A plan built around what the person needs to do
Rehabilitation may address walking, transfers, hand use, self-care, communication, pain, spasticity, bladder or bowel needs, fatigue, return to work and caregiver training.
The PM&R physician evaluates medical and functional barriers, helps set priorities and coordinates the appropriate rehabilitation disciplines. Goals should be specific, realistic and reviewed as the person’s condition changes.
Rehabilitation may be planned for
Stroke
Mobility, arm function, self-care, spasticity, pain and community participation.
Spinal cord injury
Function, complications, equipment, skin protection, caregiver education and independence.
Brain injury
Physical and functional consequences requiring coordinated rehabilitation.
Neuromuscular conditions
Selected weakness and mobility problems requiring energy, equipment and exercise planning.
Cerebral palsy and paediatric needs
Selected functional assessment and rehabilitation planning with family involvement.
After surgery
Recovery after joint replacement, fracture, spine or selected neurological procedures.
What a rehabilitation plan may coordinate
- Physiotherapy for mobility, strength, balance and endurance.
- Occupational therapy for self-care, hand function, equipment and home/work tasks.
- Speech and swallowing therapy when indicated.
- Spasticity, pain and medication review.
- Orthoses, walking aids, wheelchair or seating assessment.
- Home programme, caregiver training and prevention of secondary complications.
- Telemedicine follow-up when an in-person examination is not essential.
What to bring and what the first visit can clarify
Bring the discharge summary, operative notes, imaging reports, current medicines, therapy notes and details of any brace, walking aid or wheelchair. A short list of recent changes and two or three activities that matter most—such as transferring, dressing, walking outdoors, returning to work or reducing caregiver strain—helps keep the assessment practical.
The consultation may clarify current precautions, medical barriers to therapy, realistic short-term goals, the disciplines that need to be involved and how progress will be measured. Not every person needs every therapy, test or procedure. The plan should match the diagnosis, medical stability, home environment, available support and the person’s own priorities.
Clinic-based review in Islamabad with selected remote follow-up
In-person rehabilitation assessment is available at PAF Hospital on Main Margalla Road, Islamabad. Patients commonly travel from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while selected follow-up, report review and second-opinion questions may be suitable for an online consultation elsewhere in Pakistan. New weakness, major functional decline and problems that require a hands-on neurological or musculoskeletal examination should be assessed in person.
Where ongoing therapy is delivered closer to home, the PM&R plan can define precautions, goals, equipment questions and review points for the treating team. Availability of individual therapies, equipment and procedures should be confirmed during booking.
New neurological symptoms are an emergency—not a rehabilitation appointment
Frequently asked questions
When should rehabilitation begin after stroke or surgery?
Timing depends on medical stability, procedure restrictions and individual needs. Rehabilitation planning often begins early, but the treating hospital team determines what is safe.
Is rehabilitation only physiotherapy?
No. It may include physician management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech/swallowing therapy, nursing, psychology, equipment and family education.
Can a family member join the consultation?
Family participation is often valuable, particularly when care, home setup, communication or decision support is involved.