Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Izmir

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 Izmir?

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

About Izmir

Izmir is a Turkish metropolitan city and is the third-largest city and situated on the western coast. It is one of the more popular destinations that plays host to an increasing number of medical tourists. The city’s geographical location is one of its biggest advantages as for centuries; Izmir is a trading town on the Mediterranean.

Numerous international travelers journey away from their native land towards the vibrant city of Izmir, propelled by the quest for superior healthcare solutions either for their personal welfare or that of their kin. Their decision often revolves around the advanced and specialized medical treatment they desire, either being non-existent or scarce within their nation or the exorbitant price attached to such healthcare services becomes an overwhelming burden to bear within their homeland.

Today, Izmir is witnessing a significant upsurge in the influx of medical tourists. Analyzing the city's patient data tells us a compelling narrative of an increasing trend of visitors seeking specialized treatments such as dentistry, fertility, and psychiatry. Moreover, it is not just the routine healthcare services drawing them in, but also the availability of expert and advanced care for rare medical conditions, making Izmir an appealing choice.

Popular Areas in Izmir

On initial contact, as your plane touches the tarmac in Izmir, you may be beguiled into perceiving this city as just another tranquil, picturesque hamlet exhibiting a leisurely rhythm of life. It wouldn't take long, however, for you to realize that the serene facade conceals a teeming life of variety and vivacity, a couple of hours is all it takes to reveal the city's multifaceted persona.

As a historic and significant city of Turkey, it's really no surprise that tourists get swept away by the grand scale and richness of age-old landmarks and Ottoman structures found across Izmir.

One key attraction is the vibrant Izmir Agora open-air museum that sits in the city core. The first glimpse might trick you into believing the city grew around it. Bordered by scenic hills, bustling marketplaces, towering structures, luxury apartments, and a serene yet sandy-free coastline, this place truly comes alive.

Alsancak is the heart of the city and the safest place in the inner city for tourists with lots of shopping opportunities if you don't want to go to any of the big shopping malls, there are also several decent places for eating, although nothing too fancy as they are mostly café style place, the prices are also slightly higher than other parts of Izmir.

The closest beaches are 50 miles west of the city. There is an excellent choice of superb beaches such as Ilıca (a long wide beach of pale sand where the water is very warm due to under-sea thermal activity), and just a short distance from Çeşme itself, Altınkum (with much cooler water),

Weather and Climate in Izmir

Izmir enjoys the characteristic Mediterranean climate that one might anticipate. Winter days bring a chill to the air, while the summer season is heralded by bright, sunny days.

• The winter season is from December to mid of March. The average temperature ranges from 7-10 degrees centigrade and January is the coldest month. The wettest month is December with an average of 140mm of rain.
• Spring is from Mid-March to May. This is the best time of the year to visit Izmir. It is advisable to plan ahead for your trip and book your flights and hotel reservations. Since this is the most pleasant season in Izmir, hotel booking rates are its highest and it can be difficult to get a reservation.
• The summer season is from June to September. The season is hot and dry. Humidity is not too high because of the influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The maximum temperature recorded is around 40 degrees centigrade.
• Autumn season is warm at the beginning of September. There is a high chance of rain and snow towards the end of November.

Getting around in Izmir

Getting around Izmir is a breeze, with the majority of the transportation systems being government-operated and widely hailed as the most effective means of commute. Boasting cleanliness and disciplined planning, Izmir is a city designed for comfort. Strategically placed taxi stands can be found at major locations, ensuring swift public convenience.

The city's well-coordinated metro system is adept at connecting Izmir's northern and southern ends through two distinct lines, effectively covering a majority of the cityscape. There's even a railway station conveniently located at the airport. Known as the Izmir Metro, this transport service provides an exceptionally convenient link between the airport and the city. Not to be overlooked is the city's sea transportation; public ferries can whisk you across the waters at very fair prices.

Tourist Visas in Izmir

Visa requirements for Izmir, Turkey:

Citizens of 55 countries, including all countries in the European Union, do not require a visa to enter Izmir, Turkey. Citizens of these countries can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa.

Citizens of all other countries must obtain a visa before entering Turkey. Visas can be obtained online or at a Turkish embassy or consulate. The visa application process is relatively straightforward and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You will need to provide your passport information, travel dates, and contact information. You will also need to upload a digital photo of yourself.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation. You should then receive your visa within 5 to 10 business days.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Is the Turkish Lira. 100 US dollars will yield 582.82 Turkish liras. It is best to carry the local currency within the city even though a lot of establishments like shops and hotels will accept payments in Euros and Dollars.
2. Money and Payments: Most Businesses will accept all the major cards at Izmir. Some restaurants even accept Premier Dining passes. Tipping is prevalent at ten percent of the service charge.
3. Local language: Most of the population speaks Turkish and Kurdish. English is understood and basic forms of English will be conversed in. Turkish is compulsorily taught at school, also a high number of people also speak Arabic.
4. Culture and Religion: Turkey is a secular country and it has no official religion. Having said this, a massive 99 percent of the population identify themselves as Muslims. While the remaining 0.2 percents are Christians and 0.8 percent from other religions.
5. ​​​​​​​Public Holidays: Izmir celebrates the Gregorian New Year day and May Day with great enthusiasm. Government offices remain closed on other state holidays such as the Izmir Republic Day that falls on the 28th and 29th of October every year. 23rd of April is also an important date when Izmir celebrates its National Sovereignty Day and Children’s Day together.