The Potentiality of Judo Therapy in Disaster Relief: Insights From the Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team in Response to the Earthquake Damage in the Republic of Türkiye

Summary: In response to the Turkey-Syria earthquake of February 2023, the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team was deployed to Gaziantep as a Type-2 Emergency Medical Team from February 10 to March 24, 2023. A total of 1,946 patients visited the disaster relief site. Three deployment batches were dispatched, with the first and second including judo therapists assigned as logisticians. Judo therapists, as a unique medical profession in Japan, provide conservative treatment for acute orthopedic injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and sprains. Due to the high patient volume, these therapists contributed to the rehabilitation department together with physical therapists. This report describes their experiences and explores the potential applications of judo therapy in future disasters. Data on patients who visited the rehabilitation department were obtained from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Judo therapists self-reported the number of patients treated. Treatment methodologies were assessed through structured interviews with the therapists. Ethical considerations adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki. During the first and second batches, 198 patients received care, representing 72.5% of the total rehabilitation department users. Among these, 79 patients were treated by judo therapists, constituting 28.9% of all rehabilitation department users. Operating with limited resources, judo therapists utilized locally available items to create immobilization devices for treating knee ligament injuries. This experience indicates the importance of integrating traditional treatment into emergency medical responses. The ability to provide care in disaster areas and evacuation centers during large-scale emergencies suggests the potential of traditional medicine, including judo therapy, in disaster situations. This approach can enhance the overall resilience of affected communities and contribute to the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of recovery.