Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in United States

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 United States?

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

About the United States

With a population of over 327 million people, the United States of America (USA) is the third most populous country in the world. It has endless options for visitors with beaches, snow-covered mountains, forests, big cities; travelers will have many different experiences. The country is also a top global destination for medical travel. Although procedures can cost a lot more when compared to Asian countries, people from all over the world come to the United States to get treated with advanced technology and competent medical professionals. The skilled and experienced doctors are mostly trained in world-renowned universities including Stanford and Harvard. Medical tourists come from the Caribbean, Europe, and Central America and almost any procedure can be done in the country, whether it is complex procedures or a difficult diagnosis.  

Popular Parts of the United States

• New York City is home to various iconic landmarks. Tourists will find world-famous sites around every corner and there are just so many things that tourists should not miss, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and MoMA. Art is an essential part of the city and museums devoted to every type of art is available from Japanese sculpture, medieval European treasures, to Himalayan textiles. The city is also known to have an incredible food scene. Tourists are welcome to dine at one of the city’s 74 Michelin-starred restaurants or try the food trucks. At night, the city comes alive with the legendary theater of Broadway, burlesque performance, ballet, music, and so many more.
• Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, natural beauty, and architecture. It is filled with movie stars, musicians, and surfers. Tourist who loves film will be delighted to tour TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Paramount Picture Studios. Most tourists will enjoy relaxing in Venice Beach, Zuma Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Tourists can also take a day trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland-Anaheim, wander around Griffith Park, or see the beautiful Getty Museum.
• Dallas is a cosmopolitan city that is overflowing with culture and pride. The city is famous for Cowboys, cheerleaders, and unique attractions. Museums are probably the best points of interest in the city, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Tourists also have many options to hang out in since the city is filled with trendy restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. If you want to see some beautiful flowers, visit the Dallas Arboretum. It is a beautiful botanical garden that showcases plants and flowers in themed gardens.
• Chicago is a city of many things. Whether you want to visit jazz clubs, fine dining, admire its skyscrapers, or go shopping, you will find something to do in this city. Some of the top attractions are Hancock Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park Conservatory and Zoo. Everywhere you walk, you will find astonishing art and architecture, such as an abstract Picasso statue and the Museum of Mexican Art.

Weather and Climate in the United States

The United States has a wide variety of climates, which makes it a year-round destination. In general, the country experiences four distinct seasons. Summer starts in June and ends in August. During the summer, the northern states enjoy warm days and cool nights, and the southern states and tropical areas experience very hot temperatures. Autumn is from September to November and the season brings cooler temperatures to the country. December to February is the winter months and the northern areas will encounter snow and colder temperatures, but the southern areas experience mild temperatures. The temperatures all around the country will begin to warm up during the spring months from March to May and expect to find many thunderstorms and rainstorms during this season.

Getting Around in the United States 

The United States is well connected by plane since it has more than 375 domestic airports and numerous international airports. Most tourists will arrive in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights to many parts of the world. The airports also operate many carriers such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines. 

The most affordable way to get around the USA is by bus. Many bus companies go across the country such as Greyhound, Mega Bus, Peter Pan, and Bolt Bus. However, it is important to note that long-distance travel can take a long time. The nicer option to travel around the country is by Amtrak trains. It is by no means fast, but tourists can relax and enjoy the landscape. If you wish to travel by train, tourists can purchase money-saving passes. The most popular way to travel around the USA is by car. Petrol is generally cheaper compared to the United Kingdom and it gives tourists the freedom to go wherever they want. Taxis are plentiful in most cities and can be very inexpensive. Many taxis are painted in bright yellow, making them easy to distinguish. Taxi can be hailed directly from the streets and the fare is run on a meter.

Tourist Visas in the United States

All visitors must obtain a visa to visit the United States of America unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. There are four countries and Bermuda that have visa exemption access to the US. Currently, citizens of 38 countries are selected for the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other nationals not listed in the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program should apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check with your nearest US Embassy for the visa policy.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the US dollar ($). It is known as a ‘global currency.’ Check XE.com for the current exchange rate to your local currency.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available almost everywhere around the country. Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, hotels, shops. Credit cards are required to book domestic flights. Tipping is not optional, so make sure to always leave some tips. 
3. Local Language: The main language in the country is American English. Many people will be able to speak Spanish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The USA is home to many religions and most of the population follows Christianity, but there are small groups of Jews and Muslims. 
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays in the USA are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, US Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.