Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Focus on Sustainable Quality of Life.

“Sustainable quality of life arises from collaborative teamwork in setting goals and jointly crafting personalized treatment plans.”

Physiatrists belong to a vital branch of physical medicine and rehabilitation, playing a particularly significant role in caring for patients with brain disorders, neurological conditions, muscle pain, sports injuries, or those recovering from accidents, including individuals requiring prosthetic limbs, such as artificial arms or legs. Their role in this field is to restore functional ability to enable the resumption of their daily work life, gain sufficient mobility, and ultimately attain a sustained and improved quality of life.

Now, what factors contribute to the success of such treatments? Today, in MedPark Stories, let us explore the experiences of Dr Sarithpong Sae Lee, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation at MedPark Hospital and an adjunct professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Siriraj Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

Accurate disease diagnosis is of utmost importance in patient recovery.

Dr Sarithpong provides interesting observations regarding recurring illnesses that many individuals have previously sought treatment for but continue to experience.

“Treating pain, numbness, or weakness symptoms, Dr Sarithpong believes, starts with an accurate diagnosis. If the doctor makes a correct diagnosis, it will lead to appropriate treatment.”

“Patients presenting with symptoms like neck, back, or shoulder pain, common in the working-age population and often referred to as 'Office Syndrome,' require careful consideration. These symptoms may result from various conditions, such as nerve compression due to pillow-related issues, degeneration of spinal bones, muscle pain, or inflammation around the shoulder joint. Incorrect disease diagnosis could lead to ineffective treatment.”

Beyond tools or techniques, understanding the patient is paramount in the treatment process.

When a patient comes for treatment at the center, the physician will inquire first about the medical history. Every disclosed detail is attentively listened to, and the physician makes a concerted effort to gather as much small and pertinent information as possible. This meticulous process aims to pinpoint the root cause of the disease.

“In my experience, once a patient receives an accurate diagnosis, the subsequent critical phase is identifying the root causes of the disease. This process involves empathizing, learning, and engaging in detailed conversations with the patient to comprehend their lifestyle and daily activities.”

“For example, when a patient presents with shoulder pain due to prolonged sitting at work, I consistently inquire about the work environment, including the condition of the desk and chair. I delve into details such as the typical duration of sitting, daily activities or exercise routines, and sleep habits and quality. By addressing both the immediate symptom and broader aspects of their lives, I can uncover underlying hidden causes that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Tailored treatment for each individual, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Once I uncover the cause of the disease, the subsequent crucial step is to collaboratively establish the agreed-upon goals with the patients, leading to individualized treatment. Since the ultimate recovery goal is to enhance their life quality, the focus goes beyond mere healing in the current instance. It also involves preventing relapse and fostering sustained improvements in their behaviors and overall quality of life. Setting goals with patients is vital in emphasizing high-quality and enduring rehabilitation.

“I believe that the treatment approach for each patient is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. It is not a rigid, doctor-prescribed treatment that one unquestionably follows. Therefore, understanding the patient is crucial. Whether they are working professionals, elderly individuals, athletes, or post-surgery patients, everyone has gone through different experiences. Designing a treatment plan tailored to each patient relies on a blend of medical expertise and a deep understanding of the patient-specific situation.”

The physician will inform the patient about their illness, followed by guidance on the treatment process. They will discuss the treatment plan, outlining the sequential treatment steps. Additionally, they will collaborate with the patient to set shared goals.

“If a patient presents with shoulder pain, the team will collaboratively establish goals with the patient, aiming for sustained pain relief and preventing recurrence, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The treatment approach involves addressing all underlying causes that may contribute to the pain, such as improper exercise, unsuitable work environments, sedentary lifestyles, prolonged phone use, poor sleep quality, and inappropriate stress management.”

Faith in teamwork.

Dr Sarithpong discusses the factors that contribute to the speed of recovery, which is the nature of the illness. Severe conditions often result in a slower recovery compared to less severe ones. Additionally, the preparedness of the hospital, medical staff, personnel, tools, and technology plays a crucial role.

“Beyond the conveniences, treatment techniques, and innovative tools, MedPark excels in its services. Focused on individualized care, we plan treatments to achieve a common goal. Physicians and patients agree on practicality within a feasible timeframe, leading to mutual expectations and real effectiveness in treatment. This approach aims to provide sustained improvement in the quality of life for patients.”

MedPark Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center boasts diverse technologies, including robotic-assisted walking, hand training devices, and hydrotherapy pools. Noteworthy is the pain reduction tool, a rarity in most hospitals. However, what brings Dr Sarithpong the utmost pride is the philosophy behind their work.

“Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Center at MedPark Hospital thrives on a shared philosophy. I take immense pride in the agreement of my personal principles with those of the hospital, which believe strongly in teamwork, whether they are among doctors, physical therapists, or rehabilitation specialists. Like a football team, everyone is on the same team. Success depends on how well the team works together.”

Finally, Dr Sarithpong concludes by highlighting the crucial components that contribute to the success of MedPark Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center. 

“To begin, the hospital places emphasis on thorough vetting processes for candidates looking to join the rehabilitation team. Those successfully integrated into the team are assured to possess a high level of expertise. Once team members, there is a shared understanding that the quality of patient care is of utmost importance. There is no compromise on providing high-quality treatment. Finally, consistent communication among team members is key to steering patients towards individualized treatment plans, a commitment upheld by everyone on the team.”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the success of a physical medicine and rehabilitation center lies in its dedication to selecting skilled personnel, fostering a team-oriented mindset, prioritizing the quality of patient care, and maintaining open communication channels. Dr Sarithpong underlines that achievements are rooted in its commitment to these principles, aiming to deliver personalized and effective rehabilitation treatments for every patient.