The Physiotherapists
The Physiotherapy Department is one of the four disciplines within the Rehabilitation Centre of the Singapore General Hospital. The department consists of more than 50 physiotherapists, including therapists with specialist training to support the 22 medical specialties in the hospital.

The majority of the physiotherapists practising in the department are graduates from overseas universities. Specialist physiotherapists are senior staff, who have attained specialist skills either through specialist certification courses, masters or PhD degrees.


The Profession
Physiotherapy is a health care profession which uses physical therapeutic means and exercises to ensure maximum recovery and early independence of clients. The treatment of the client is usually prescribed to relief pain, restore normal function and strength, prevent further injury and promote healthy living and lifestyles.


The Services
Most clients seen in the department, especially in the outpatients, are referred from orthopaedics, with spinal conditions on top of the list of conditions referred. The department has pioneered a number of significant physiotherapy services such as, 24-hour intensive respiratory care; pulmonary rehabilitation programmes; ergonomics; Lymphoedema therapy; and vestibular rehabilitation; and provides the most comprehensive burns and wound care management for clients in Singapore.

The department's services also includes the promotion of healthy lifestyles through patient-education talks, and training of staff through specialist training courses and seminars. Staff are also actively involved in research and development activities to provide evidence-based practices.


Physiotherapy Services
The Physiotherapy Department at SGH provides certain unique services which put us on the forefront of physiotherapy in Singapore and the immediate region. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that both clients and therapists enjoy the highest level of care available.

• Burns
  SGH houses the only comprehensive burns unit in South East Asia. The department is closely linked with patient management. Patients come from within and outside Singapore, which provides an excellent teaching and research environment.
  
  
• Sports Injury Management
  Our sports injury program caters to the elite and non-elite sportspersons. As more of us are becoming fitness conscious, programs are better designed, by highly qualified specialists in sports injury management. The use of the BalanceMaster and Cybex systems ensures that all our clients are afforded state-of-the-art care.
  
  
• Work Injury/Ergonomics
  Work related injuries or chronic conditions can be quite costly, both to employee and employer. However, most can be prevented and treated. We have programs that provide work site assessments, ergonomic advice and injury rehabilitation that can assist our clients reduce costs and create a more effective and efficient workplace.
  
  
• Exercise Classes
  Exercise is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. For those who are pregnant, have back or neck problems, have diabetes, osteoporosis or lung problems, specific exercises have to be designed by specially trained professionals to ensure safe and effective results. Our department has a wide range of classes design for various groups which are held after hours for client's convenience.
  
  
• Vestibular/Balance Rehabilitation
  Being one of the few centres with the BalanceMaster @ system allows the department to provide this unique service. We have therapists, trained in the USA, who are highly qualified to manage these units and conditions, and they work closely with the ENT department to ensure seamless service.
  
  
• Falls Prevention
  We believe that prevention is better that cure. In October 2000, we have undertaken a project, together with a world renowned specialist in the area, to help reduce the numbers and hence the associated effects of falls, especially in the elderly.
  
  
• 24 Hour Coverage
  To ensure comprehensive service to critically ill patients, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy is available 24 hours a day. SGH is the only hospital that provides 24 hour coverage. Patients can be assured of access to respiratory care when they need it.
  
  
• Lymphoedema Therapy
  The department has the only Vodder Certified Therapist in Singapore and South East Asia, who provides lymphoema therapy for oncology and vascular patients. Lymphoedema management has been used for many years especially in Australia and North America. Management for lymph drainage problems started as early as 1980s by Drs Vodder (North America), Foldi (North America), Casley-Smith and Casley-Smith (Australia) and has only just recently started in SGH, Singapore in 1998.
  
  
• Other Services
  • Amputee Management
  • Antenatal and Postnatal Education
  • Back and Neck care Education
  • Burns Rehabilitation
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Chronic Pain Management
  • Home visits
  • Parkinson's support group
  • Paediatric development assessment/therapy
  • Stress incontinence management
    
    
• Specialities
  • Cardiopulmonary
  • Lymphoedema therapy
  • Neurology
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Orthopaedics (inpatient/outpatient)
  • Surgical/Burns
    
    
• Exercise Rehabilitation Programmes
  • Back and Neck
  • Diabetes
  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation