Physical Therapy in Italy

What you need to know about Physical Therapy in Italy

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 Italy?

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

Italy, a country in south-central Europe, boasts some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes in the world with the greatest collection of art treasures. The mere mention of Italy conjures up images of ancient Roman ruins, leaning tower of Pisa, stunning isles, rolling vineyards, and authentic cuisines. Besides its charming landscape, delicious food, and historical monuments, Italy is a popular spot for foreign patients to receive medical treatments. Its reputation for cutting-edge, high-quality treatment is growing rapidly. Although it is not the cheapest medical tourism destination, it is known for its highly qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as medical facilities that are equipped with the latest medical technology. Cosmetic surgery, hair transplant treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and cancer treatment are among the most popular treatments in the country.

Popular Parts of Italy

Rome, the capital of Italy, is the birthplace of Julius Caesar and is filled with Roman ruins, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Forum. It is also home to Vatican City, the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the romantic Trevi Fountain, and picturesque restaurants filled with great food. Venice, another popular city in the country, is famous for its canals, gondola rides, and St. Mark's Basilica. On the west coast of Italy, visitors can find the Cinque Terre, which consists of five dramatically located hamlets. It is dotted with steep vineyards, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The fashion capital of Italy is Milan, the ancient towns of Pompeii, Naples, and stunning Florence with its Renaissance art are also popular tourist destinations. 

Weather and Climate in Italy

Italy has a variable climate, so different areas can experience different weather. In general, the country has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Summer has marvelous weather, with sunny days and warm nights. Autumn brings cooler temperatures to the country, while the winter can be chilly or freezing, depending on the area. In spring, the temperatures start to get warmer.

Getting around in Italy

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main gateway airport in Italy. It connects the country with numerous domestic and international destinations, including London, Beijing, Paris, New York, and Moscow. Many international visitors fly to the Milan Malpensa International Airport as well. Transport in Italy is reasonably priced and efficient. An extensive network of domestic flights is available, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel around. Trains cover many areas across the country and have frequent departures. There are also high-speed trains connecting major cities. Although buses are slower than trains, they are cheaper and covers areas not served by trains. All major cities have good transport systems, with the bus, metro, and tram networks. In Venice, the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) are the main public transport option. Taxis are widely available and are moderately priced.

Tourist Visas in Italy

Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to visit regardless of their purpose and/or length of stay. Citizens of Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UAE, and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption countries will need to apply for a visa before visiting.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The euro (€) is the official currency of Italy. The exchange rate from €1 is approximately US$1.17.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found easily throughout Italy, but make sure to be vigilant when making cash withdrawals in tourist areas since pickpocketing is common. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not expected. However, you can always tip an extra 10% to 15% for exceptional service.
3. Local Language: Italian is the official and most commonly spoken language in Italy. English is not widely spoken, except in larger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Roman Catholicism makes up around 80% of the population. The other 20% is made up of Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. 
5. Public holidays: Italy mostly celebrates Christian holidays. Some of the most important are Epiphany, Pasquetta, Saints Day, Liberation Day, and Christmas.