Orthopedics in Casablanca

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, including the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics is called an orthopedist. The musculoskeletal conditions that orthopedists can treat may be present from birth or occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear. Some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist can treat are as follows:

• Bone fractures
• Joint pain from arthritis
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Soft tissue, including muscles, ligament, and tendon, injuries
• Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
• Worn out and sports injuries, such as meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and tendinitis
• Congenital conditions, such as scoliosis and clubfoot.

Orthopedists can conduct diagnostic tests, including physical examinations and X-rays. They use both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The procedures performed by orthopedists include, but are not limited to:

• Total joint replacement
• Knee ligament surgery, including knee arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Carpal tunnel release
• Fracture repair surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Hip replacement
• LaminectomyFracture repair surgery, including repair of the ankle, the femoral neck, and trochanteric fracture
• Bone grafting surgery
• Osteotomy
• Herniated disk surgery
• Debridement of muscle, bone, or fracture.

How Long Should I Stay in Casablanca?

Depending on the condition for which you were treated and the type of treatment you underwent, you may be able to leave the hospital the same day or the day after surgery. In general, you should wait at least 4 to 7 days before you travel home for most surgeries. This is because surgery can affect your ability to tolerate turbulence. After total hip replacement, it is recommended that you take it very easy for around 3 months to minimize the risk of hip dislocation. During your stay in Casablanca you will need to attend several follow-up checkups where your orthopedist will monitor your healing and remove any stitches (if necessary). 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Several factors determine your recovery period, including your overall health, the reason you needed an orthopedic treatment, and the type of treatment you had. Your orthopedist will give you a detailed post-operative plan, including when you can go back to your normal routine and work. The recovery period takes approximately 2 weeks to 3 months.

What Aftercare is Required?

Make sure to follow your orthopedist direction after treatment. In most cases, you will need to attend rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, which you can do at a facility in your home country or have home visits from a physical therapist. The goal of physical therapy is to increase your range of motion, improve function, and to regain your strength and ability. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of orthopedics and a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system have made orthopedic treatments safer and highly successful. For example, over 95% of patients who had total hip replacement experience relief from hip pain. However, while orthopedics surgery generally does not cause major risks, you still need to be aware that complications can occur, such as infections, blood clots, blood vessel damage, bone fracture, and joint stiffness. 

Are there Alternatives?

There is typically no other alternatives than seeing an orthopedist if you experience any problems in your bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. However, depending on your condition, you may be able to undergo acupuncture, home exercise programs, and other alternative treatments.

Orthopedics in and around Casablanca

About Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is located in the central-western part of the country. Many local and international companies set up their headquarters in this city, making it the primary industrial zone of the country. Casablanca might be the least popular tourist destination in the country, but take a closer look, it does have a lot of hidden gems. Tourists will find many astonishing things to see here. From beaches, markets, culture, to Art Deco architecture, this city is definitely worth a visit.

In line with Morocco’s emerging medical tourism, Casablanca welcomes an increasing number of medical tourists each year. The city is considered to be the most developed market for medical tourists, which in turn as made it one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Africa. The medical system is divided into two sectors, public and private. The city is known for its modern medical facilities equipped with high-tech equipment. People from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States choose the city for cosmetic surgery and dental procedures, while people from other African countries with inferior medical centers come to have better healthcare. For medical tourists from Western countries, medical treatment in Casablanca is a lot more affordable. 

Popular Areas in Casablanca 

Casablanca is the main gateway to Morocco and despite only having a few tourist attractions; visitors will find some gems after a little exploration.

• Hassan II Mosque was completed in 1993 and built on a platform overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Covering around two hectares in size and can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers, it is the second-largest mosque in the world. The dramatic location combined with the beautiful architecture offers a unique experience of praying. 
• The Medina or the old city district is a perfect place to wander around. The maze-like alleyways hide many things waiting to be discovered. Tourists can experience the local’s daily life, have some tasty food in one of the cafes, find traditional treasures in one of its shops, or just stroll around and admire its beauty. 
• Cathedral du Sacre Coeur may have been left to waste away in the past decades, but tourists can still see its beautiful structure and architecture. The guardian will sometime let tourists inside to get a sense of the building’s interior. The architecture is a perfect mix of European and Moroccan style. 
• Central Market is the place for tourists who want to shop and it is a bustling market where locals buy and sell groceries, but tourists usually come for Morocco’s famous slippers or solely for an opportunity to get amazing photos. Do a little haggling and take home some beautiful local souvenirs.
• Corniche or beachfront district is located in the same region as the Hassan II Mosque. The shoreline is filled with luxury restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs. There is also a public beach packed with surfers and swimmers. During sunny days, especially on weekends, people come to picnic on the beaches, have a refreshing dip in the sea, or splash around in swimming pools. 

Weather and Climate in Casablanca

The weather in this charming city can be quiet hot as it has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Thanks to the cool Canary current off the Atlantic coast, there are always cool breezes even during the hottest days. The summer generally starts in June and ends in August. June is the driest month in Casablanca and August is the hottest month with an average temperature of around 26 °C. The temperature will decrease in October and the average rainfall will increase in December. Winter starts in December and visitors can expect January to be the coldest month with the temperature ranging from 7 °C to 17 °C. February experiences a lot of rain, making it the wettest month of the year.

Getting Around in Casablanca

Casablanca is home to the country’s primary international airport: Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. It is the busiest airport in Morocco, located in Nouaceur Province and the airport operates both domestic and international flights which connect the city to many major cities in the Middle East, America, and Europe. Several budget airlines such as Air Arabia Maroc, Transavia Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines operate flights to and from this airport.

There are plenty of options to get around Casablanca and tourists can try the tram to get a good look at the city. The tram operates from 06.00 AM to 10.30 PM. The line connects some of the main neighborhoods and consists of 48 stops. The most inexpensive way to get around the city is by bus and it costs around 5 MAD. It is best to begin your journey at the designated stops along each bus route instead of stopping a bus in transit.

Taxis are widely available and there are two kinds of taxis: The Red taxi (Petit Taxi) or the White Taxi. The red taxi is a shared taxi, typically by four passengers. The White taxis act like buses with a set route and a fixed price, but the ride is much faster than the bus and you should always pay the driver at the start of your trip. 

Tourist Visas in Casablanca

Citizens of 66 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the European Union, and Japan can enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Mali, Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo do not need a visa to enter but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization. It is best to always check the current regulations to the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. The exchange rate from 1 USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to access money is by the ATMs which can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in high-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be mandatory sometimes.
3. Local Language: The official language is Arabic and Berber. French is widely spoken and understood. While English is not widely spoken, there are many people who can speak English, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population are Muslims. Nevertheless, Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates Islam religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.