Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (English)

The Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Istanbul Gedik University was established on March 7, 2018 and started its educational activities in the 2018–2019 academic year.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is a scientific discipline that plays an essential role in treating movement disorders caused by diseases, disabilities or deficiencies that occur before, during or after birth. It focuses on restoring lost functions, developing new ones, improving independence in daily life, relieving musculoskeletal pain and enhancing quality of life.

A physiotherapist is a health professional who plans and implements preventive physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs for healthy individuals to maintain and promote health. By using profession-specific measurement and evaluation methods, physiotherapists determine the physiotherapy and rehabilitation needs of patients diagnosed by a physician and plan and implement appropriate programs accordingly. To become a physiotherapist, one must successfully complete a four-year undergraduate program in this field. Graduates of the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department work autonomously within an interdisciplinary approach, maintaining open and equal professional relationships with other health professionals.

The working areas of physiotherapists are expanding every day. These areas include orthopedic problems, neurological disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, rheumatologic conditions, pediatric rehabilitation, sports injuries, hand injuries and postoperative rehabilitation, obstetric and urogynecologic conditions, neurosurgery, plastic and general surgery-related health issues, neonatal and premature care, continuous and intensive care, pain management and preventive rehabilitation.

After completing 240 ECTS credits by the end of the eighth semester, our students graduate as competent physiotherapists who can design and apply physiotherapy and rehabilitation interventions in various settings such as public and private hospitals, clinics, health centers, sports clubs and organizations, wellness and fitness centers, public health institutions, schools, special education and rehabilitation centers, private medical centers, specialized clinics, facilities serving children, elderly and individuals with disabilities, municipalities, ministries, home care centers and rehabilitation institutions. Graduates earn the title of “Physiotherapist.”

In addition to clinical practice, physiotherapists can pursue master’s and doctoral studies, conducting research and advancing academically in their profession.

Since Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation is a scientific field that encompasses techniques for assessing the physical functions of body systems and implementing physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches that enhance quality of life and functional capacity, our curriculum has been structured to provide knowledge, skills and competencies in comprehensive assessment and measurement methods, organization of assessment results, implementation of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs, evidence-based practice and community-based rehabilitation. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration as well as ethical, humanistic and professional values.

Mission

In the light of universal and cultural values, our mission is to educate competent professionals who respect human rights, possess lifelong learning, teaching and communication skills, demonstrate professional and scientific competence, promote professional autonomy, conduct multidisciplinary studies and deliver physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for the benefit of society.

Vision

Our vision is to become a distinguished and leading department that contributes to the improvement of public health and quality of life through effective services and policies, and is recognized and cited in international scientific platforms.