Orthopedics in Taipei

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 Taipei?

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 Taipei 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 Taipei

About Taipei

Taipei City is the capital and one of the special municipalities of Taiwan. It is located in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Central Mountains and the Yangming Mountains. Characterized by friendly people and safe streets, this city is one of the most fascinating places to visit. It has an amazing history, delicious food, and a blend of Chinese culture with a fusion of Japanese, American, and Southeast Asian influences. While most visitors normally visit the city to indulge in its culture and go sightseeing, more and more people are traveling here to have medical treatment, due to the high-quality medical standards, professional teams, high-tech medical equipment, and reasonable prices. 

Popular Parts of Taipei

Zhongshan and Datong are two of the most popular parts of Taipei. Zhongshan was once the financial and international business center of the city, and today, it still has plenty of hotels and eateries. Visitors can also find numerous excellent museums, Taipei Expo Park, and Taipei’s version of the London Eye called Miramar. Datong is one of the oldest parts of the city. It is known to be home to Taipei’s finest temples, such as the Confucius Temple, Bao’an Temple, and Xiahai City God Temple. Those who love shopping should go to Da’an, an important commercial and residential area in the city. It houses some of the city’s classiest shopping areas, as well as the most sophisticated bars and a beautiful park. Another popular area is Shilin, which is where the National Palace Museum is located.

Transport in Taipei

The primary international airport in Taipei is the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. It connects the city with various major cities around the globe, such as New York, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Paris. Some budget airlines are operating from this airport, including AirAsia and Eastar Jet. To journey around, Taipei there is a very efficient, safe, and clean Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which is called Metro Taipei. It has an extensive network and will get you to numerous areas around the city. Buses and taxis are also available. Buses are efficient and affordable, while taxis are the most flexible mode of transport.    

Visas in Taipei

Citizens of 66 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, and the US, do not need a visa to visit Taipei for up to 90 days. Visa on arrival is available for nationals of Turkey. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provides an eVisa program for several countries, including the UAE and India.

Weather in Taipei

Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot and humid, with an average temperature of 27°C to 30°C. It is also the wet season and typhoons are a real possibility, rain decreases, and the temperature drops during autumn. Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, while spring is pleasant.  

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The New Taiwanese Dollar (TWD) is the local currency and 1 USD is worth about 30 TWD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in many parts of the city. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants. It would be wise to always carry some cash. Tipping is not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language and many people can speak English well. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Buddhism and Taoism are the biggest religions, followed by Christianity, Yiguandao, and Tiandism. 
5. Public Holidays: Chinese New Year is the most important public holiday, which is celebrated for a week during February.