Orthopedics in Portugal

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 Portugal?

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 Portugal 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 Portugal

Introduction

Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe. It’s one of the oldest nation-states of Europe and the world. Its territory had been continuously invaded, settled, and fought over since prehistoric times. Today, the country has become a major tourist destination, with its architecturally stunning cities, cobblestone villages, medieval castles, great food, stunning beaches, and incredible weather. Besides its beauty, Portugal is also attracting people from all around the world for its healthcare. The country offers a combination of state-of-the-art private medical centers, with spotless facilities and private rooms, a wide range of procedures, with very short waiting lists, as well as highly trained patient-oriented medical teams who are fluent in different languages. The physicians in this country have been trained by high standard medical schools, where just top and talented students are allowed to attend.

Popular Cities and Regions in Portugal

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city in Portugal. This city is filled with friendly people, history, mystique, and amazing food. Explore its many beautiful churches, listen to Fado, take a trip to the Castle of St. Jorge, see Sintra, and have some fun in one of its nightclubs. Another popular destination is Batalha, which is home to the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. The monastery was build from 1386 to 1517 and is known as the greatest Gothic masterpieces in Europe. Those who want to party or soak up the sun should visit Lagos, while those who love to wander around and visit museums should visit Porto. Both of these cities are popular and fascinating.

Transport in Portugal

International tourists usually arrive at Lisbon Airport. It is a hub for low-cost airlines EasyJet and Ryanair, and it serves flights to numerous cities around the world. To get around Portugal, trains and buses are very efficient. While trains are often cheaper, buses are usually quicker. Taxis are available in almost every city and are relatively cheap. 

Visas in Portugal

Since Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Australia, the UAE, and Canada, are allowed to visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of most other countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the country. 

Weather in Portugal

From March to May it is spring and the weather is pleasant but there will likely be some heavy rain. Summer, is from June to mid-September, can be scorching hot with temperatures rising to mid 30oC. Autumn, starts from mid-September to December and it brings colder temperatures but and an increased chance of rain. Winter can get quite cold and the days are shorter and always expect rain and storms during this season.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The euro is the official currency. 1 EUR is equivalent to 1.08 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available, except in small villages. Credit cards are often accepted at midrange and high-end establishments. Tipping is usually expected at hotels and restaurants.
3. Local Language: The official language is Portuguese. However, English, French, and Spanish are widely spoken in the country.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Christianity is the major religion of the country. Other religions are practiced by a small portion of the population.
5. Public Holidays: Portugal Day, Restoration of Independence, and Christmas Day are some of the public holidays celebrated in Portugal.