Physical Therapy in Cambodia

What you need to know about Physical Therapy in Cambodia

Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is a non-invasive type of treatment that helps individuals restore, maintain, and develop body movement and physical function. It is usually suggested to people who have had an illness, injury, or disability that makes it hard for them to do daily tasks. The main goal of physical therapy is to ease pain and help patients function, move, and live better. Medical professionals who provide physical therapy are called physical therapists, or physiotherapists. They are trained and licensed to diagnose physical abnormalities, maintain physical function, restore physical function and mobility, and promote proper function and physical activity.

Physical therapists are qualified to treat a wide range of medical conditions, depending on their specialty. Some of the most common physical therapy specialties are:

• Orthopedic physical therapy treats musculoskeletal injuries. They typically treat fractures, tendonitis, sprains, and bursitis.
• Geriatric physical therapy helps older people with conditions that affect their physical function and mobility, such as hip and joint replacement, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
• Neurological physical therapy help people with neurological disorder or disease, such as brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation help those affected by certain cardiopulmonary conditions and surgical procedures. 
• Pediatric physical therapy assists in the diagnosis, treat and manage conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, such as developmental delays, spina bifida, and torticollis. 

Physical therapy can be different for everyone, depending on the patient’s illness or injury and personal goal. Physical therapy treatment may involve:

• Targeted exercises and stretches guided by the physical therapist
• Ultrasound to promote blood flow and healing.
• Massage, heat or cold therapy, or warm water therapy to relieve muscle pain or spasms.
• Phonophoresis to decrease inflammation.
• Electrical stimulation to increase functional capabilities and reduce pain.
• Light therapy to treat certain medical conditions.

How Long Should I Stay in Cambodia?

Most of the time, you may be allowed to leave Cambodia right after your physical therapy session. However, since a physical therapy program usually requires more than one session, you should stay until all of your sessions are finished. Most people will need six to twelve sessions, between six and eight weeks. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

It is generally recommended that you rest after a physical therapy session. Physical therapy helps you recover from an illness or an injury and there is usually no extra recovery time after you finish your physical therapy program.

What Aftercare is Required?

After a physical therapy session, you must drink plenty of water and take note of unusual pain. If your physical therapist gives you an exercise program to do at home, make sure to do it as directed. Your physical therapist will likely give you instructions to make recovery time quicker and avoid any further damage. 

What's the Success Rate?

Like many other medical treatments, physical therapy continues to advance. With the broad knowledge and experience of physical therapists, they can use evidence-based approaches to help you improve mobility, balance, and strength, as well as reduce scar tissue formation, relieve pain and swelling, improve flexibility, and reduce the development of any secondary issue. Physical therapy is safe, but there are some risks you will need to be aware of. It can cause discomfort, pain, and in some very rare cases, do more harm than good. 

Are there Alternatives?

Alternatives to physical therapy depend on your specific condition. For some diseases and injury, you may have no other choice than seeing a physical therapist. In many cases, you may be able to see massage therapists, acupuncturists, or chiropractors to relieve pain.

Physical Therapy in and around Cambodia

Introduction

Perched in the heart of Southeast Asia, nestled between Thailand and Vietnam, lies Cambodia — a dynamic blend of ancient and contemporary worlds that makes for an intriguing adventure. Dominating its list of attractions is the globally-renowned Angkor Wat, embroidered by lush jungles. 

It is the soul of Cambodia — its vibrant culture, warm inhabitants, profound historical heritage, stunning coastlines, delightful cuisine, and spirited nightlife — that gives this nation its unique charm. Each element, individually fascinating and collectively harmonious, weaves a magical tapestry that is Cambodia.

Over recent years, Cambodia has strategically bolstered its healthcare infrastructure, aiming to appeal to a global patient community. In this endeavor, the country has witnessed several of its hospitals forging partnerships with institutions from close-by countries, with Thailand being a significant partner.

These strategic alliances have been key in establishing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities across Cambodia. These healthcare establishments strive to cater to a diverse array of medical needs, ensuring the delivery of world-class, professional care that meets, if not surpasses, internationally accepted standards.

Cambodia is relentlessly driving efforts to enhance its healthcare sector, with one main goal - to give patients access to top-notch medical care at costs significantly lower than those in other Southeast Asian nations, Singapore being a prime example.

This strategic approach is geared towards attracting patients from regions like Laos, Taiwan, and China. The essence of this approach is to establish Cambodia as a major healthcare destination that offers high-quality medical services, all within a budget-friendly framework that doesn’t strain patients' finances.

Popular Cities and Regions in Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, as well as the main medical tourism destination in the country. Once the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ this bustling city is now filled with bustling bars, historical architecture, vibrant café culture, a world-class food scene, and a glimmering Royal Palace.

Tourists venturing into Cambodia are invited to traverse the myriad attractions this enchanting nation has to offer. A must-visit is the National Museum of Cambodia which houses the country's extensive cultural history and art. For those who seek a deeper insight into Cambodia's past, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a poignant yet important glimpse into the darker chapters of its history. In addition, the Royal Palace stands as a testament to Cambodia's architectural grandeur, drawing admiration from visitors across the globe. Another gem to explore in Phnom Penh is the Silver Pagoda, a unique blend of tranquility and exquisite craftsmanship, making for an unforgettable experience.

Moving beyond the capital city of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap emerges as another popular destination in the Cambodian travel circuit. This city, bustling with energy and soaked in history, captures the diverse ethos of Cambodia in its vibrant art, architecture, and local life. Inclusion of Siem Reap in any Cambodian itinerary lends an additional layer of cultural depth, making the exploration of this intriguing nation an even more enticing proposition. As such, whether it's diving into the past or experiencing the dynamic present, Cambodia offers a varied palette of experiences to delve into.

It’s where the fascinating, UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat is located. Aside from Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also offers other attractions, such as the Angkor Silk Farm, Wat Bo, War Museum, and Senteurs d’Angkor Botanic Garden. Those who want to relax on a beach should visit Sihanoukville. It was once a quiet beach town, but now it has become a modern up-and-coming holiday destination. 

Transport in Cambodia

Phnom Penh International Airport stands as the largest and most bustling airport in Cambodia. Acting as a critical transportation nexus, it facilitates both domestic and international air travel. The airport offers numerous flight connections to various cities across Asia, making it a convenient choice for international tourists. Besides being a gateway into Cambodia, it also serves as a starting point for internal travel.

For tourists looking to cover various parts within the country swiftly, opting for domestic flights is a time-efficient choice. These flights are well-linked, providing easy access to different parts of this captivating country. Despite being the fastest mode of travel, they maintain reasonable fares, ensuring that the journey is equally enjoyable as the destination.

As one navigates within the cities, there is a disparity between the modes of transportation used for intra-city and inter-city travel. While trains and buses are the preferred options for traveling between different cities due to their affordability, city-based transportation adopts a different palette altogether. For daily city commutes and quick visits to local sights, taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are the most viable options. They're not only readily available but also allow for an intimate view of Cambodian city life. This dynamic and efficient transportation network significantly enhances the convenience of exploring Cambodia's stunning expanse.

Visas in Cambodia

• Citizens of 9 countries, including Laos and Singapore, can visit and stay in Cambodia for up to 30 days without a visa.
• Citizens of most other countries can apply for a visa on arrival or eVisa.
• All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Cambodia.

Visa on arrival

• A visa on arrival can be obtained at any of the following Cambodian airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap International Airport (REP), and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS).
• The visa on arrival fee is USD 30.
• Visitors who obtain a visa on arrival must have a valid passport and two passport-size photos.

eVisa

• An eVisa can be obtained online at the website of the Cambodian government.
• The eVisa fee is USD 35.
• Visitors who obtain an eVisa must have a valid passport and a digital photo.

Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year, making it a destination for all seasons with temperatures seldom falling below 20°C. Cambodian weather is generally categorized into two primary seasons: wet and dry. The wet season, spanning from May to October, is marked by episodic showers during daytime hours, adding to the country's tropical charm.

The dry season, commencing from November and extending up to April, is typified by agreeable and sunny weather conditions, making it an ideal time for travel and exploration. However, it is worth noting that during the peak of the dry season, specifically in March, temperatures can climb up to a sweltering 35°C. Despite the somewhat extreme conditions, the resplendent beauty of the country remains undeterred, with Cambodia promising a riveting experience regardless of the season.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR) is the official currency and 1 USD converts to approx. 4,161.63 KHR. However, USD is widely accepted.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available and sometimes dispense US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in major cities. Tipping is expected and appreciated.
3. Local Language: The official and mainly spoken language is Khmer. Some people also speak Vietnamese and Chinese. English is mostly used in tourist areas and major cities. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: About 97% of the population follows Theravada Buddhism. Islam, Christianity, and tribal animism make up the remaining 3%.
5. Public Holidays:  Victory over Genocide Day, Khmer New Year, King’s Birthday, Day of Remembrance, and Independence Day are some of the public holidays celebrated in Cambodia.