Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Ilsan

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 Ilsan?

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

About Ilsan

Ilsan, or Ilsan New Town, is a planned city that sits in the two districts of Ilsanseo-gu and Ilsandong-gu in Goyang. It is situated northwest of Seoul and is one of the satellite cities of the Seoul National Capital Area. The city was planned to help with housing shortages in Seoul. In the last decade, Ilsan has gone through rapid growth, drawing in the upper-middle-class and upper-class Koreans. Today, the city has also become a popular destination for medical tourism. The clinics and hospitals in Ilsan attract international medical tourists by delivering quality services, reasonably priced medical procedures, advanced medical technology, fast and efficient diagnostics, and therapeutic services, as well as IT-based infrastructure. 

Popular Parts of Ilsan

Ilsan has a dynamic culture and a beautiful urban landscape. One of the most popular parts of the city is Lake Park, which covers an area of 295,000m2 and is the biggest artificial lake in Asia. It has a variety of wildflowers and plants, including cactus arboretum. The park also features botanical gardens, a bike path, a musical fountain, and recreational facilities. With everything that the park provides, it is frequented by both locals and international visitors. Those who love marine life should visit the Hanwha Aqua Planet. Visitors can see the amazing underwater scenery up close and learn more about the marine ecosystem and the importance of ecosystem conservation. Another popular attraction is the Statue of Peace, which is a symbol of the victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military that took place during the Manchurian incident until the end of the Pacific war.

Transport in Ilsan

Since Ilsan is a part of the Seoul National Capital Area, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which is the main international airport in South Korea. The city is connected to Seoul by the Metropolitan Subway as well as inter-city buses. To get around the city, local buses are convenient and affordable. Taxis are plentiful and comfortable.

Visas in Ilsan

Citizens of 112 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US are eligible to visit and stay in South Korea for 30, 60, and 180 days without a visa. Other nationals not listed in the visa-free entry agreement are required to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

Weather in Ilsan

There are four distinct seasons. From late November to early March is the winter. The city can be very cold during this season, with the temperatures sometimes dropping as low as -10°C to -20°C. The temperatures will begin to rise in spring, which starts in March and ends in May. However, keep in mind that this season tends to have more rain. Summer is generally pleasant, but the weather can be hot with occasional rain showers. Autumn is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW) is the currency used in Ilsan. 1 USD is around 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not necessary, except for tour guides and porters.
3. Local Language: The official and most spoken language is Korean, with Hangul as the formal script. English is mostly used in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Many people in the city are either religious or adhere to indigenous religions. However, other religions, especially Buddhism and Christianity, are also widely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Korean New Year, Buddha’s Birthday, and Harvest Festival.