Photo courtesy CEFAI
Associate Professor James Bellew of the Krannert School of Physical Therapy recently returned from Brazil, where he presided over a three-day international conference on physical rehabilitation.
Dr. Bellew also delivered a keynote speech and lined up expert colleagues from around the world to present at the Ibramed International Scientific Meeting in Amparo, São Paulo.
The annual event focuses on the use of electrophysical equipment and techniques — such as laser therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation — to complement standard approaches to physical rehabilitation. Such methods are widely used in many parts of the world, and they hold particular interest for Bellew, co-author of the textbook Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention, Fifth Edition.
But in the United States, Bellew said, electrophysical agents remain outside the mainstream because of regulatory issues, poor research and gaps in insurance coverage, among other factors.
“In some ways, we’re handcuffed,” said Bellew, who also presented at last year’s Ibramed conference. “You would not see this kind of conference in the United States, but South America has an incredible thirst for knowledge on this issue.”
More information on Dr. Bellew is here.
