate response to treatment or not otherwise explained. 
• Hemophilic joint health maintenance  
• Prosthetic and Allograft hand transplant rehabilitation 
• Brachial Plexus injuries (from birth and traumatic), peripheral nerve injuries 

• Spasticity Procedures 
• Pain Procedures 
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation 

At the end of the day good outcomes are what matter. Why settle for suboptimal care and poor quality of life? Our department serves our patients in ways that are unprecedented in rehabilitation. We are committed to being your trusted partner in your journey towards improved health and well-being. Here are some compelling reasons to choose us:    

• Expertise and Experience: Our team of highly skilled physiatrists, therapists, and healthcare professionals boasts years of experience in the field. This is the oldest private rehabilitation medicine department in Kerala. We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements to provide you with the latest and most effective treatments.   
• Personalized Care: We recognize that every patient is unique, and so are their rehabilitation needs. Our approach is patient-centered, tailoring treatment plans to suit your specific condition, goals, and preferences. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.
• Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of services, from physical therapy to pain management and neurological rehabilitation. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you receive all the care you need under one roof.   
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our modern and well-equipped facilities are designed to create a comfortable and healing environment for our patients. We invest in the latest technology to deliver the highest standard of care.   
• Compassionate Team: Our compassionate and dedicated team is here to support you at every step of your rehabilitation journey. We believe in fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere to motivate you to reach your full potential.  
• Proven Results: Our track record of successful patient outcomes speaks for itself. We take pride in helping our patients regain their independence, manage pain, and improve their quality of life.   
• Holistic Approach: We believe in addressing not only the physical aspects of your condition but also the emotional and psychological aspects. Our holistic approach promotes overall well-being and a faster recovery.   
• Patient Education: We empower our patients with knowledge about their condition and treatment options. Informed patients are better equipped to actively participate in their recovery.   

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation provides comprehensive consultation, evaluation and rehabilitative services through the coordinated efforts of its physicians, physical therapists and therapeutic service partners .  

Inpatient rehabilitation beds are available for both pediatric and adult patients, with special emphasis on the rehabilitation needs of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputee, cancer, and medically complex patients. Our rehabilitation physicians also provide consultative services for adult and pediatric patients who are hospitalized for neurological conditions, chronic and debilitating illnesses, and traumatic injuries.   

We see patients in outpatient clinics, many times in partnership with third party organizations in and around Ernakulam district and pride ourselves on our collaborative approach to rehabilitation.   

The department's rehabilitation team is made up of physiatrists serving as the team head, a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and rehab nurses. All patients in the various wards and ICUs of the hospital wing receive bedside physiotherapy from the industrious and committed team of physiotherapists. This frequently involves chest and limb physiotherapy for patients undergoing surgeries as well as those recovering from stroke, or any debilitating condition. To continue the rehabilitation process, stable patients from the wards are transported to the department for tilt-table therapy, balance training, and gait training. Patients and care givers are given detailed instructions on how to continue the exercise routine at the time of discharge.   

Every day, patients from other outpatient clinics are also sent to the department for physical modalities and exercises. Physiatrists (PMR doctors/rehabilitation consultants) are available for consultation at the department on working days (Monday through Saturday). In addition, outpatients and inpatients at the institute who need a specialist's opinion on rehabilitation are referred to the physiatrist.   

The physiatrist does a thorough clinical evaluation, including a functional assessment, and determines the patient's rehabilitation concerns before prescribing additional laboratory and radiographic tests as necessary. Based on the predicted outcome of the specific case, the physiatrist establishes appropriate goals to enhance/restore functional status and crafts a rehabilitation program to meet the objectives and prevent complications. This may involve altering drug management, utilizing minimally invasive interventions, prescribing orthotics (splints), ambulatory aids, and self-care aids, as well as prescribing exercise/physical modalities to the physiotherapist and occupational therapist and having discussions about surgical interventions and social rehabilitation 

Restoring Lives, Renewing Hope   

Our guiding philosophy centers on patient-centered care, holistic healing, compassionate collaboration, and a commitment to innovation and excellence. We empower our patients through education, inspire hope in their recovery, and foster a sense of community and lifelong wellness. Our mission is to restore lives and renew hope, helping individuals overcome physical challenges and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling future.    

Annual Prolotherapy and Posture workshops for Physiatrists  
The department trains students for three years MD in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and offers a one-year Fellowship in Pain Medicine for Post MD or Post DNB PMR graduates

• Stroke and hemiplegic rehabilitation 
• Spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation 
• Treatment for musculoskeletal and repetitive strain injuries 
• Paediatric neuromuscular rehabilitation 
• Ergonomic assessment and correction

• PT 
• Short wave diathermy 
• Ultrasound diathermy 
• Interferential current 
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy 
• Laser therapy 
• Protocol exercises 
• Physiatry  
• Functional retraining 
• Postural analysis and correction 
• Trigger point injections 
• Prolotherapy 
• Platelet Rich Plasma therapy 
• Neural therapy 
• Robotic Therapy  
  The moto-med viva2 robotic service began in February 2019 and provides half-houral exercise for patients with difficulty walking.   
  We know early mobilization can help patients get out of the hospital faster, and in better shape. This robot will come to the bedside and provide therapy for those in need.  
  It can work on both arms and legs, whether a patient is able to participate or not. It can even give electric stimulation for weak muscles.  
  We normally use this in patients with the following conditions: 
  • Brain and Spinal cord injury 
  • Critical illness neuropathy 
  • Parkinson’s disease 
  • Multiple sclerosis 
  • Bed bound due to: Cancer, COPD, ICU, Dialysis, Cardiac problems 
  • Syrebo therapy 
    Many people who’ve survived with hemiplegia may not regain hand function, despite having the capacity to do so. After our physiatrist assesses the normal hand can be used to train the affected one with this therapy.  

Phone: 0484 - 2855950, 0484 - 6685950 

Email: rehabilitation@aims.amrita.edu