Physical medicine and rehabilitation: past - present - future

The inaugural lecture reflects a little on the past, but above all considers the present and future of physical medicine and rehabilitation and stresses the most important aspects on scientific expertise. Physical medicine entered the German language in the late 19th century. An important milestone in the history was the opening in February 1991 of the Central Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which was the first to begin work in the New General Hospital. 15 staff doctors, 74 physiotherapists, 12 occupational therapists, seven masseurs and eight qualified medical assistants are constantly occupied in clinical practise. To illustrate the recent academic activities at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation the results of research from the individual working groups are compiled. First clinical and technical diagnostic studies are focused on. Essentially such studies demonstrate the efficacy of physical treatments, which are being reported. Current rehabilitation concepts are presented subsequently. Finally some light is shed on future areas of interest.