Outdoor services: The department operates its outpatient department (OPD) services from 8 am to 2.30 pm on every working day of the week except for government holidays. The bulk of the patients are referred from other outpatient departments (OPDs) and the most common presentation among them is swelling of upper or lower limb occurring due to lymphedema resulting from the complications of breast cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer etc. Trismus (lock jaw) is another frequently encountered condition. Patients also come with different musculoskeletal manifestations and complications of cancer and cancer treatments like post-surgical shoulder pain syndrome, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), soft tissue rheumatism, different fibrotic conditions, degenerative conditions of neck, back, hip and knee, septic arthritis, radiculopathy, myelopathy and plexopathies, peripheral neuropathies including carpal tunnel syndrome, cranial nerve palsies particularly facial nerve palsy and so on.

Indoor services: Everyday a good number of indoor referrals are sent for consultation to the department. The physicians visit the concerned patients in their respective ward, chalk out the management plan and bed side rehabilitation services. If required, patients are transported to the department and services are provided by the Physiatrists and other skilled staffs like Physiotherapists and rehabilitation nurses.

Specialized Facilities & Technologies:

Microwave Diathermy (MWD), Shortwave Diathermy (SWD), Ultrasound Therapy (UST), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Infrared Ray (IRR) Machines, Traction Equipment, Stationary Bicycle, Parallel Bar, Exercise Wheel, Pressotherapy (Intermittent Pneumatic Compression) Machine for lymphedema management.

Vision & Mission:

To deliver patient-centered, evidence-based cancer rehabilitation services through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The department strives to promote functional independence, improves quality of life, and support capacity building in cancer rehabilitation through training and research.

All the members of the department are actively involved in various research and academic activities in alignment with the mission and vision of the institute. The physiatrists of the department have published several research articles in renowned national and international journals, reflecting their continuous contribution to the advancement of rehabilitation science and medicine.

Dr. Prasanta Kumar Chakraborty, Associate Professor, has a total of sixteen publications. His recent works include “The Association of Night Splint to NSAID + ADL Instruction in Improving Pain and Functional Performance: An Observational Study” and “Effect of Pelvic Traction in the Management of PLID Patient: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Citations:

• Dilir Jamal, Mohammod Habibur Rahman, Moinuddin Hossain Khan, Ripon Kumar Saha, Prasanta Kumar Chakraborty. The Association of Night Splint to NSAID + ADL Instruction in Improving Pain and Functional Performance: An Observational Study. SAS J Surg, 2023 Mar; 9(3): 190–193. DOI:10.36347/sasjs.2023.v09i03.011

• Ripon Kumer Saha, Sohely Rahman, Prasanta Kumar Chakraborty, Moinuddin Hossain Khan, Aparajeya Bivab Bikash Baral, S.M. Mazharul Islam, Jahidul Islam. Effect of Pelvic Traction in the Management of PLID Patient: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Planet, 2021; 5(1): 40–51.

Dr. Md. Ehsanul Alam, Medical Officer, has five publications. His recent research works include “Age, Gender and Side Distribution of Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder among Diabetic Patients” and “Trend of Mode of Delivery in a Rural Government Primary Health Care Facility of Bangladesh.”
Citations:

• Sharif R, Alam S, Islam MA, Alam ME, Raihan MG. Age, Gender and Side Distribution of Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder among Diabetic Patients. East Med Coll J, 2024 Jul; 9(2): 73–76.

• Alam ME, Das KP, Saha M. Trend of Mode of Delivery in a Rural Government Primary Health Care Facility of Bangladesh. J Khulna Med Coll, 2024 Apr; 3(1): 3–7.

The department is currently conducting ongoing research projects related to cancer rehabilitation, with a special focus on lymphedema management, musculoskeletal complications, and fibrotic syndromes. It is also engaged in collaborative research with Dhaka Medical College (DMC), Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), and the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS).

In terms of training and education, the department provides rotational training for MD Phase-B residents from other departments, clinical training for internee physiotherapists from the Institute of Health Technology (IHT), and regularly participates in weekly CME sessions. It also hosts thesis and dissertation-based training for residents and fellows from BMU, DMC, and BCPS.

The department maintains vibrant and continuous academic activities throughout the year. Weekly CME sessions are held where residents of different disciplines participate and gain fundamental knowledge of comprehensive rehabilitative management for musculoskeletal and neurological complications, especially those arising from cancer. Internee physiotherapists receive hands-on practical experience under faculty guidance. In addition, fortnightly in-house academic presentations are organized to enhance the professional skills and knowledge of all faculty and staff members. The department also supervises thesis and dissertation research work for postgraduate trainees from DMC, BMU, and BCPS, particularly focusing on lymphedema rehabilitation and cancer-related functional recovery.

Head of Department (HOD): Dr. Prasanta Kumar Chakraborty

Designation: Associate Professor

Contact: pkcborty@gmail.com

Office Location: D-Block, 2nd Floor

Working Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 8.00am to 2.30pm