Physiotherapy

Introduction

Physiotherapy is a therapeutic health profession concerned with enhancing mobility and quality of life of a person who may have been affected physically in one way or another. This is done by using a combination of assessment of abnormalities in movements of the body, treatment of the problem areas and prevention of further abnormalities. Physiotherapists aim to help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so that they are able to resume their normal job or lifestyle, where possible.

The scope of physiotherapy is wide and ranges from health promotion to injury prevention; and acute, management post-injury or surgery to the management of chronic diseases.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists have to undergo a 3 or 4-year undergraduate physiotherapy program in a recognized school to be competent. They study medical science subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience, physiology, kinesiology, and other physiotherapy related fields concerning assessment, treatment and clinical reasoning, in order to make them experts in examination and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiothoracic problems that affect people’s abilities to move or function as they normally would.

How can physiotherapy help you?

If you have a problem with moving or performing certain activities due to pain, weakness, loss of balance or other reasons, the physiotherapist will be able to perform an assessment, make a diagnosis where necessary, and outline a management plan to optimise your abilities.

In Tan Tock Seng Hospital, we offer a broad range of services targeted at people with varied conditions or problems. Physiotherapy services are available to both patients admitted in the wards, as well as the clients who come for outpatient therapy. The physiotherapists in these services are all well trained and qualified, many of whom have post graduate qualifications.

Inpatient Services

All patients if necessary and suitable will be referred for physiotherapy when they are admitted in the hospital.

Our physiotherapists work in teams where each team manages patients from a particular discipline (eg Orthopaedic, Neurology)

The following links provide some basic information on common conditions seen in our clinic.

Patient information on:

Exercise Classes Exercise is a mainstay of physiotherapy. Injuries, poor posture and repeated exposure to certain environments result in stiffness of joints, shortening and weakening of muscles. Exercise is used to improve the flexibility of joints, increase muscle strength and enhance fitness of the heart and lung systems. Physiotherapists are specialists in the field of exercise, with an in-depth understanding of how the body responds to exercise.
Besides working individually with our clients, group exercises classes are also conducted for specific conditions. Each class is conducted by an experienced physiotherapist, who will monitor and individualise each client’s exercise program. Clients work closely with their therapist to achieve the best results and prevent recurrence of injury. << BACK TO TOP

The outpatient physiotherapy department conducts exercise classes for the following conditions:

Clinical Pilates

As a child, one remembers being able to move with freedom and grace. However, as we grow older, our backs tend to go on a pathway of gradual physical decline. Due to work, stress, lack of play or exercise, one’s back may develop non-ideal patterns of movement which may lead to pain, stiffness and weakness.

Clinical Pilates is a unique rehabilitation process, where physiotherapists have combined Pilates and the latest scientific research. The program looks into managing back pain, strengthening the back, toning up the abdominal muscles and improving the core stability of the back, so one is able to move with some of the freedom and grace one had as a child.

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Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Cardiac rehabilitation is essential after a heart attack, heart surgery or treatment for any other heart conditions. Exercise is a major component of this rehabilitation process to improve the strength of the heart and restore maximum mobility and function to the individual.

Physiotherapists have an in depth understanding of the body’s heart and circulatory system, especially in relation to its response to exercise. Thus they are well placed to guide clients through appropriate exercise training in the safest way possible. Physiotherapists work closely with other health professionals, including the cardiologist, rehabilitation physician, cardiac nurse, pharmacist, occupational therapist and dietician, to provide patients with a holistic understanding of the management of their health condition. This team approach to management aims to optimize the current heart condition and /or decrease the risk of future heart problems and enhances well-being.

How do I enter the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program?

If you are interested in joining this program, you would have to consult a cardiologist and get a referral for Cardiac Rehabilitation. With a referral, please call 63578302 for an appointment.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation benefits individuals suffering from a range of lung conditions, for example Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma and pneumonia. The physiotherapist plays an important role in the management of these conditions through designing exercise programs suitable for this unique group of patients. Their thorough knowledge of the body’s respiratory system allows the therapists to ensure that exercise is conducted safely and effectively. In addition to exercise, the physiotherapist along with the respiratory physician and respiratory nurse specialist, also provide education on strategies to cope with breathlessness, medication and disease process. In attending the pulmonary rehabilitation program, individuals often experience the following benefits:

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Does the room spin every time you turn in bed? Do you feel dizzy when a group of people walk towards you? Do you feel like falling when you look up?

Symptoms such as these could be caused by disorders to the inner ear (vestibular system). Some common vestibular disorders include vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) etc.

The Vestibular Rehabilitation program is an exercise-based approach to managing these inner ear dysfunctions, allowing people to continue with their lives with reduced or diminished symptoms. At Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Physiotherapy Department has been one of the first in Singapore to provide a Vestibular Rehabilitation Program. Physiotherapists with specialized training in this area will assess each client and design a specific exercise program for the individual. A specialized computerized dynamic posturography is also available for the assessment of balance.

Amputee Rehabilitation

People with amputations undergo physiotherapy to allow them to use their prostheses such that they may return to walking and moving in as normal a fashion as possible. Physiotherapy also aims to train these clients such that they will be able to return to their regular activities, work and / or sport where possible.

Physiotherapists are at work at three stages during the rehabilitation process;

Geriatric Physiotherapy

This is an ever expanding field, especially in an aging population like Singapore. As one grows older, one may experience various health problems, of which falling in one of the most significant and prevalent. Approximately one in three elderly people over 65 experiences at least one fall within a year. When an older person falls, in can become costly to the individual, the individual’s family as well as society. Many a time falls lead to fractures, head injuries, depression and fear.

There are many reasons why an older person falls. Physiotherapists are able to perform an assessment, and weed out some of these causes. Management of the client then involves training or treating some of these causes such as poor balance, lack of flexibility and decreased strength, in order to reduce the risk of falling.

Neuroscience Physiotherapy

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the biggest cause of long-term disability in Singapore. There are often significant residual deficits in terms of physical as well as cognitive function. A well-designed rehabilitation program is the key to maximize one’s ability to function after a stroke. Physiotherapists work closely with other medical and allied health professionals to ensure this. They play an indispensable role in retraining the correct use of muscles, as well as educating the client’s caregivers on appropriate transfer techniques and exercises to facilitate recovery.

Parkinson’s Disease Classes

People with Parkinson’s disease present with several movement problems which make it very difficult for them to move and perform activities. Management of Parkinson’s disease involves a marrying of good medication prescription as well as a good exercise regime. The Physiotherapy Department provides a weekly exercise class specially designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. It involves the different aspects such as balance, flexibility, endurance and strength with greater emphasis on the exercises which are more important with Parkinson’s disease.

Health Promotion and Injury Prevention

It is often said that prevention is better than cure. One of the roles of physiotherapists is to provide education on how to look after one’s body at work and at play. The Physiotherapy Department is often invited to send experienced physiotherapists to worksites, offices and other areas of the community to educate employees on posture, back care and the prevention of various possible work-related injuries. Physiotherapists use their knowledge of how the human body functions and apply it to different activities to ensure that movement is efficient and safe.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Club

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a form of an arthritis disorder that affects the spine. The spine stiffens due to inflammatory processes at the attachments of ligament and capsules of the spine. The cause for AS is not known. However, there is a strong genetic / family link and males are commonly affected.

The AS Club is part of the National Arthritis Foundation. It consists of exercise programme including stretches for different parts of the body. The AS Exercise programme is an extended service conducted by the physiotherapists of Tan Tock Seng Hospital every Friday evening. The programme comprises of stretches and endurance exercises. It aims to encourage patients to practice safe exercising regularly.

Golf Fit Program

Click here to visit GOLFfit Page.

The Golf Fit Program is a unique program set up specifically for people who play golf or want to play golf. It is one of the first in Singapore to provide a package for golf athletes.

Golf is a sport where both the brain and body is required. Due to the asymmetrical nature of the swing, many a time the body movements require closer attention.

This program looks at several aspects of the sport and your physical condition.

For example:

In the above examples, a specially trained physiotherapist will perform a full assessment of muscle, joints and other structures involved. If there are musculoskeletal problems, these problems will be treated and resolved first.

The golf swing will then be assessed. Improvements will be suggested, implemented and the client will be trained to improve the golf swing.

Finally, a reassessment to see if all the strategies have worked and could be put to good use.

The Golf Fit program also aims to prevent potential injuries such as scoliosis, tennis elbow, and back pain and neck pain in people who play golf.

Appointments

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is the result of ligaments (structures that hold bones together) being overstretched. The signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising and swelling.

In the first 72 hours after injury, apply the following principles:

Also, in order to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation of the ankle, avoid the following:

Physiotherapists are able to assist with recovery from ankle sprains by assessing the severity of damage to the ligaments and other possible structures involved, following which they can advise on an exercise program to improve the strength, flexibility and balance ability of the ankle joint.

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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common condition, which is a result of the wear and tear of joints. The knee is one of the most common joints affected. The signs and symptoms include:

Physiotherapy can help in the management of osteoarthritis by reducing pain and increasing flexibility of the joint. In addition, your physiotherapist will be able to teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, which will help to provide support to the joint. Correction of poor posture and the prescription of aids are other ways in which physiotherapists can help manage this condition, and maintain or improve one’s quality of life.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain and stiffness. Most of the time the cause of onset is unknown. The course of frozen shoulder can be divided into three stages: Freezing, Frozen and Thawing.

In total, frozen shoulders can take a course of up to 2 years to resolve completely. Physiotherapy can assist during in the first stage of the condition by providing pain relief. In the following two stages of the condition, physiotherapists are able to prescribe exercises that can help facilitate the recovery of movement, strength and function in the shoulder.

Back Pain

The back is made up of vertebrae, discs, facet joints, ligaments, nerves and muscles. The vertebrae are the bones that together form the spinal column. The spinal cord, from which nerves originate, is housed in and protected by the spinal column. Vertebral discs are found between the vertebra and have a shock absorbing function. The facet joints allow and guide the movement of the spine while the ligaments connect the individual vertebra together and provide stability. The muscles of the back control and bring about movement.

Injury to any part of the back can result in pain. The pain can either be localized in the back, or can also radiate into the legs. Back pain can be a result of many causes, such as traumatic injuries (e.g. road traffic accident), sporting injuries, poor posture, repetitive use, or degeneration of the spine.

Proper posture in sitting, standing and at work can help prevent injury. In addition exercise is also important to help maintain strength of the back, as well as a good weight to height ratio, so as to put less strain on your back. Physiotherapists are equipped to advise on all of the above aspects of back care, as well as to treat back pain of various causes.

Neck Pain

The neck is made up of 7 bones (vertebra), connected by ligaments, and like the back has discs in between the vertebra. It supports the head, which is relatively heavy, and also provides a wide range of movement in different directions. Therefore, structures in the neck are easily injured when it comes under excessive loading in static positions, or becomes subject to large forces.

A common injury to the neck, often during road traffic accidents, is called ‘whiplash’ where the neck is thrown forward and back at high speed, resulting in joints, ligaments and muscles being stretched and bruised. Another common problem related to neck pain is poor posture. Sitting for long periods in a slouched posture, with the chin poking forwards, or with head bent down, puts a large amount of strain on the joints and other structures in the neck, causing pain, and stiffness.

It is advisable to maintain an upright posture, with shoulders relaxed and chin tucked in. Physiotherapists are able to advise on good posture at work and during leisure. They are also equipped to teach you exercises which you can perform regularly to increase the flexibility and strength of your neck. Physiotherapists also employ other techniques, such as mobilization or manipulation, to address the different causes of neck pain.

Our Specialists

	Name : Gan Yi Ming Designation : Principal Physiotherapist Credentials : M Phty (Orthopaedics)(Aust), BSc (Hons) Phty (UK)
	Name : Png, Carolina Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : B Phty (Aust), ACSM Exercise Specialist, ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor
	Name : Saw Lai Aik, Celeste Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Applied Science (Aust), B Phty
	Name : Chan Wah Chye Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M. Phty (Manip Therapy) (Aust)
	Name : Ng, Christopher Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Manip Therapy (Aust), B Phty (Aust), Dip Phty (S'pore), TPI (CGFI)
	Name : Soh, Cindy Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : B Phty
	Name : Sim, Eyvonne Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : MSci Adv Phty (Aust), B Phty (Aust), Dip Phty (S'pore)
	Name : Kuwan Foon Pang, Gigi Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M. Manual Therapy (Aust), B. Phty (Aust), Dip Phty (S'pore)
	Name : Haris Mohamed Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M. Phty (Musculoskeletal) (Aust), B Phty, MHPC (UK), TPI (CGFI)
	Name : Tan, Jenny Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Phty (Neurology) (Aust), B Phty
	Name : Khalid Anuar Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Sports Physio (Aust), B Hlth Sc (Phty) (Asust), Dip Phty (S'pore)
	Name : Xu, Lawrence Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : Dip. Phty (S'pore), B Hlth Sc (Phty) (Aust)
	Name : Lim Kong Beng Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Phty (Gerontology) (Aust), B Phty
	Name : Loy Fong Ling Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Sci (Hon) Physiotherapy (UK), Grad Dip Sc Med (Pain Management)(Aust)
	Name : Mahadevi Barathi Designation : Principal Physiotherapist Credentials : M Phty (Neuroscience) (Aust), B Phty
	Name : Soh Tzer Shiang, Rachel Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M Phty (Gerontology)(Aust), B Phty
	Name : Suhana Bte Salim Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : Dip. Phty
	Name : Niam, Susan Designation : Manager Credentials : Masters of Physiotherapy (Aust), Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist (USA)
	Name : Tee Lee Huan Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : M. Phty (Neurology) (Aust), BSc (Physiotherapy), Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist (USA)
	Name : Tai, Virginia Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : BSc (Hons) Phty (Aust), ACSM Exercise Specialist
	Name : Wong Li Ting Designation : Senior Physiotherapist Credentials : B Hlth Sc (Phty) (Aust), Certified Lymphodema Therapist (Aust)
	Name : Lee Soak Yee Credentials : B. App Sc (Physiotherapy), TPI (CGFI)