Gizem Karaoğlan, Physiotherapist

Gizem Karaoğlan is a member of the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation team at Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital in İstanbul. Her practice centers on physical therapy and rehabilitation, with particular attention to pain management, the treatment of movement disorders and the care of people with neuromuscular diseases. She sees patients whose symptoms limit their daily activities, movement or participation in sport, and works with them on a rehabilitation plan matched to their individual needs and goals.

She completed her training at Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Faculty of Health Sciences between 2009 and 2013. After graduating, she worked at Maltepe Medical Center from 2013 to 2015. Since 2015 she has been part of Acıbadem Healthcare Services and now practices in İstanbul. Her professional background combines experience in a medical center setting with continuous work within a hospital-based rehabilitation unit.

Clinical focus

Gizem Karaoğlan’s areas of expertise cover several conditions in which pain and impaired movement overlap. In the field of pain treatment she works with patients who have facet joint syndrome, a source of spinal pain arising from the small joints of the vertebral column, as well as pelvic pain and functional disorders. Her approach to pain is rehabilitation-based and aims to address the physical factors that contribute to ongoing discomfort and reduced function, rather than to treat symptoms in isolation. Each program is built around the findings of the clinical examination and the information available from previous investigations.

A second part of her work concerns movement disorder treatment and neuromuscular disorders, including restless legs syndrome. Rehabilitation in these conditions is directed at maintaining mobility, strength and independence in everyday tasks, and is planned in coordination with the treating physicians. She also cares for people with sports injuries and knee injuries, supporting the recovery of movement and a gradual, supervised return to activity. Treatment plans are adjusted to the patient’s diagnosis, general health and personal goals, and progress is reviewed at regular intervals over the course of therapy so that the program can be modified where necessary.

How Gizem Karaoğlan works with international patients

Gizem Karaoğlan consults in Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who speak other languages. Before a visit, the international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, such as MRI, CT, X-ray or ultrasound reports, laboratory and pathology results, operative notes and discharge summaries, and arranges the appointment and the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the rehabilitation options that may be suitable. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation before traveling or to follow up after a period of treatment.