Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Pakistan

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 Pakistan?

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

Introduction

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a country located in South Asia and it is the fifth-most populous country of the world, with a population exceeding 207.8 million. Although the country has plenty of natural and historical riches, this country is off the radar for most tourists due to political instability. Those who are curious enough to visit the country will find that it is filled with beautiful, from Mughals and mountains to the mighty Karakoram. 

A large number of ultra-modern medical centers are available, and they are equipped and facilitated with the most advanced medical technologies. Numerous doctors and surgeons at these medical centers are normally foreign qualified. Large numbers of patients from neighboring countries and the Middle East have traveled to Pakistan to undergo various medical procedures, mainly for organ transplants or fertility treatments.

Popular Cities and Regions in Pakistan

The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad. This city was built as a planned city to replace Karachi as the country’s capital. Islamabad is known for its safety, high standards of living, and plenty of green spaces. Here, tourists can admire the symmetry of the Pakistan Monument, check out the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, visit the Lok Virsa Museum, and stroll around the Faisal Mosque. Karachi, the original capital of the country, is a sprawling metropolis. Most visitors usually come to check out the Quaid Mausoleum and the Tuba Mosque. Another popular city for tourism in Lahore, which is filled with beautiful architecture and interesting museums. The most popular attractions in this city are the Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Delhi Gate. 

Transport in Pakistan

The busiest airport in Pakistan is the Jinnah International Airport, which is located in Karachi. It serves both domestic and international flights to and from several cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Taking domestic flights can be a great way to travel around. The rail network is also extensive and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are also available.

Visas in Pakistan

Citizens of 5 countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Tonga, and Trinidad and Tobago, can visit Pakistan without a visa. Several countries, such as Austria and the UAE, may obtain a visa on arrival if they possess ETA. Citizens of 15 countries, including Armenia and India, are eligible to apply for an online visa. 

Weather in Pakistan

Summer (March – October) is hot and dry in the northern regions. However, July and August can be rainy, making the weather hot and humid. The temperatures can range from 9°C to 38°C. Winter (November – April) can be really severe and most cities will get frost. Also, the northern part of the country experiences heavy rainfall during this season. The average temperature ranges from 3°C to 25°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). 1 USD will get you approx. 154.4 PKR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are readily available. Pakistan is a cash-based society, and credit cards are only accepted in a few establishments. Tipping is not expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Urdu and English. Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Balochi are also spoken by a number of people. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is practiced by more than 90% of the population. Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadis, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced. Always avoid wearing body-revealing clothes in public places.
5. Public holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays are Holi, Pakistan Day, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Azha.