What is Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is a very comprehensive term and its literal meaning is the restoration of lost functions. Compared to physical therapy, it is a longer process and requires the patient's active participation and effort in the treatment.
The concept of rehabilitation was introduced in Europe and the USA as a result of the need for treatment of diseases and disabilities that occurred after the 1st and 2nd World Wars. has also emerged. In Turkey, rehabilitation practices began in later years, with the contributions of valuable scientists who went abroad and received training in this new field.
Rehabilitation was previously defined only as 'medical treatment of injuries'. Later, the scope of this definition was expanded. All studies carried out to partially or completely eliminate diseases with medication, surgery, physical methods and assistive devices and to ensure the physical, spiritual, social and economic independence of the patient are called rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation work should be carried out by a team, not a single person. The rehabilitation team may consist of medical specialists such as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (physiatrist), neurologist, psychiatrist, and orthopedist, and non-physician health professionals such as physiotherapist, sports trainer, speech therapist, vocational counselor and psychologist.
Specialized Post-Surgical and Orthopedic Rehabilitation at İSOM
Rehabilitation at İSOM Orthopedic Clinic in Istanbul is a structured, multidisciplinary program designed to restore motor performance, joint range of motion, muscular power, and functional autonomy following severe trauma or major joint reconstruction. Rehabilitation begins from the premise that surgery repairs anatomy, but structured rehabilitation restores life.
Our team consists of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapy specialists, and athletic trainers who coordinate every phase of post-operative care according to standardized clinical milestones rather than arbitrary time intervals.
- Phase 1: Protection & Edema Management: Gentle passive range of motion, cryo-compression, and isometric activation while protecting repaired surgical repairs.
- Phase 2: Active Motion & Muscle Re-Education: Gradual progression to active-assisted motion, kinetic chain alignment, and closed-chain weight-bearing exercises.
- Phase 3: Progressive Strength & Hypertrophy: Resistance training, eccentric loading, and proprioceptive balance challenges on unstable surfaces.
- Phase 4: Functional Return to Activity: Sport-specific or occupation-specific agility drills, plyometrics, and functional capacity evaluation.
Biomechanical Gait Analysis and Neuromuscular Re-Education
Abnormal compensatory movement patterns following orthopedic surgery or chronic pain can overload secondary joints, leading to contralateral hip, knee, or lumbar spine deterioration. At İSOM, computerized gait analysis identifies kinematic deviations such as antalgic limp, reduced knee flexion during swing phase, or unequal ground reaction forces.
By targeting gluteal firing, core stability, and eccentric quadriceps deceleration, our rehabilitation protocols re-program neuromuscular motor engrams for balanced, symmetrical walking and running.
Personalized Long-Term Functional Maintenance and Lifestyle Ergonomics
Before completing their rehabilitation course, patients receive comprehensive instruction regarding daily biomechanics, lifting posture, joint conservation strategies, and progressive home exercise regimens.
For athletic individuals, functional movement screening (FMS) establishes objective return-to-sport clearance, dramatically reducing the incidence of secondary reinjury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Istanbul
Consult Our Orthopedic Specialists
Contact our medical team in Istanbul for questions about your diagnosis, surgical options, and appointment scheduling.