Did you know?
The average American will spend 13 out of 75 years with some type of activity limitation,
due to:
Sprains and strains
Neck and Back pain
Pinched nerve
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If you had any of the following medical problems, what kind of physician would you see?
Muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones injuries.
Lower back pain, neck pain, sports injuries.
Occupational injuries.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists) specialize
in non surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system. They employ a whole body approach that goes beyond the resolution of symptoms including also their prevention of recurrence. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has been board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties for 50 years and has over 80 training programs.

Physiatrists are experts in occupational medicine, sports medicine, spine medicine and pain management. The breadth of their diagnostic expertise allows a complete and accurate treatment program that puts people back into fully functioning lives. The physical medicine and rehabilitation program involves appropriate management of multiple specialties to restore function to the entire musculoskeletal system. Physiatrists are trained in electrodiagnostic medicine, diagnostic spinal injections and interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging (MR1). computed tomography (CT), and bone scan imaging.

The following case studies demonstrate the way physical medicine and our rehabilitation specialists approach medical conditions and the successful results patients get:

CASE 1 - Tingling and numbness in the hand
The patient was a middle aged female presented with a six-week history of hand pain, tingling and numbness symptoms in the morning and recurring with repetitive activity. A physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist identified the signs and symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Successful Treatment: After an electrodiagnostic study the patient was placed in wrist splints, anti-inflammatories and a rehabilitation therapy program. The symptoms resolved over the course of three weeks.

CASE 2 - Shoulder pain
The patient presented to a physician with chronic shoulder pain. His pitching stamina, velocity and accuracy were adversely affected. Initial physical therapy including hot packs, ultrasound and exercise didn't improve his symptoms, and arthroscopic surgery was recommended. The young pitcher didn't want surgery, which would put him out the entire season, and considered treatment from a physiatrist.

Successful Treatment: A thorough examination revealed an older knee injury that hadn't been fully rehabilitated.

As a result, his poor throwing mechanics overstressed his shoulder musculature. The physiatrist directed a course of lower extremity, trunk, and rotator cuff strengthening and stretching exercise. Following a therapy program, the patient returned to the baseball field in a short time.

CASE 3 - Work related, low back injury
The patient had significant medical attention but little improvement. An initial treatment including hot packs, ultrasound and massage was unsuccessful. He could not sleep, was deconditioned, depressed and overweight. The patient was referred to a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

Successful Treatment: The physiatrist modified the patient's treatment plan to include a non addictive medication to improve sleep patterns and an anti-inflammatory medication for the musculoskeletal pain. An aggressive physical therapy program based on cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and lumbar stabilization was also prescribed. Persistent sciatica necessitated a fluoroscopically directed epidural cortisone injection to reduce the pain and inflammation so he could continue with physical therapy. A conditioning program with emphasis on ergonomically correct lifting techniques brought the patient back at work fitter than before the injury.

Almost 99% of sports and occupational injuries
are successfully treated with rehabilitation therapy.