Activities of NIMD
Rehabilitation
The National Institute for Minamata disease (hereinafter referred to as “NIMD”) provides outpatient rehabilitation mainly for patients with fetal and pediatric Minamata disease. The NIMD provides treatment aimed at relieving the abnormal muscle tonus and pain seen in Minamata disease as well as rehabilitation focused on gait disturbance and dysphagia. The days of use are set according to the schedule and needs of the person using the service and staff members provided transportation to and from their homes and facilities.
Outline of our outpatient rehabilitation care
The main treatment includes lower limb muscle strength training using belt electrode- skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES), gait training using HAL® medical single joint and non-powered walking aid, and swallowing training using combined low-frequency therapy device. Please contact us at any time for consultations regarding the use of outpatient rehabilitation and daily life.
- Service days
- Monday to Thursday
- Service hours
- 9:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00
Introduction to Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
The purpose of treatment is to relieve pain and abnormal muscle tonus.
Belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES)
- How it works:
- The belt is attached to the abdomen, thigh, and lower leg to stimulate the entire lower limb at once. Wheelchair users, bedridden people, and others who have difficulty performing regular exercise can use it as an alternative to exercise.
- Objective:
- To improve muscle weakness and spasticity (stiffness)
Magnetic stimulation of nerve roots in the hip
- How it works:
- Magnetic stimulation is performed after determining the optimal lumbar nerve root site by measuring motor-evoked potentials in the leg.
- Objective:
- To reduce spasticity
Combined low-frequency therapy device (NEURO TREAT)
- How it works:
- The combination of high and low frequencies delivers stimulation deep into the muscles.
- Objective:
- To improve swallowing-related muscle strength.
Exercise Therapy
The purpose of treatment is to prevent muscle weakness, atrophy, and spasticity.
Hybrid Assistive Limb (HALⓇ) medical single-joint system
- How it works:
- The system senses the wearer's weak bioelectrical potential signals and supports voluntary movement. The brain learns the correct movement by repeating it according to the wearer's intentions.
- Objective:
- To improve voluntary movements at the individual joint level.
ACSIVE or aLQ (powerless walking assist)
- How it works:
- The body is simply hooked to the belt and secured above the knee with the magic belt. The spring force assists in walking, and the device is lightweight and portable.
- Objective:
- To maintain and improve the functions required for standing and walking.
Repetitive facilitation exercise therapy (Kawahira Method)
- How it works:
- The goal is to improve coordinated movement through repetitive learning of normal movement patterns.
- Objective:
- To normalize muscle tone and improve coordination of movement.
Handicrafts
This program aims to maintain hand motor function and activate brain function. Participants can also gain a sense of accomplishment through the creation of artwork.
Our counseling services are available when you need information regarding rehabilitation and nursing-care approaches or advice on health, daily living, and welfare issues.
Please feel free to contact us if you need guidance on rehabilitation that can be done at home or if you have any questions regarding your health, daily life, and welfare.
- It is hard to get out of bed...
- It has become hard to walk...
- Difficulty in swallowing food...
- It is hard to talk...
- What kind of wheelchair should I choose?
- What kind of bed would be good for me?
- Where should we attach a handrail?
- What kind of exercise is beneficial for staying healthy?
- Are there any exercises that can be done at home?
- Are there easier ways to give assistance?
...etc., etc.
Characteristic rehabilitation at the National Institute for Minamata Disease
Rehabilitation for gait disturbances
We provide rehabilitation for those with gait disturbances, including wheelchair users, by combining magnetic stimulation of the nerve roots in the hip, repetitive facilitation exercises, B-SES, and HALⓇ or aLQ for gait training.
Rehabilitation for Dysphagia
Rehabilitation for impaired swallowing function
For dysphagia in patients with Minamata disease, which has become a problem in recent years, we provide evaluation of swallowing function and rehabilitation of swallowing using neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
If you are interested, please contact us at the following address.
Flow of Treatment Research
Please contact us for inquiries and consultation regarding rehabilitation, etc.
Atsushi Nakamura, Occupational Therapist
Rehabilitation Section, Department of Clinical Medicine
TEL: +81-966-63-3111