What types of diagnostic and treatment
procedures do physiatrists offer?
What is a Physiatrist?
- Physiatrists treat patients of all ages experiencing acute and chronic functional impairments and neurological disorders.
- They may see a person who lifts a heavy object at work and experiences back discomfort, a basketball player who sprains an ankle and needs rehabilitation to play again, or a factory worker who has carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Physiatrists’ patients include people with arthritis, tendonitis, back disorders and work-or sports-related injuries.
- Physiatrists also treat very serious disorders of the musculoskeletal and neurological systems that result in severe functional limitations.
- They help persons with disabling conditions and people who have experienced physical trauma injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and nerve damage.
- The physiatrists in our practice specialize in treating adults and children with brain injuries, multiple trauma, physically disabling conditions, concussions, and mild to severe musculoskeletal disorders.
- We also provide electrodiagnostic consultations upon referral by another physician.
Physiatrists use all traditional diagnostic tools including a physical exam, patient history, lab studies, and x-rays.
Additionally, they are trained in specialized techniques of electrodiagnostic medicine which include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and evoked potentials.
In caring for patients, physiatrists may prescribe medications, assistive devices, braces, or artificial limbs.
The physiatrist may prescribe various treatments such as thermal therapy, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction, therapeutic exercise, and retraining in activities of daily living.
Physiatrists may also use physical medicine treatments such as joint injections or nerve blocks when appropriate.
We will describe these diagnostic procedures to you In greater detail during your visit if they are necessary for your care.