IMC Priora now provides orthopedic patients with a complete treatment pathway – from diagnostics and surgery to postoperative rehabilitation, emphasizes Dr. Ivan Karlak.
A new Physical Therapy Clinic has opened at the International Medical Center Priora in Čepin. With this addition, the hospital has further enhanced care for orthopedic patients, offering a comprehensive service that includes diagnostics, surgical treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation.
Individualized Approach for Optimal Recovery
“The department is equipped with state-of-the-art devices that enable rehabilitation according to the highest international standards. Patients have access to ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, TECAR therapy, shockwave therapy, magnetotherapy, and various forms of electrotherapy. The clinic also features a modern exercise therapy facility where rehabilitation is carried out under the professional supervision of orthopedic specialists and physiotherapists,” explaine dr. Ivan Karlak, Specialist in Orthopedics and Subspecialist in Traumatology, Head of the Orthopaedics Department at IMC Priora.
Dr. Karlak is one of Croatia’s leading experts in hip and knee replacement surgery and emphasizes that high-quality rehabilitation is just as important as the surgical procedure itself.
“The success of orthopedic treatment depends not only on a well-performed operation but also on properly guided postoperative recovery. The goals of rehabilitation are to reduce pain and swelling, accelerate healing, restore joint mobility, and strengthen muscles so that patients can return to their daily activities and regain their quality of life as soon as possible. Especially after hip and knee replacement surgery, professionally guided physical therapy significantly influences the final functional outcome and patient satisfaction. By combining modern rehabilitation methods with advanced equipment, we help patients navigate the postoperative period more comfortably and recover faster,” he said.
Physical therapy following hip or knee replacement surgery begins very early, most often on the same day or immediately after the procedure. Early mobilization is extremely important because it accelerates recovery, reduces the risk of complications, and enables patients to return to their everyday activities more quickly.
“Although standard rehabilitation protocols exist, at IMC Priora, we are committed to an individualized approach for every patient. Treatment plans are tailored to the type of procedure performed, the patient’s overall health condition, and their personal recovery goals, with a focus on achieving the highest quality, safest, and most comfortable recovery possible. The duration of rehabilitation depends on both the procedure and the patient’s condition, but it typically ranges from several weeks to several months,” said Dr. Karlak.
Complete Treatment in One Place
The opening of the Physical Therapy Clinic further completes the orthopedic treatment process at IMC Priora. Patients can now receive comprehensive care in a single location—from specialist examinations and diagnostics to surgery, postoperative rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
“This represents significant added value because it allows continuous monitoring by both the surgeon and the physiotherapist, with regular adjustments to the rehabilitation program according to the patient’s individual progress. Such an integrated approach contributes to better treatment outcomes, enhanced patient safety, and a higher overall standard of healthcare,” Dr. Karlak added.
The Physical Therapy Clinic is also available to patients who have not undergone surgery at IMC Priora, as well as to those who were operated on elsewhere but continue to experience difficulties or have not achieved full functional recovery. Following an orthopedic evaluation and physiotherapy assessment, an individualized rehabilitation plan is developed for each patient. All necessary therapeutic procedures can be carried out within IMC Priora under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.
“Our approach to patients is entirely individualized. We use the latest therapeutic equipment, and our physiotherapists continually expand their knowledge through specialized training in manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation. Treatment plans are developed in accordance with the latest internationally recognized guidelines in physical therapy,” explained physiotherapist Sena Matešić.
During the initial visit, the physiotherapist works with the patient to define treatment goals and establish an individualized rehabilitation plan.
“We assess posture, muscles, and joints, and when necessary, perform measurements and functional tests, as well as review the patient’s medical documentation. Our approach is comprehensive and personalized, taking into account all symptoms and difficulties reported by the patient. We also consider the patient’s goals for returning to daily activities, hobbies, and sports while providing information about available treatment options. Therapy outcomes are evaluated at every follow-up visit, and in most cases, the first positive results become noticeable very quickly,” said physiotherapist Matešić.
Matešić concludes that direct communication between medical specialists and physiotherapists, together with early inclusion in the rehabilitation process, significantly enhances postoperative recovery, reduces pain, improves musculoskeletal mobility, and supports a faster return to everyday life.
