Dr. Tanawat Tochaiwat
Medical rehabilitation physicians specialize in the treatment and care of patients undergoing physical rehabilitation, with the goal of restoring functional ability to its optimal or near-optimal level and improving overall quality of life.
Scope of Medical Rehabilitation
Medical rehabilitation encompasses a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders, stroke, spinal cord injuries, cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, and sports-related injuries. The specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, often utilizing electrodiagnostic studies to guide targeted and effective rehabilitation programs.
Education and Professional Background
After earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Dr. Tanawat Tochaiwat began his medical career at the 46th Air Division Hospital in Phitsanulok Province. He later pursued advanced training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Siriraj Hospital and subsequently served as a rehabilitation physician at Phuphan Hospital.
Dr. Tanawat also held the position of Deputy Director of the 23rd Air Division Hospital in Udon Thani Province. In addition, he further expanded his expertise by completing advanced training in Aerospace Medicine at the Aerospace Medicine Institute.
Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation Care
Currently, Dr. Tanawat specializes in comprehensive rehabilitation care, including targeted muscle acupuncture. He strongly emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach, focusing not only on treating symptoms but also on identifying root causes and preventing recurrence.
His rehabilitation plans consider multiple dimensions of each patient’s life, including lifestyle, occupational demands, physical capacity, and environmental factors at both home and the workplace. This comprehensive approach reflects the core philosophy of medical rehabilitation—caring for patients from all perspectives to promote prevention, restore function, enhance quality of life, and support long-term physical and mental well-being.
Patient Groups and Conditions Treated
Patients under Dr. Tanawat’s care in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation commonly present with chronic muscle and nerve conditions, often referred to as Office Syndrome. He also treats patients with specific medical conditions, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and various heart-related conditions.
For outpatients, individuals may consult Dr. Tanawat directly or be referred from other departments—particularly neurology, orthopedics, or musculoskeletal specialties—when muscle-related conditions or Office Syndrome are identified. Office Syndrome is frequently observed among office workers and may present as neck pain, shoulder stiffness, back pain, or headaches.
For inpatients, including those with neurological disorders, cerebrovascular diseases, or traumatic injuries, Dr. Tanawat provides rehabilitation consultation once acute treatment has been completed. He works closely with the primary physician and multidisciplinary care teams to ensure continuity of care and optimal recovery outcomes.
Treatment Modalities in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
“The primary focus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is to relieve pain and restore functional ability using a variety of evidence-based techniques.”
Treatment options may include therapeutic ultrasound, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, spinal traction, and other specialized modalities. Modern rehabilitation practice also integrates acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
In addition, individualized physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are designed to accelerate recovery, enhance functional independence, and enable patients to return to daily activities at their fullest potential.
The Role and Importance of Rehabilitation Physicians Today
Rehabilitation medicine physicians play a crucial role in modern healthcare, particularly as many medical conditions require structured recovery following acute treatment. The ultimate goal is to help patients regain maximum functional ability and return to the highest possible quality of life.
Dr. Tanawat shared a formative experience from his time as a medical intern at Phramongkutklao Hospital, a military hospital:
“I had the opportunity to care for soldiers who had sustained severe injuries during missions. Some arrived unconscious, and the medical team worked tirelessly to save their lives and stabilize their conditions. Through continuous medical care and rehabilitation, these patients gradually regained their physical abilities and were eventually able to return to their daily lives with good quality of life. This experience deeply inspired me.”
“No matter how severe a patient’s condition may be, physicians always strive to provide the best possible care—helping patients recover, regain independence, and live the best life they can.”
