Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Bali

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also called physiatry, is a medical specialty that aims to enhance and restore the functional ability to a person who has been disabled as a result of an injury, disease, or disorder. The main goal is to help patients become as functional and pain-free as possible, as well as to help them enjoy their lives as fully as possible.

A physician who has completed training in physiatry is known as a physiatrist. They will assess and assure that their patients are medically stable to participate in therapies. A variety of disorders and diseases can be managed by physiatrists, particularly conditions of the joints, muscles, bones, and central or peripheral nervous system that affect a person’s ability to function. However, many physiatrists also specialize. While physiatrists do not perform surgery, they are qualified to perform numerous diagnostic tests and treatments. Some of the most common procedures they can do are as follows:

• Physical examinations
• Imaging studies
• Therapeutic exercise
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Peripheral joint injections
• Fluoroscopy guided procedures
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Trigger point injections
• Spasticity management
• Interventional spinal therapeutics.

In some cases, physiatrists may also perform acupuncture, platelet-rich plasma injections, prolotherapy, and autologous stem cell treatments. They can also prescribe specific exercise programs, as well as assistive and adaptive equipment, such as prescribing proper orthoses. They are trained to lead and coordinate care with the rehabilitation team, including, but not limited to, physical therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, internal medicine, and psychiatry. 

How Long Should I Stay in Bali?

Since the treatment plan is designed specifically for the individual needs of the patient, the length of stay in Bali can be different for each person. For some diseases and disorders, such as stroke and chronic pain, a two to four weeks stay may be needed. During your stay, you may need to see your physiatrist 5 to 6 days a week at most. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is usually no recovery time after you finish your treatment program, though you may be asked to gradually increase your activity level over time. However, this can be different depending on the condition, injury, disease, or disorder you have. Your physiatrist will give you a detailed recovery timeline, including when you can return to your normal routine.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will most likely be given specific instructions on how to care for yourself, speed up your recovery process, and avoid further complications. If you are given an exercise program to carry out at home, make sure to do this as directed. For some diseases or disorders, regular checkups may be needed. You can usually choose to do the checkups with your local doctor in your home country if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

Due to the comprehensive nature of their training and the broad spectrum of conditions treated, physiatrists can design and adapt to new technologies. This means that, with continuous research and advancement of physical medicine and rehabilitation, the treatment program is now safer and more successful than ever.

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives to physical medicine and rehabilitation depend on your disorder, disease, or injury. In most cases, there is no other alternative than to see a physiatrist to help you recover. However, for some conditions, such as back pain, you may be able to see other medical professionals, such as chiropractors. Still, ensure you consult with your doctor beforehand.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in and around Bali

About Bali

Bali is an Indonesian province located on the west side of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is the country’s main tourist hotspot that attracts millions of tourists each year. The beaches are tranquil and perfect for any sun-seeker, the marine life is one of the most diverse in the world, the culture is beautiful, and the mountains are covered in lush jungles and great for hiking. In addition to the natural and cultural beauty, there are myriad of things that tourists can do here, from yoga, partying, surfing, to horseback riding.

Bali is not only full of fascinating beaches, but this tropical paradise also boasts many high-quality medical facilities offering various types of treatments. The island continues to upgrade its infrastructure and develop its medical centers to compete with neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Thailand. Medical tourists are able to avail of a wide range of treatments including cosmetic surgery and at affordable rates. The medical centers have modern equipment, and there is little to no waiting time for almost every procedure. Additionally, the island is also equipped with exclusive yoga centers, Bali-traditional spas, and Jamu traditional medicinal herbs.

Popular Areas in Bali

• Seminyak is known to be the most luxurious area in Bali. Tourists will find many fashionable boutiques, upscale restaurants, and exclusive clubs. In the afternoon, tourists can soak up the sun while sipping a cocktail in one of its famous beach clubs or take a beginner surfing lesson at one of its beaches. The main beach is Petitenget Beach where tourists can enjoy magical sunsets or swim in its warm waters. The area is also home to Bali’s best cafés, which makes café hopping a must-do event.  
• The Nusa Islands is located around 20 kilometers offshore from the main island and can only be accessed by boat. It consists of three islands: Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida. The most popular and the closest to the main island of Bali is Nusa Lembongan. The biggest is Nusa Penida and the smallest is Nusa Ceningan. The three islands offer tranquil and almost-empty beaches, which is perfect for anyone who wishes to stay away from crowds.  
• Ubud is the island’s jungle paradise that still retains numerous aspects of traditional Balinese. It is the place for tourists who wants to immerse in Bali’s culture and nature. There are various beautiful temples, dance shows, and historical sites within the area. The most popular place is Ubud Monkey Forest or the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, which is a sacred temple, an evocative jungle, and natural habitat of monkeys.
• Sanur is Bali’s earliest beach resort and is located on the eastern side of the island; it contains some of the island’s first hotels. The area is known to be family-friendly as well as one of the best places to enjoy Bali’s magnificent sunrises. Sanur is very quiet which makes it the perfect place for relaxation. Wander around for a day and you will find many major cultural landmarks hidden in plain sight.
• Canggu is famous for its green rice fields, dark sandy beaches, and healthy food. This up-and-coming area is also filled with cool cafes and vegan restaurants. It is also a prime spot for surfing since the beaches have massive shore breaks. One of the most famous places in the area is the Pura Tanah Lot Temple as it is a famous seaside religious site located on top of a rock formation, which offers a picturesque view.

Weather and Climate in Bali

Bali enjoys warm and comfortable weather all year round. The tropical island experiences two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season starts in April and ends in October. The average temperatures during this season are between 23 °C to 31 °C. June to August are the driest months, making them the best months to visit the island. The wet season is from November to March. Expect to find many rainy days during the wet season. The temperatures are generally similar to the dry season, but the humidity will increase significantly. 

Getting Around in Bali

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport is the main gateway to Bali and it is located 13 kilometers south of Denpasar and is the second busiest airport in Indonesia. The airport has international connections with major cities around the globe, including Bangkok, Melbourne, Moscow, and Guangzhou. It also serves domestic flights to many regions within Indonesia. The most affordable way to travel to and from Bali is by flying with budget airlines, such as AirAsia, Citilink, and Lion Air. 

There are several ways to get around Bali. Most of the transportation options are very affordable. Hiring a motorcycle is the fastest option, but if you do not like the idea of driving by yourself, you can try the motorcycle taxis known as ‘ojek,’ which can be hailed directly from the streets or by using apps such as Grab and Go-Jek (similar to Uber). The apps also provide private cars and food delivery. Taxis are widely available and run on a meter. The most reliable taxi companies are Blue Bird and Express.

Tourist Visas in Bali

Indonesia is known to be a visa-friendly country since most developed countries can enter without a visa. The country allows a citizen of 170 countries to enter and stay for up to 30 days. Citizens of Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 65 other countries can apply for a visa on arrival. It is best to check at the nearest Indonesia Embassy or Consulate to find out if you need a visa or not. All visitors are required to have a visa valid for at least 6 months. 

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is the official currency, and $1 converts to Rp14.000.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists will find ATMs that accept international cards almost everywhere (mostly Visa and MasterCard). Credit and debit cards are accepted in many shops, restaurants, and hotels. Tipping is not expected but will be greatly appreciated. 
3. Local Language: The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, and most people will also speak Balinese. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most people in Bali follows Hinduism, and almost every aspect on the island is submerged with the Hindu faith. There is also a large group of Muslims as well as small group groups of Christian and Buddhists. 
5. Public Holidays: Bali celebrates major religious holidays, including Nyepi (Silent Day), Eid Mubarak, Christmas, and Vesak.