Physical Therapy in Guadalajara

What you need to know about Physical Therapy in Guadalajara

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 Guadalajara?

Most of the time, you may be allowed to leave Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara

About Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and lies at the heart of the Mexican state Jalisco. The City takes great pride in being the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to the phenomenal growth of its infrastructure, economics, technology, and software in the last three decades. The city is also rich in tradition, culture, and history. It is also home to the world’s famous tequila and mariachi festival

Mexico is also a popular destination for medical tourism. It has more than a dozen cities and border towns specializing in medical care. Guadalajara is one such city and is largely visited by medical tourists from across the world. In particular, a large number of Americans cross the border to seek medical assistance. Low medical cost is the main reason behind the City's immense popularity and makes Guadalajara an ideal destination for medical tourism. Bariatric surgery is 70% cheaper than in the USA and dental procedures are 60% less expensive.

The world-class hospitals in Guadalajara offer a wide range of medical services including general surgery, plastic surgery, infertility, stem cell therapy, pediatrics, oncology, and orthopedics. The highly qualified doctors and nurses provide the highest level of care, service, and hospitality and are also well versed in English. Guadalajara is not only a perfect choice for medical treatments and procedures but also the best spot for recuperation.

Salutaris Medical Center, San Javier Hospital, the fertility institutes, OLA Obesity & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Clinic, and the Mexico Americano are some of the better-known hospitals in Guadalajara. They have access to the latest medical procedures and cutting-edge technologies.

Popular areas in Guadalajara

The Metropolitan area of Guadalajara houses approximately 5 million people. The city has a handful of safe and trendy neighborhoods. You will find a large population of expatriates in areas like Providencia, Lake Chapala, Ajijic, Chapalita, Chapultepec, and Zapopan. The neighborhoods have many upmarket restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and authentic Mexican food stalls. Lake Chapala is a picturesque lake, from where you can take a cruise to the beautiful island of Scorpio.

• Guadalajara Cathedral: The centuries-old Cathedral lies in the Plaza De Armas, Zona Centro, and although not a particularly big or extravagant Cathedral, it was built in 1541 in the old Spanish colonial style with its neo-gothic spires.
• Expiatory temple: This is the finest religious structure built in a neo-Gothic style. The church has a lavishly embellished exterior. The unique German clock and fine stained-glass windows never fail to fascinate its visitors.
• The Government Palace: Located at the Plaza De Armas, the splendid palace is an absolute visual treat. It took almost a century to construct this historical landmark. The old staircase and murals depicting the heroes of the war of independence are the highlights.
• The regional museum of Guadalajara: The museum is worth a quick visit. 14 dioramas, local fossils, and 800 kg meteorite are the major attractions.
• Avenida Chapultepec: You can experience the best nightlife here as there is a selection of bars with salsa dancing, hula hooping, and Mexican folk dance.

Weather and Climate in Guadalajara

Guadalajara has a warm and moderate climate. The City’s elevation ensures cooler evenings. The weather is spring-like for most of the year. Guadalajara's average temperature is 19.5°C. The average annual rainfall is 941 mm. During the month of August, the City receives a generous amount of rainfall.

March is the driest month of the year with little to no precipitation at all. The warmest months of the year are April, May, and June and the temperature can reach 35°C.

December and January are cooler with an average temperature of 25°C. The temperature may fall too even 5°C during the nights. If you are planning to visit the City during the winter, then pack suitable warm clothing to withstand the cold.

Getting around in Guadalajara

Located 16 km away from the city center, is Guadalajara International Airport. It is Mexico's third busiest airport. The airport handles cargo flights and domestic flights to other Mexican cities and the USA. Wider transport options are available to cater to the needs of the locals and the tourists. The city is well connected by various modes of transportation.

• By foot: As Guadalajara is quite compact, you can simply walk around the city. The city center houses most of the tourist spots. The streets are hassle-free and relaxed.
• By bus: Macro-buses, which are large in number, are the cheapest means of transport. It costs less than 50 cents for a one way to travel in a macro-bus. In case of TUR express buses, the cost is exactly 50 cents one way. If you are a regular commuter, you can buy a transit card and swipe every time you board the bus.
• On a Metro: Most office goers prefer the metro services. You just need to pay 40 cents for a minimum distance ride.
• Other Options: You can also rent bicycles, taxis, and cars to travel to nearby cities. A valid US driving license is more than enough to drive a car here.

Tourist Visa in Guadalajara

A valid tourist visa is essential to visit Mexico. Citizens from countries like India, Russia, and China should apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa, 28 days before the date of entry. You should also submit copies of your travel tickets. Visa fee may cost you approximately USD 22 but this is subject to change from time to time.

Mexico provides visa exemption to the citizens of 67 nations. Citizens of Canada, USA, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan can enter Mexico without a valid tourist visa and can stay for a period of 6 months.

You can even extend your stay by providing the required documents before your visa expires.

Additional Information

1. Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. 1 USD equals 18.77 Mexican Peso.
2. Being the native language, people throughout Guadalajara speak Spanish. Yet, most of the locals can speak English.
3. You will find plenty of banks and ATMs across the city. Most restaurants and big shops accept payments by credit cards.
4. A large majority of the population residing in Guadalajara are Roman Catholics.
5. Public holidays in Guadalajara:

• New Year's Eve (January 1)
• Independence Day (September 16)
• Revolution Day (Third Monday of November)
• Three King's Day (January 6)
• Easter
• Mother's Day.