Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Brazil

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 Brazil?

Since the treatment plan is designed specifically for the individual needs of the patient, the length of stay in Brazil 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 Brazil

About Brazil

Occupying the title of the largest country in South America, Brazil embraces a diverse population of over 209 million people. The nation is globally renowned for its passion for football (also referred to as soccer in some parts of the world) and their dynamic, flamboyant carnival traditions, boasting a vibrant mix of music, dance, and colorful attire.

In addition to its vivacious culture, Brazil is a sanctuary of spectacular natural beauty. The country nurtures some of the world's most stunning natural wonders, including the dramatic Iguacu Falls and the world's largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon Rainforest, teeming with diverse plant and animal species. One can't miss the landmark figurine of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro that towers 98-feet high, becoming a symbol of Brazil's deep-rooted religious faith and an iconic sight that captures hearts worldwide.

Brazil offers more than 60 JCI-accredited facilities and is one of the leading destinations in the world for cosmetic surgery, with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation procedures being especially popular. Doctors are often Western-trained and speak English on top of Portuguese and Spanish. Local accreditations include the Consortium of Brazilian Accreditation and the Brazilian Hospital Medical Quality Organization (ONA). Popular locations within Brazil include the capital Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Curitiba.

Popular Parts of Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro is a combination of natural attractions and metropolis. It is known to be a party city that offers good times and an unforgettable experience. Lounge around in the world-famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, sample Brazilian cuisine, hike the summit of Corcovado and see the high statue of Christ the Redeemer, dance in Rio Carnival, and see the spectacular views of Ipanema and Guanabara Bay from the Sugarloaf Mountain.
• São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It is a huge city that at first glance seems intimidating. It offers hundreds of museums, quirky urban art, delicious cuisine, lively nightlife, and intense cultural experience. Visit Avenida Paulista (Paulista Avenue), a street filled with shopping centers, parks, bars, restaurants, museums, theatres, and cultural spaces.
• Salvador is full of vibrant cultures. It is the heart of Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian community. The city’s charm lies in its pastel-colored neighborhood, centuries-old architecture, and freshly-cooked acarajé and completed with wild festivals and capoeira circles every night.
• Brasília is Brazil’s capital. It’s very modern with futuristic architecture that looks more like artworks than ordinary buildings. It’s a paradise for architecture buffs. Besides the architecture, the food and nightlife in this city is something that should not be missed.
• Manaus might be isolated in terms of location, but it’s actually a large city with a prospering industry and a rich culture. The city is also filled with natural beauty; green spaces, waterfalls, and ecological parks surround its colonial buildings. It is the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest.

Weather and Climate in Brazil

As a large country, the weather in Brazil varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. A large part of the country lies in the topics. Brazil is a year-round destination because it has a steady average annual temperature. The temperature rarely drops below 20 °C.

Winter in Brazil starts in May and ends in September. The weather remains tropical in the north with an average temperature ranging between 20 °C to 30 °C. In Rio de Janeiro, the temperature varies between 14 °C to 25 °C. However, the evenings usually feel a lot colder.

During this particular season, one can expect a fair amount of rainfall in Rio, leading to many wet and rain-soaked days. If you plan a visit at this time, it's wise to keep that in mind and prepare accordingly. In contrast, further inland, São Paulo experiences significantly cooler temperatures compared to Rio, reflecting the country's vast geographical expanse and diverse microclimates spread across its regions.

This temperature drop might require some warm clothing, especially during late evenings and nights. So, whether you wish to enjoy the rainy murmur in Rio or seek the cool retreat of São Paulo, there's something unique for every traveler in Brazil during this season.

The temperature in Rio rise between November and March, with the highest temperature of around 40 °C but with a thermal sensation of around 50 °C. The Rain rarely lasts long during these months. In the north of Brazil, the rainy season starts in December. March and May see the heaviest rainfall. It’s hot and humid with frequent rain throughout the year in the Amazon.

Getting Around in Brazil

The most popular international airports are Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (popularly known as Galeão International Airport) and São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Both airports serve domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. The airports mainly serve major airlines but there are budget airlines such as Norwegian Air UK. Tourists can take taxis, bus, train, or car rental from both airports to the city centers.

Brazil is really big, so there will be a lot of long-distance travel to get around the country. The easiest and fastest way to get from one city to another is by domestic flights. The only downside is that the tickets are very expensive. LATAM and GOL Airlines offer multi-trip tickets or air pass. The most economical option is to buy an air pass if you plan to visit a number of different cities.

Buses are popular in Brazil, servicing most areas of the country. The bus system is excellent and provides a comfortable and economical way of travel. Be aware that the distance can be really tiring and overwhelming; some trips can take over 40 hours. The buses are operated by hundreds of different private companies, but the price is standardized. The fare varies from 75 BRL to 240 BRL. There are luxurious buses too.

A good way to get around major cities like São Paulo and Rio is to use Brazil Metro (subway). The fares are around 3.50 BRL to 3.80 BRL. You can purchase rechargeable travel cards. The metro does not operate at night. Be sure to watch your belongings at all times when traveling on the metro.

Taxis run on a metered system, but if you travel a bit further out of town, you need to negotiate the price with the driver. It is best to phone for a taxi or pick one up at a taxi station and make sure to get into a licensed taxi. Ferries and other water travel are important in many parts of Brazil.

Tourist Visas in Brazil

Nationals of 72 countries and territories can enter and stay in Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa. In some cases, an identity document may be accepted instead of a passport. Citizens of other countries, including China and India, must apply for and obtain a visa before entering Brazil. It is recommended to contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

Brazil offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for citizens of eligible countries. The e-Visa is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per year. Applicants can apply for the e-Visa online through the Brazilian government's website.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). 1 USD will get you approximately 5.04 BRL.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in Brazil and it is the easiest way of getting cash in big cities. ATMs in smaller towns usually don’t work for non-Brazilian cards. Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. It might be handy to always have cash with you, but always be extremely cautious. Tipping is optional for housekeepers, tip parking assistants 2 BRL, or more since they do not receive wages and depend on tips. Taxis do not expect tips. Restaurants usually include a 10% service charge in the bill.
3. Local Language: The official language is Portuguese. English is not widely spoken, especially outside Rio and São Paulo.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion in Brazil is Christianity with more than 60% of the population follows Roman Catholicism.
5. Public Holidays: Brazil celebrates major Christian religious holidays as well as Independence Day and Civil Servants Day. Festa Junina, Parintins Folklore Festival, and Oktoberfest are three of the biggest annual festival in the country.