Patients can now look forward to rehabilitation with reduced pain. The Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan provided a course on “Treating without Pain” to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals in the capital recently. The course focused on taping techniques and movement strategies, to reduce pain during rehabilitation.
Alison Taylor, a volunteer trainer, is a well-known occupational therapist and a kinesio-taping instructor from Australia.
She said she began her journey of treating without pain with a desire to prevent patients from experiencing pain.
“I started recording my patients and analysing the recordings. I realised that patients often tell you exactly what’s wrong and how to treat them. However, we have been trained to treat based on diagnoses and protocols. I found that by listening to them and responding to their needs, they recovered much faster,” said Alison Taylor.
The treatment focuses on superficial layers, such as skin and fascia rather than muscle and joints. This approach helps reduce pain and speeds the recovery time.
Suzanne Caragianis, a hand therapist said, “There were many cases of burns and fractures. A lot of terrible trauma that was not being rehabilitated. The physiotherapy department was quite basic and there was no hand and upper limb rehabilitation at that time. So, in 2010, I came back and ran my first continuing education course.”
“I have learned various techniques for treating both upper and lower extremities. I have learned about cupping, which we use in the traditional medicine department. I am thrilled to say that I got the opportunity to learn this, and I will be able to implement this when I go back,” said Sonam Yuden, an Occupational Therapy Trainee.
The techniques were applied to a patient who recently underwent first arm reattachment surgery.
Two weeks after the surgery, the patient said he felt better and was regaining strength to lift his arm.
The training, which ended last week, was funded by Helping Hand in Bhutan, and Interplast Australia and New Zealand.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
