Rehabilitation is still progressing.
And I enjoy that…
The goal of medical rehabilitation is to reintegrate the individual into normal everyday activities. Rehabilitation includes a number of methods and approaches, both traditional and modern.
Janské Lázně is one of the few spas in the country that also uses virtual reality. Anna Prunerová, head of rehabilitation at the adult treatment center, emphasizes that exercising in a virtual environment increases motivation to exercise and contributes to improving physical fitness.
So let's start with the procedures you usually apply when working with adults.
When working with patients, we always focus on their current health status. As part of individual physiotherapy we use, for example, elements of Vojta's reflex locomotion, where we try to stimulate specific points on the body with the aim of inducing reflex movements. During group therapy, we use, for example, the method according to MUDr. Smíšek, thanks to which we try to strengthen the deep stabilization system using special ropes.
How long have you been offering rehabilitation to patients through virtual reality?
Since the beginning of this year. However, before we included them in standard procedures, this method of rehabilitation underwent pilot testing and verification, both on Spring for pediatric patients, so for our adult clients. For example, we tried group therapy. The advantage was that after the therapy was over, the patients could share their feelings with each other.
Who is this method suitable for and what does it bring?
Basically for a wide range of patients, for example for neurological, orthopedic or even oncological patients. It allows, for example, to suppress the perception of pain or increase the range of motion in individual joints.
Does the staff also appreciate it?
Of course. It makes our work easier because the patient does everything himself and the staff only supervises the correct execution via tablet, or corrects the patient during the therapy. There are still more and more devices that try to make the work of therapists easier and are very effective in therapy. But they will not completely replace their activities. Because our work also includes communication with people, the ability to listen to them and support them.
Was that the reason why you chose rehabilitation?
Yes. I like helping people. I was heavily involved in sports as a child, and due to several injuries I underwent physiotherapy several times, and this field really appealed to me.
How long have you been working in Janské Lázně?
Exactly since July 11th of this year. I came here mainly because of the beautiful nature. In the winter I go skiing, in the summer I try to spend my free time in nature.
So, we can't really talk about routine yet...
But yes, days have to have their own order. Every morning I have a briefing, where together with the doctors, head nurse, psychologist, speech therapist and other colleagues we discuss the events that have happened in the last day. During the morning I go through the workplace and check if everything is in order. In the afternoon I mainly do administration.
How many employees do you manage as a rehabilitation manager?
There are currently 46 employees of many professions - physiotherapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, trained physical therapy workers, masseurs, rehabilitation nurses and procedure schedulers.
What enriches you about working with such a large team?
I am still learning to listen, solve crisis situations, come up with innovations in our department, etc. I appreciate group meetings outside of work, where there is an opportunity to learn more about yourself.
What fascinates you about rehabilitation?
Physiotherapy is constantly moving forward, increasingly advanced devices are being developed, and more and more options are emerging to help people and, ideally, return them to normal life.
Another advantage is that therapists have the opportunity for lifelong learning. Our clientele includes patients with neurological diseases, orthopedic diseases, respiratory diseases, etc. Every progress is great.
Do you often leave work satisfied?
This happens about three to four times a month. I am most satisfied when I can meet the demands of my colleagues and help them perform at their best.
What qualities do you value in your colleagues?
Hard work, conscientiousness, warmth.
What are you most looking forward to right now?
In my free time, I always look forward to my four-month-old niece. Professionally, I look forward to the time when I can acclimatize a little more in my new work.
Just one click and you can exercise by the river, for example.
Rehabilitating in a virtual environment is extremely enjoyable and motivating. You can walk through the forest, pick fruit, catch fish, or look for constellations in the night sky.
A unique virtual reality installation for rehabilitation exercise purposes has been used by patients of the children's and adult health resort of the Janské Lázně State Spa since the beginning of this year.
Each of the more than 30 applications, which can be alternated according to the individual needs of patients, is programmed very intuitively.
Connection to a central system allows healthcare professionals to immediately diagnose, measure and evaluate results.
This simplifies monitoring and analyzing the patient's progress and helps determine the ideal subsequent rehabilitation program.
If you are interested in virtual reality exercises, follow the Spa's Facebook page. You will learn how rehabilitation works and what it helps with.
WE PRESENT
Anna Prunerová (29 years old)
She graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports of Charles University, majoring in physiotherapy, and the First Faculty of Medicine of the same university, majoring in addictology. She prefers to relax in nature, either with her dog or on horseback.
