Dr. İlayda Kurtuluş

As a 72-year-old retired classical musician with focal dystonia in my right hand, I had given up hope of ever playing the violin again. Dr. Kurtuluş didn't just see a tremor; she saw a musician. Her combination of targeted botulinum toxin injections and a rehabilitation program incorporating specific finger exercises with a practice bow transformed my life. Six months later, I performed a short piece for my grandchildren. She restored my music.

My 14-year-old daughter, a competitive gymnast, suffered a severe lumbar stress fracture that threatened her athletic future. Dr. Kurtuluş designed a revolutionary aquatic therapy program in the hospital's pool, using water's buoyancy to maintain strength without impact. She coordinated with our daughter's coach on a phased return-to-sport plan. Today, she's back competing, stronger and with better body mechanics than before the injury.

After a complicated motorcycle accident, I was left with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in my left leg—the pain was excruciating and constant. Multiple doctors had offered little beyond medication. Dr. Kurtuluş approached it holistically: a sympathetic nerve block, followed by graded motor imagery therapy and desensitization techniques. She taught me to 'retrain' my brain's pain signals. The fiery, burning pain has receded to a manageable level, and I've regained partial use of my limb.

We brought our 5-year-old son to Dr. Kurtuluş after he was diagnosed with Erb's Palsy from a difficult birth, leaving his right arm weak. She created a 'play-based' therapy plan, using specially adapted toys and games to encourage movement. Her warm, playful demeanor made him look forward to sessions. The progress has been astounding—he now uses both hands to build block towers and feed himself.