Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Turkey

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 Turkey?

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

About Turkey

Where East meets West – Turkey is considered to be both Asia and Europe, with 95% of its landmass being located in Asia. Rich in culture and history, a land once inhabited by some of history’s greatest empires, including most recently the Ottoman Empire and long before that, the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Of Turkey’s 1,200+ medical facilities, of which many are JCI-accredited and this includes an even mix of publicly and privately owned hospitals and clinics.

700,000 annual medical tourists are drawn to Turkey each year, traveling from all across the globe, particularly from within Europe and the Middle East, many of which travel for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation procedures. Dental, Cosmetic, Bariatric, and Reproductive procedures are most common, including Veneers, Hair Transplants, Gastric Bypass Surgeries, and IVF. Popular medical tourism destinations outside of the capital, Ankara, of course, include Istanbul and other regions like Antalya and Izmir.

Popular Parts of Turkey

With a population of around 85 million, Turkey has a landmass of nearly 800,000 square km. The capital city is Ankara, located inland, however, Istanbul is the most populous and most recognized city in Turkey with some 15 million inhabitants. Straddling both Europe and Asia, the city attracts 13 million tourists each year, making it the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world.

Additional well-frequented locations encompass Antalya nestled in the southern part of the country, as well as Izmir perched in the west. Paradoxically, the eastern region of the country sees less influx of tourists. One major contributing factor is the enduring Kurdish-Turkish conflict, exacerbated further owing to its geographical closeness to conflict-laden nations such as Syria and Iraq.

Sun-chasers seeking a blend of affordability and indulgence invariably find themselves drawn to the southern holiday resorts like Marmaris and Bodrum. These locales are a magnet for those yearning for 5-star luxury hotels, offered at reasonable prices and with all-inclusive perks, for their vacation getaway.

The discovery of the world’s oldest known megalithic site at Gobekli Tepe in the South-Eastern Anatolia Region has cast much doubt over mankind’s ancient history and consequently attracts a sizable number of ‘History Tourists’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to be over 11,000 years old, built during a time humans were understood to be simple hunter-gatherers.   

Weather and Climate in Turkey

Enjoying a Mediterranean location, Turkey's south coast is graced by refreshing sea breezes. Despite this, the summer months from June through August witness soaring heat with temperatures often climbing into the 40s (104°F). The transitional seasons of spring and autumn bring more temperate weather, and winters are quite mild.

Turkey's vast expanse leads to a variety of weather patterns across its regions. The central parts of the country predominantly feature a semi-arid steppe climate, while the northern Black Sea region showcases far milder conditions compared to the southern Mediterranean Sea region.

Do take note of the potential problem of mosquitos and sandflies, particularly during summers in coastal areas. It's advisable to take proper protective measures against them. Though malaria cases are extremely rare, always consult a healthcare professional for appropriate advice before embarking on your trip.

Getting around in Turkey

Istanbul’s famous Ataturk International Airport sits 24 km outside the city and is home to the ever-popular Turkish Airlines. Most other major airlines service Ataturk, which is often used as a stopover destination for travelers between Europe and Asia. All the other major cities are serviced by their own international airports, with several low-cost domestic airlines joining them together, including AtlasGlobal, IZair, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress.

For those preferring to travel by land, Turkey has a few express train routes linking the major cities, most notably, Istanbul to Ankara. City buses are reliable and good value, whilst taxis are cheap, but be sure to negotiate the price before beginning any journey.

Tourist Visas in Turkey

Visa restrictions are relatively light, with a 90-day per visit allowance readily available for many nationalities. Still, e-visas need to be procured in advance, for a fee, by travelers hailing from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, China, and Spain. Conversely, passport holders from countries including France, Germany, Russia, and Singapore are granted visa-free entry.

For nationals from India and Pakistan, conditional e-visas are offered upon arrival, but solely at Ataturk International Airport. These visas have a validity of just 30 days. For comprehensive information on visa requirements, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Additional Information

1. The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency where $1 USD is worth about 18 TRY, having experienced heavy fluctuations recently.
2. ATMs are in abundance across Turkey and accept all bank cards (Visa, Mastercard). Credit card and Amex payments are accepted in most restaurants and outlets, with more local food vendors or food market stalls, only accepting cash. Tipping is expected as service is not included at restaurants, this is usually between 5-10%. Taxi rides tend not to be tipped, just rounded up.
3. Turkish is the local language with the eastern Kurds speaking Kurdish too. English is spoken by many locals working in tourist locations, including major cities.
4. Islam (99.8%) is by far the main religion in Turkey, with a tiny Christian population (0.2%). Turkey is, however, a secular country where there is no ‘official’ state religion. Various elements of traditional culture remain, with much being modernized or ‘Westernized’.
5. There are many public holidays, most notably Labor Day and Commemoration of Ataturk in May, Ramazan Feast in June, Kurban Bayrami in August, and Republic Day at the end of October.