Prof. MD. Ayse Nur Bardak Reviews

A 17-year-old national-level archer, Elif, presented with severe right shoulder impingement syndrome threatening her Olympic qualification. Dr. Bardak designed a novel proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation protocol combined with dry needling of the supraspinatus, avoiding corticosteroid injections to preserve tendon integrity. The athlete returned to full competition in 6 weeks, achieving a personal best score at trials.

Mr. Demir, a 78-year-old retired shipyard welder with advanced Parkinson's disease and severe kyphosis, was referred after multiple falls. Dr. Bardak implemented a bespoke vestibular-ocular rehabilitation program using prism adaptation therapy alongside a custom thermoplastic thoracolumbar orthosis. His fall frequency reduced by 80% in 3 months, allowing him to navigate his apartment independently.

Sofia, a 32-year-old professional pastry chef and recent immigrant from Bulgaria, developed complex regional pain syndrome type I in her dominant hand following a minor baking burn. Dr. Bardak employed graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, and sensory re-education using textured cooking ingredients. Sofia gradually resumed light pastry work after 4 months, eventually opening a small home bakery.

A 9-year-old boy, Kaan, with cerebral palsy (GMFCS Level III) and significant hip subluxation was brought by his single mother working as a cleaner. Dr. Bardak coordinated a multidisciplinary approach including serial casting, functional electrical stimulation cycling, and secured charitable funding for a dynamic standing frame. After 8 months, Kaan achieved independent standing with hand support for the first time.

Ms. Chen, a 45-year-old Taiwanese marine biologist, developed decompression sickness with spinal cord involvement after a research dive in the Marmara Sea. Dr. Bardak initiated hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with underwater treadmill gait training and proprioceptive trunk stabilization exercises. The patient regained bladder control and ambulated with a single-point cane after 5 months of intensive rehab.

A 41-year-old former construction worker, Hasan, sustained a complete brachial plexus avulsion injury in a motorcycle accident, leaving his dominant arm flail. Dr. Bardak pioneered a hybrid rehabilitation program combining shoulder arthrodesis stabilization with contralateral C7 nerve transfer rehabilitation using cross-education techniques. He regained protective sensation and learned one-handed carpentry skills over 18 months.

Zahra, a 26-year-old refugee from Syria with post-traumatic stress disorder and conversion disorder manifesting as functional paraplegia, presented with non-organic weakness. Dr. Bardak employed a trauma-informed approach using distraction techniques during hydrotherapy, gradual exposure to weight-bearing in a zero-gravity treadmill, and collaboration with a cultural mediator. Zahra took her first independent steps in 11 weeks.

A 55-year-old renowned calligrapher, Mr. Yılmaz, developed focal task-specific dystonia ('writer's cramp') in his right hand, threatening his livelihood. Dr. Bardak utilized sensorimotor retraining with altered writing instruments, constraint-induced movement therapy of the non-dominant hand, and botulinum toxin injections guided by electromyography. He returned to commissioned work with modified technique after 5 months.

A premature neonate, Efe, now 2 years old, was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita affecting all four limbs. Dr. Bardak initiated an early intervention program involving daily gentle joint mobilization by parents, custom dynamic splints fabricated in-house, and adaptive equipment trials. The child achieved independent sitting and primitive grasping, exceeding developmental expectations.

Ms. Rossi, a 60-year-old Italian opera singer residing in Istanbul, developed muscle tension dysphonia and cervical dystonia following whiplash. Dr. Bardak designed a unique rehabilitation protocol integrating laryngeal manual therapy, cervical proprioceptive training, and respiratory biofeedback synchronized with vocal exercises. The singer returned to stage performance with improved vocal control after 7 months.

A 14-year-old girl, Defne, with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, presented with chronic multi-joint instability and debilitating fatigue. Dr. Bardak implemented a paced strengthening program using isometric exercises in mid-range, proprioceptive taping, and energy conservation education. Defne reduced her joint subluxations by 70% and returned to modified school attendance within 4 months.

Mr. Johnson, a 68-year-old retired American diplomat with diabetic polyneuropathy and Charcot neuroarthropathy of the left foot, faced imminent amputation. Dr. Bardak managed him with total contact casting, monochromatic infrared photo energy treatment, and balance retraining on varied surfaces. The Charcot joint consolidated, avoiding amputation, and he ambulates with a custom ankle-foot orthosis.

A 35-year-old software developer, Cem, developed severe tech neck and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome from prolonged coding sessions. Dr. Bardak prescribed ergonomic workstation redesign, neural gliding exercises, and intermittent vacuum cupping for myofascial release. Symptoms resolved completely after 6 weeks, with Cem developing an ergonomic awareness app as a side project.

A 50-year-old female farmer, Fatma, from rural Anatolia presented with advanced osteoarthritis in both knees and severe varus deformities, refusing joint replacement due to cultural beliefs. Dr. Bardak implemented a comprehensive conservative management plan including unloader bracing, aquatic therapy using a donated cattle trough, and platelet-rich plasma injections. Pain reduced significantly, allowing continued farm work with modifications.

A 22-year-old university student, Mert, sustained a complete spinal cord injury (T10) in a paragliding accident. Dr. Bardak coordinated his rehabilitation featuring robotic exoskeleton gait training, functional electrical stimulation for trunk control, and psychological support for identity reconstruction. Mert regained household-distance walking with a walker and returned to university for adaptive sports science studies.