"Complementary Medicine Applications are treatment methods that support modern medical treatment protocols and are part of a holistic approach to patient care."
As emphasized in the World Health Organization’s definition of "health,"
"A physician aims to ensure a person’s complete well-being in terms of physical, mental, and social health."
As Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians, our primary responsibility is not only to treat conditions that lead to disability but also to prevent recurrence and rehabilitate individuals to improve their long-term quality of life.
Most of the patients who seek our help suffer from chronic conditions lasting over three months, rather than acute issues lasting less than six weeks. The longer the delay in seeking medical attention, the longer it takes to achieve recovery. In the acute phase, conventional medical approaches based on Western Medicine are generally sufficient. However, achieving successful outcomes in chronic conditions is far more challenging.
Why Is This the Case?
Our body functions in a rhythmic order, enabling movement through skeletal muscles and fascial structures. For this system to be properly nourished and for organs to function efficiently, the circulatory system must work without disruption. The effectiveness of circulation is directly linked to the nervous system's transmission of signals.
In other words, our body consists of interconnected networks where nerve signals, blood and lymphatic circulation, biochemical reactions, and musculoskeletal-fascial structures interact in a highly complex manner. Any unresolved issue in one part of this system can trigger dysfunctions in other parts over time.
Ludwig Wittgenstein once stated:
"The human body is the image of the soul."
Another crucial factor that should not be overlooked is that humans are not purely physical beings. Psychological and social aspects not only influence the body but are also influenced by it. Perspective on life, expectations, cultural environment, emotional states, economic conditions, personality traits, and nutrition all interact dynamically with physical well-being.
In chronic illnesses, these intertwined structures affect one another in complex ways. For this reason, symptom-based treatments alone are insufficient. Instead, we need to adopt a holistic perspective and incorporate complementary medicine applications tailored to each individual.
How Can This Be Achieved?
When a patient presents with widespread or localized pain, the first question we ask is:
"How long have you had this complaint?"
The answer guides the subsequent questions and treatment strategy. In chronic conditions, we frequently observe that physical, psychological, and social health are caught in a vicious cycle. Pain disrupts sleep, increases stress levels, affects gut health, and negatively impacts relationships and work life.
While pain relief medications and physical therapy can provide short-term relief, restoring balance in the body requires improving nerve transmission and circulation. This is where Acupuncture and Neural Therapy play a crucial role. Scientific studies and clinical experience confirm their effectiveness in pain management, reducing edema, controlling inflammation, and detoxification.
Other complementary medicine methods include:
- Phytotherapy: Supports anti-inflammatory effects and detoxification.
- Aromatherapy: Beneficial for sleep health, gut health, and emotional balance via olfactory stimulation.
- Cupping Therapy (Hijama): Enhances fascia health and circulatory function. The fascia is a continuous structure that envelopes muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, and organs, integrating them into a functional whole.
- Ozone Therapy:
- Major Ozone Therapy (intravenous ozone) and Rectal Ozone Therapy help restore energy, combat fatigue, and strengthen the immune system.
- Local Ozone Therapy effectively reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration in joint pain and herniated discs.
Post-Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Injury Recovery
For patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries or sports injuries, an individualized exercise program is essential. Complementary medicine methods significantly accelerate recovery:
- Intra-articular Ozone Therapy: Stimulates cartilage regeneration.
- Ozone Bagging & Ozone Cream Application: Speeds up wound healing.
- Neural Therapy & Acupuncture: Restores nerve conduction and circulation.
- Prolotherapy: Stimulates collagen production, strengthening ligaments and improving joint stability.
Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, and Neurological Disorders (Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis)
Patients with neurological disorders require long-term rehabilitation, addressing both physical disabilities and emotional well-being. Regular medical evaluations and personalized rehabilitation programs are crucial.
For stroke and spinal cord injury patients, complementary therapies can:
- Regulate muscle tone (reduce excessive stiffness or improve weak muscles).
- Improve circulation and increase blood flow to affected organs (Acupuncture, Neural Therapy).
- Enhance insulin regulation and circulatory physiology in diabetic and hypertensive patients (Major Ozone Therapy).
- Accelerate wound healing in pressure sores (Ozone Cream, Aromatherapy).
- Stimulate nerve conduction through Cupping Therapy (Hijama).
The Role of the Physician in Complementary Medicine
As Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously stated:
"There are no diseases, only patients. Each patient is unique, and the same disease may manifest differently in different individuals."
Thus, the selection of complementary medicine methods must be tailored to each patient by a physician well-versed in the patient’s medical history.
Dr. Canan YILDIRIM
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
