Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Lithuania

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 Lithuania?

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

About Lithuania

Lithuania is an Eastern European country and is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic States. The country has a population of 3 million people, capital and largest city is Vilnius. There are only 3 Hospitals in Lithuania that are JCI accredited and all 3 can be found at the capital.

Lithuania welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation procedures. The biggest attraction of Lithuania has to be the cost. Once you are there it is very affordable to eat, drink and get around and the prices from private clinics for medical treatment are extremely competitive. Come from within Europe on a low-cost airline and you will probably pay for your treatment and your holiday for less than your procedure would have cost at home.

Popular Parts of Lithuania

Although Lithuania is one of the lesser known countries of Europe, the country is actually a beautiful destination. Lithuania is home to incredible castles, lakes, forests, and landscapes.

• Vilnius: The capital of Lithuania is a city of churches. It is a dreamy city especially under the golden glow of summer sun. The city is often referred to as one of the cheapest city breaks in Europe. Trendy bars, hills, beautiful architecture, and fascinating history all makes this city an amazing destination. Hot-air balloons above Vilnius are also an impressive sight.
• Kaunas is the second city in Lithuania and is probably the coldest city in the country. Most tourists’ attractions in the city are within walking distance, making it a pleasant city to explore. The street in Old Town is packed with interesting architecture and hidden attractions.
• Druskininkai is filled with health spa amenities. Tourists will find countless natural attractions such as mineral water and curing mud. The city offers many outdoor and leisure activities such as river canoeing, cycling, adventure park with rope obstacles, and ski.
• Nida is a peaceful fishing village. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for some downtime, it has beautiful panoramic views. It is also home to the highest moving sand dunes in Europe. The Dead Dunes is probably the most famous spot in Nida.

Weather and Climate in Lithuania

Lithuania is at its best in summer when the days are warm and the Baltic Sea is swimmable. The country is swarming with tourists during this season. Summer starts from June until August; the average temperature is around 20 °C during the day and 14 °C during the night.

Spring arrives late, usually starts in April and finishes in May. Spring makes the country look even more beautiful with blossoming flowers and cherry trees. The temperature is usually cool.

Autumn has many sunny days and adds more color to the country. Autumn starts in September and lasts for two months. The nights in autumn are chilly, and the temperature usually drops to 0.1 °C in late November.

Winter is especially cold with an average temperature of around -6.6 to -2.8 °C. Some winters can be even colder with the average temperature dropping as low as -20 °C.

Getting Around in Lithuania

Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania. It connects the country with European cities. The airport is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air also operate flights from this airport. Other international airports are Kaunas International Airport, Palanga International Airport, and Šiauliai International Airport. The airports in Lithuania do not serve domestic flights.

Vilnius airport taxis are available and can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. The taxis are comfortable and affordable. All taxis accept payment by cash or credit card, a journey to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is a more cost-effective option to travel to Vilnius. A single ticket costs 1 EUR and can be purchased on the bus.

Getting around in Lithuania by car is the best way if you wish to visit many destinations. Lithuanian roads are among the best in Eastern Europe. The country has four-lane highways connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevėžys, and Palanga.

Intercity buses dominate the system of Lithuanian public transportation. Buses link all major cities and smaller towns. Buses between big cities are very frequent and usually leave every 15 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased in the bus station or directly from the bus driver. Trains in Lithuania are good value but rather slow. Riding a bicycle is a nice way to get around inside the cities. Most roads are kept in good condition. Bike hire is available across all major cities and several small villages.

Tourist Visas in Lithuania

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain are granted visa-free entry to Lithuania and may stay for up to 90 days. Other foreign nationals must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania. It is advisable to contact the local embassy to check visa requirements for Lithuania.

Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, those who already have a Schengen visa do not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all visitors.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the euro. Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in cities and towns, even in small villages. Most banks will exchange your money, but the easiest way is to withdraw cash from an ATM. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards (mostly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Always make sure to carry cash for small purchases such as museums and markets. Tourists can tip 10% in restaurants, always tip with cash even if you’re paying by credit or debit card. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is common to add a couple of euros.
3. Local Language: Lithuanian is the official language. English is widely spoken by younger generations. The older generations usually only have very basic English skills. Most people know Russian or at least very basic Russian. Polish is also understood in certain areas. German is also spoken in Palanga, Neringa, and other major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The predominant religion in Lithuania is Christianity; with around 77% of the population is Catholic. There are also small groups of Jews, Muslims, as well as other faiths.
5. Public Holidays: As a Christian country, Lithuania celebrates Christian religious holidays such as Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Lithuania has little traditions to celebrate its national patriotic holidays. The country hosts many annual and unique festivals all-year round. Galapagai Rock Music Festival in July, Palanga Smelt Festival in February, Vilnius Festival in June, Trakai Middle Age Festival in June, and Vilnius Film Festival in late March to early April.