“Physical Therapy”: Rehabilitation, Treatment and Health Promotion for All Ages 

Boosting health and quality of life with safe and drug-free physical therapy with Prof. Dr.  Prawit Janwantanakul, President of the Physical Therapy Council and Lecturer at the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University  

Medical treatments using various medical technologies, medications, and surgeries may help patients recover from diseases, but to help patients return to normal life and improve their quality of life, the science of physical therapy is essential. 

Prof. Dr. Prawit Janwantanakul, President of the Physical Therapy Council and Lecturer at the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, referred to a case study of physical therapy for COVID-19 patients, remarking, “Even after recovering from COVID-19, many patients continue to experience health problems as a consequence of the disease, such as physical weakness, unsteady walking, or easy fatigue. Physical therapy thus plays a crucial role in their recovery.”  

“Physical therapy encompasses treatment and rehabilitation to restoring body functions to near normal or even improved levels, enabling patients to return to their normal lives.” 

Nowadays, the number of elderly population as well as the lifestyle factor that may lead to chronic diseases and behavioral diseases such as office syndrome, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, etc. have made physical therapy even more crucial.  

“Physical therapy is a science for quality-of-life development, an answer for people of all ages, especially in this era where people are seeking treatment methods that are safe and free of side effects,” said Prof. Dr. Prawit.  

Physical Therapy Technology: Transforming Health Treatment for the Future  

Prof. Dr. Prawit explained that physical therapy is a profession involving the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment on human body caused by diseases or abnormal movement, using physical methods, not medication, injections, or surgery.  

“This science thus emphasizes rehabilitation, treatment, disease prevention, and health promotion, availing of diverse tools and techniques such as therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, massage, heat and cold, or using ultrasound machines to stimulate tissues, among others.” 

At the 20^th Anniversary Physical Therapy Council conference, there are an exhibition on physical therapy innovations to elevate patient care and health rehabilitation. Among the highlights of physical therapy technologies are: 

• SEGA Model: Using high-power laser to treat diabetic foot wounds, this technology helps accelerate wound healing processes, reduces treatment costs, and enables patients to recover faster. This innovation demonstrates the potential of using laser to stimulate tissue cells and serves as an excellent example of applying technology to health rehabilitation. 
• Trang Model: Designed to restore balance for patients experiencing dizziness from displaced inner ear calcium deposits, this innovation focuses on rehabilitating patients’ capabilities so that they can fully resume their daily lives.  
• Intermediate Care (IMC) Dashboard: This patient care dashboard helps collect patient treatment data from the hospital to home care, allowing the treatment team to effectively track progress and adjust rehabilitation plans. 
• Real-Time Feedback Posture and Movement Training Device: This device can detect movement and provide real-time feedback, helping patients practice balance in a safer and more effective environment. This includes an application like the Thalang Physical Fitness Test, which allows for convenient and quick testing and assessment of patients’ physical fitness. 

Physical Therapy: A Drug-Free Option for Good Health 

Many syndromes and health conditions requiring continuous treatment find physical therapy play a crucial role for patient rehabilitation and quality of life improvement. For instance, office syndrome prevalent among working professionals can be treated through posture adjustment and muscle balance enhancement, similarly to stroke patients who can restore movement and resume life through appropriate physical therapy programs. 

“Physical therapy not only helps alleviate symptoms but also helps patients return to walking or performing daily activities as close to normal as possible. We want to treat and restore the patient’s complete quality of life.” 

Prevention before Sickness: Physical Therapy for All Ages  

Prof. Dr. Prawit said that physical therapy is not limited to periods of illness or rehabilitation. Rather, understanding physical therapy can help people of all ages — whether children, working adults, or the elderly — live their daily lives safely and happily. 

“Don’t wait until health problems arise before thinking about physical therapy. This science helps us understand how to build strength and prevent potential movement issues.” 

Prof. Dr. Prawit spoke of the importance of “physical therapy in daily life” and how it can enhance people’s health in each age group as follows:  

• Childhood: Physical therapy helps develop skills, such as correcting scoliosis, addressing abnormal walking patterns, or strengthening muscles to ensure appropriate and robust growth. Childhood is the time when one can establish a foundation for lifelong health. 
• Working age: Stress and incorrect sitting postures at work often lead to the popular condition known as office syndrome. Physical therapy helps alleviate pain, strengthen muscles, as well as adjust postures and body movement appropriately, enabling people in this age group to work at full efficiency. 
• Elderly: Stable movement is freedom in life. Physical therapy helps prevent falls, strengthens muscles, slow degenerative conditions, and rehabilitates the body after illness, such as stroke or bone fractures, enabling individuals to live life to the fullest. 

“Good health doesn’t start at the hospital, but from taking care of yourself each and every day,” Prof. Dr. Prawit emphasized the importance of physical therapy in daily life that people of all ages should know and be able to practice themselves. 

Chulalongkorn: Physical Therapy 

As a member of the Physical Therapy Council and a leader in the field of physical therapy in Thailand, the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, has been producing highly qualified professionals and driving significant advancements in the field for over 30 years. The department offers comprehensive programs ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, with specialized master’s degree fields in areas such as musculoskeletal systems, neurological systems, and geriatric care. These programs aim to equip students with expertise in their chosen fields. Additionally, the department has established research and innovation collaborations with leading universities worldwide. 

“We focus on developing physical therapists with expertise to handle the complexities of modern diseases and the needs of today’s patients. Additionally, we conduct research and create innovations that address patient health needs, such as mobility rehabilitation devices and stroke rehabilitation programs.” 

The Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, also operates a Physical Therapy Clinic on campus to provide healthcare services to the public. It also serves as a practical training center, allowing students to learn from real patients and prepare for professional careers with hands-on experience. 

“We wish to see Chulalongkorn University serve as a hub of knowledge and innovations that can transform patients’ lives both nationally and internationally.”  

The Physical Therapy Clinic, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, opens for service on Mondays-Fridays from 7:30-15:30 hrs. and 17:00-19:00 hrs., as well as on weekends and public holidays from 9:00-16:00 hrs.

For more information, please call 02-218-1100.
Please visit https://www.ahs.chula.ac.th/services/physical-therapy-clinic/ to check out the rates and services.  

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