Physical Therapy in Pakistan

What you need to know about Physical Therapy in Pakistan

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 Pakistan?

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

Introduction

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a country located in South Asia and it is the fifth-most populous country of the world, with a population exceeding 207.8 million. Although the country has plenty of natural and historical riches, this country is off the radar for most tourists due to political instability. Those who are curious enough to visit the country will find that it is filled with beautiful, from Mughals and mountains to the mighty Karakoram. 

A large number of ultra-modern medical centers are available, and they are equipped and facilitated with the most advanced medical technologies. Numerous doctors and surgeons at these medical centers are normally foreign qualified. Large numbers of patients from neighboring countries and the Middle East have traveled to Pakistan to undergo various medical procedures, mainly for organ transplants or fertility treatments.

Popular Cities and Regions in Pakistan

The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad. This city was built as a planned city to replace Karachi as the country’s capital. Islamabad is known for its safety, high standards of living, and plenty of green spaces. Here, tourists can admire the symmetry of the Pakistan Monument, check out the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, visit the Lok Virsa Museum, and stroll around the Faisal Mosque. Karachi, the original capital of the country, is a sprawling metropolis. Most visitors usually come to check out the Quaid Mausoleum and the Tuba Mosque. Another popular city for tourism in Lahore, which is filled with beautiful architecture and interesting museums. The most popular attractions in this city are the Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, the Sheesh Mahal, and the Delhi Gate. 

Transport in Pakistan

The busiest airport in Pakistan is the Jinnah International Airport, which is located in Karachi. It serves both domestic and international flights to and from several cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Taking domestic flights can be a great way to travel around. The rail network is also extensive and comfortable. Taxis and Uber are also available.

Visas in Pakistan

Citizens of 5 countries, including Maldives, Nepal, Samoa, Tonga, and Trinidad and Tobago, can visit Pakistan without a visa. Several countries, such as Austria and the UAE, may obtain a visa on arrival if they possess ETA. Citizens of 15 countries, including Armenia and India, are eligible to apply for an online visa. 

Weather in Pakistan

Summer (March – October) is hot and dry in the northern regions. However, July and August can be rainy, making the weather hot and humid. The temperatures can range from 9°C to 38°C. Winter (November – April) can be really severe and most cities will get frost. Also, the northern part of the country experiences heavy rainfall during this season. The average temperature ranges from 3°C to 25°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Pakistani rupee (PKR). 1 USD will get you approx. 154.4 PKR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are readily available. Pakistan is a cash-based society, and credit cards are only accepted in a few establishments. Tipping is not expected.
3. Local Language: The official language is Urdu and English. Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Balochi are also spoken by a number of people. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: Islam is practiced by more than 90% of the population. Hinduism, Christianity, Ahmadis, Sikhism, and other religions are also practiced. Always avoid wearing body-revealing clothes in public places.
5. Public holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays are Holi, Pakistan Day, Eid ul-Fitr, and Eid ul-Azha.