Medical Rehabilitation and Balneology
Rehabilitation principles
Rehabilitation is a goal-oriented, multidisciplinary process: assessment, goal setting, intervention, and reassessment. Know the phases (early, inpatient, outpatient, sanatorium-resort) and the roles of the physician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist.
Methods
Physical therapy (exercise, mobilization), physiotherapy (electrotherapy, ultrasound, laser, magnetotherapy), massage, and balneotherapy (mineral waters, mud, climate therapy). Understand indications and contraindications for each.
Balneology
Know the classification of mineral waters (chloride, bicarbonate, sulfate, etc.) and their typical indications, plus the principles of sanatorium-resort selection.
Traps
- Confusing indications with contraindications (e.g., acute infection, malignancy, bleeding are contraindications).
- Overlooking the timing of rehabilitation after surgery or stroke.
- Misclassifying mineral water type.
Rule of thumb
Before prescribing any rehabilitation method, confirm there is no acute inflammation, bleeding, or uncontrolled malignancy. Rehabilitation starts as early as safely possible, but acute conditions pause it.
Worked example
A patient after ischemic stroke with hemiparesis: the correct approach is early mobilization and multidisciplinary rehabilitation once medically stable - not bed rest until discharge. The trap answer that delays rehabilitation is wrong because early safe mobilization improves outcomes.