Rheumatology in Johor

Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of conditions that affect joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, including those known as rheumatic diseases, or autoimmune conditions. Physicians who have had special training in rheumatology are called rheumatologists. Some of the conditions that rheumatologists diagnose and treat include:

Chronic back pain, Lupus, Inflammatory arthritis of the hips, knee, or shoulders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tendinitis, Osteoporosis, Psoriatic arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Giant cell arteritis, Bursitis, Scleroderma, Behcet’s disease, Polymyalgia rheumatic, Paget’s disease, Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, Reiter’s syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Reactive arthropathies, Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic juvenile arthritis.

While rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, they do not perform surgery. They perform examinations and procedures that help them diagnose, manage, and treat rheumatic conditions. These include:

• Complete physical exams.
• Lab tests, which usually involve taking samples of joint fluid, urine, or blood to check for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibodies, synovial fluid, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein.
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans (DXA), or ultrasounds.
• Lumbar punctures.
• Joint aspiration.
• Synovial biopsy.
• Joint injections.
• Bursal injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections.

How Long Should I Stay in Johor?

Rheumatology procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you should be able to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. Depending on your condition and the type of procedure you will have, you may also be allowed to travel home immediately after. However, it is generally recommended that you stay for 2 to 7 days as you may need to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the test results with your rheumatologist (if you undergo a diagnostic test) or to monitor your condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time depends on your specific condition. After the rheumatology procedure itself, you may not need any downtime, although you will need to take it easy for at least two days after some procedures, such as a lumbar puncture. If your condition causes painful symptoms, your rheumatologist will also recommend that you rest until the pain and discomfort subsides. Make sure to discuss your recovery timeline, including when you can return to work and perform strenuous activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your rheumatologist will likely prescribe you medications. It is important that you take the medications as directed. You may also be suggested to see undergo physical therapy or occupational therapy. Physical therapists will teach you exercises that can help you move your joints and improve their strength, while occupational therapists can teach you how to ease the strains on your joints when performing your day-to-day activities. Lifestyle changes are important as well, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. Since most rheumatic diseases are long-term diseases, you probably will need regular checkups.

What's the Success Rate?

With cutting-edge technology, continuous research, and a better understanding of the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, rheumatology procedures are now more accurate and safer. The procedures are also highly successful, giving patients higher satisfaction rates and improvement in their quality of life. 

Are there Alternatives?

The alternatives depend on your specific condition. It is best that you talk to your general physician first, who will be able to refer you to the relevant specialist. If you require surgery, for instance, you need joint replacement surgery, your rheumatologist will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.

Rheumatology in and around Johor

About Johor

Johor, the Southern Gateway to Malaysia, continues to prosper as a tourism destination. Johor’s geographical position draws many tourists from neighboring countries especially Singapore. Tourists flocked to Johor to experience its great shopping deals, cheap food, beautiful nature, and theme parks. Johor Premium Outlets, LEGOLAND Malaysia, and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town are the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Johor is expecting a total of 17 million visitors in 2019.

Recently, Johor has become a thriving medical tourist destination. Johor recorded 60,000 medical tourists visiting the state in 2017 to seek medical treatments. As one of the biggest contributors to Malaysia’s rising medical tourism, the state keeps innovating and improving its health facilities to increase the number of medical tourists. Johor hospitals offer cutting edge technology with experienced doctors and at a reasonable price.

The hospitals in Johor are of world-class standards and accredited by global accreditation. One of the highest-rated hospitals in the state is Gleneagles Medini Hospital that offers a wide range of treatments. Cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid surgery and breast augmentation are the most popular procedures in Johor.

Popular Areas in Johor

Johor offers plenty of attractions to discover. It is easy to see why many people are drawn to travel to the state. Tourists have many options to choose the kind of adventure they want to experience, from exploring incredible islands and tropical rainforests, admiring famous historical landmarks, spending a day in theme parks, to shopping in a cosmopolitan city of Johor Bahru.

• Seribuat Archipelago lies on the east coast of Johor; the archipelago has beautiful clear waters and sandy beaches that will take your breath away. Tourists who want to discover the amazing underwater life can do many activities such as diving and snorkeling.
• Gunung Ledang National Park (Mount Ophir), the highest mountain of Johor is known as the home of a mythical princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang. Tourists can go hiking on this beautiful mountain and will be rewarded with an amazing view and do not miss out on the chance to cool off in Puteri falls.
• Legoland is the best place for tourists who travel with kids. The first Legoland in Asia offers over 70 rides with a separate water park and ‘Sea Life.’ There is also a Legoland hotel for tourists who want to fully experience the theme park.
• Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor’s state mosque, is located on top of a hill in Johor Bahru with beautiful views to the Johor Strait and Singapore. The architecture follows the style of Victorian and Moorish and takes the form of British 19th-century clock towers.

Weather and Climate in Johor

The tropical weather allows Johor to enjoy a relatively stable warm temperature throughout the year. The highest average temperature is 33°C and the lowest is 31°C. Humidity is generally high in Johor so tourists are advised to pack light and comfortable clothing.

The rainy season usually starts from April to September and from October to early November. Some islands in Seribuat Archipelago may be ‘closed’ during the rainy season due to the rough weather.

Getting Around in Johor

Senai International Airport is the gateway to Johor. Located 32km from Johor Bahru, the airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Seoul, Guangzhou, and Ho Chi Minh City. Senai International airport serves budget airlines and is the hub for AirAsia and Malindo Air.

To reach the city center, tourists can take a taxi or Airport Shuttle Bus. A ride to Johor Bahru by taxi takes approximately 30 minutes while taking the bus will take longer. Remember that taxis use a coupon system, the coupon can be bought from the taxi counter inside the Aeromall.

Tourists from Singapore can go to Johor by bus or car via Johor–Singapore Causeway. Tourist who wants to avoid traffic jams can opt for the KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Johor Bahru.

Tourists visiting Johor Bahru can travel to different attractions within the city by using the bus service although it can get pretty confusing since the bus stops may not be shown clearly. It is advisable to directly ask the bus driver for the destination. Taxis are available in the state but it is best to insist on using the meter or negotiate the fare in advance.

To travel to other cities in Johor, tourist can ride long distant buses from Larkin Bus Terminal. Buses normally leave once every hour and have a reasonable price. If you wish to travel to many cities in Johor, renting a car is the best choice.

Tourists Visas in Johor

Tourists are only allowed to enter Malaysia if their passport is valid for at least six months after arrival. Most nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa for 30 or 90 days. Several foreign nationalities including China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro must apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

The Malaysian Immigration provides an online visa application for selected foreign nationals, the process is usually faster and easier. Those who travel to Johor for medical treatment can apply for eVisa Medical. The visa is valid for a single journey with a maximum of 30 days. Patients who need to stay for more than 30 days must obtain a long term Medical Pass.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The ringgit (RM) is the local currency. 1USD is equivalent to RM4.20. Printed in a variation of colors and sizes, it is easier and less confusing for travelers to work with the currency to avoid giving the wrong bills when shopping.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available around the state and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. It is wise to always carry a small amount of cash especially when traveling to a more suburban area because many vendors will only accept cash, some vendors won’t change bills over RM20. Tourists can bargain with street vendors but always remember to be polite. Tipping will be appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Malay or Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Johor. The majority of people, especially in Johor Bahru, can speak English relatively well. Directions and signs are usually written in Malay and English. Other languages that are widely-spoken in Johor are Mandarin Chinese and Tamil.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The state’s culture is heavily influenced by the Arabs, Javanese, and Bugis people. Johor is also home to a large Chinese and Indian community. The official religion is Islam with Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, as the other religions freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: It is important to keep in mind that the weekend in Johor is Friday and Saturday. Like other parts of Malaysia, Johor celebrates the holy days of every major religion and holds a number of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals in Johor is the annual Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival. Usually held around February and March, the festival showcases one thousand modern and traditional kites.