The fourth biennial conference Physio Dubai 2012, which will highlight the latest trends in rehabilitation of patients with strokes and injuries, opened today (May 20) at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

The two-day conference, organised by Emirates Physiotherapy Society, was opened by Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, deputy director-general of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and DHA president.

Abduladheem Kamkar, president of the conference and chairman of the Scientific Committee said that the conference highlights many themes including recent trends in the rehabilitation of stroke and physical therapy, men’s health, physical therapy for shoulder, foot and ankle injuries, rehabilitation of injured hamstrings and rehabilitation of ligaments around the knee.

In addition, the conference will also discuss the latest developments in the treatment of nerve mobilization.

The scientific programme will also address the problem of dizziness and loss of equilibrium and will highlight the role of exercise rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment by physiotherapists to improve patient outcomes.

“We will pay special emphasis to rehabilitation for injuries caused as a result of playing sports as we believe that as the number of people taking part in sports is on the rise and we will also advocate the need for rehabilitation and physiotherapy post any surgery to ensure optimum recovery,” Kamkar said.

He said that experts will present 30 scientific papers during the conference to provide information on treating bones, joints and sports injuries.

Amal Shamlan, head of Organizing Committee at the conference and head of rehabilitation section at Latifa Hospital said: “It is essential to educate the public and the healthcare professionals about the significance of rehabilitation and physiotherapy. It is important to note that conventional methods of physiotherapy can sometimes help prevent a surgery, at the same time, rehabilitation and physiotherapy is important after any surgery, and therefore people must realize the benefit of rehabilitation to ensure complete bodily function and optimum health.”

Shamlan said that six workshops were held before the opening of the conference on May 18 and 19 at Latifa and Rashid Hospital to provide practical training on the latest developments and techniques in the treatment of foot, ankle, shoulder and knee and hamstring injuries and the remaining six workshops will take place during the two days of the conference.

The workshop will also provide latest information about rehabilitating people suffering from dizziness and loss of equilibrium.

She added that the conference will hold a 12-hour and 48-hour workshop approved by the DHA.

She said this year in cooperation with the Dubai Equine Hospital, a special session on physical therapy with veterinary specialist in equine care from Australia will also take place.

She said the conference will be beneficial for various medical professionals including physiotherapists, sports physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation and health care professionals, neurologists and neurosurgeons, family physicians etc. – TradeArabia News Service