Within the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation division of the Flash Therapy team, Prof. Birol BALABAN, MD, and Assoc. Prof. Ferdi YAVUZ, MD bring years of extensive experience in treating patients with spinal cord injuries both domestically and internationally. They have been invited speakers and trainers at numerous scientific congresses, conferences, and meetings. Currently, they lead research efforts at the Fizywell Pain and Rehabilitation Center, which they co-founded.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is a medical discipline aimed at treating or alleviating a wide range of conditions, including physical injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological impairments. This field often involves exercise, manual therapy, and other physical interventions. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in enabling patients to lead more active and healthy lives by enhancing functional independence, restoring mobility, improving quality of life, and supporting emotional and social well-being. The rehabilitation process is tailored to each patient’s individual needs and treatment plan. Specialists employ various techniques to boost patients’ motivation and help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.

For patients with spinal cord paralysis, who form our primary target group, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation specialists address key factors that can complicate the recovery process and reduce success rates. These factors include contractures in the arms and legs (muscle or tendon shortening), spasticity with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of 2 or higher, and the presence of conditions such as muscle contractions and decubitus ulcers (bedsores). Specialists also make critical assessments, such as determining whether the paralysis is spastic or flaccid, classifying the condition within the ASIA Impairment Scale (A, B, or C), and evaluating the patient’s ability to complete a six-month physical therapy and rehabilitation program. Furthermore, they provide appropriate electrical stimulation and, when necessary, plan algology treatments to manage pain effectively.