The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Post-Intensive-Care Rehabilitation (PICS Recovery)

Multidisciplinary recovery program for physical, cognitive and psychological sequelae after critical illness.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Post-Intensive-Care Rehabilitation (PICS Recovery)?

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) describes new or worsening physical, cognitive and mental health problems that persist after discharge from intensive care. Up to 50% of ICU survivors experience long-term impairment.

ICU-acquired weakness arises from critical illness myopathy and neuropathy. Cognitive deficits include memory and executive dysfunction; mental health problems include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

Rehabilitation is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including physiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, neuropsychology, dietetics and social work, ideally beginning during the ICU stay and continuing in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Symptoms

Generalised muscle weakness
Difficulty walking and climbing stairs
Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
Cognitive impairment and memory problems
Anxiety and depression
Post-traumatic stress symptoms
Swallowing difficulty after intubation

Risk Factors

Prolonged mechanical ventilation
Sepsis or septic shock
Multiple organ failure
Prolonged sedation or delirium
Immobility and pre-existing frailty
Older age
Acute respiratory distress syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent inability to perform daily activities
  • Worsening fatigue or weakness
  • Mood disturbance, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms
  • Memory and cognitive complaints
  • Swallowing or voice problems
  • Recurrent admissions after discharge

Treatment Methods

01
Early mobilisation during ICU admission
02
Progressive resistance and aerobic training
03
Occupational therapy for daily activities
04
Cognitive rehabilitation and memory strategies
05
Psychological therapy for anxiety, depression and PTSD
06
Nutritional optimisation and dysphagia management
07
ICU diary, follow-up clinic and family support

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.