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“ Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation or Physiatry” is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore the functional ability & quality of life to those with physical impairment or disability”. The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department of Capitol Medical Center is being run by well trained Physiatrists or Rehabilitation Physicians (medical doctors who specialize in the field). These physiatrists are involved in providing a spectrum of care from diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in order to restore maximum health and quality of life of patients. A wide range of problems are being seen by CMC Physiatrists from sore joint to major disabling conditions.

The CMC Rehabilitation Medicine Department aims to help patients achieve function to a maximum level and improving their quality of life as much as possible. The department practice involves other specialty in field of medicine thus, an interdisciplinary team approach is always been considered to address patients with physical, emotional, psychosocial problems. This is done by utilizing non-surgical treatments including medication, injections, physical, occupational therapies and use of assistive devices (cane, walker) and orthotics Today, Physiatry has become the most comprehensive and fast growing area of medicine; being complemented by electro diagnosis, musculoskeletal ultrasound and complementary medicine and wellness. The CMC Rehabilitation Medicine Department or Physical Therapy provides a wide variety of rehabilitation services for adults and children. These services are offered for both in-patients and out-patients.

Patients are referred to the program for rehabilitation following severe injuries such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, amputation, orthopedic injuries or neuro-muscular disorders which result in a loss of function. The overall goal of rehabilitation is to help the patient become as independent and self reliant as possible. Each aspect of the program focuses on helping the patient function more independently at home, work and school. The most commonly treated conditions at CMC Rehabilitation Medicine Department are:

1. General Rehabilitation: Amputation, Arthritis(Osteo Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout), Post Hip, Knee, Shoulder Replacement or Arthroplasty, Chronic Pain, Falls, Geriatric Rehabilitation, Cardiac, Cancer, Pulmonary and Fibromyalgia.
2. Spine Care: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Radiculopathy / Sciatica, Disc Disease, Pregnancy Back Pain, Post Spine Surgeries, Injuries, Fracture
3. Sports: Injuries, Shin Splints, Sports Injuries, tendonitis
4. Neurological Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy/Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Myopathy, Neuropathy, Stroke Rehabilitation, Brain Injury, Post Polio, Spinal Cord Injury,Spasticity
5. Others: Frozen Shoulder, Calcific Tendinitis, Myofascial Pain, Orthotics / Prosthetic Evaluation, Bell’s Palsy (facial neuropathy),Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Plantar Bursitis, Medical Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow, De Quer Vain, Tenosynovitis, Brachial Plexus Injury / Plexitis, Severe Muscle Strain / Injury. Participation in rehabilitation activities is a vital part of the rehabilitation process. Patients are scheduled for therapy and activities every day. Patients are required to participate for a minimum of one hour per day. The activities will help patients adjust to their disabilities, regain independence, and return to their home. The CMC Rehabilitation Medicine Department is headed by Dr. Editha A. Tuason, Chairman, together with Dr. Consuelo Macalalad, Dr. Ma. Lourdes F. Tapang, and licensed Physical Therapists. The department is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:00am to 6:00pm.

by Dr. Editha A. Tuason, Chairman, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine