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Physiatry

What are Physiatrists or Physical Medicine Doctors?

Physiatrists specialize in non-surgical physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) for patients who have been disabled as a result of a disease, condition, disorder, or injury. They diagnose, perform thorough patient histories, treat injuries and conditions, and direct your expanded treatment team using non-surgical methods.

Physiatrists focus on a personalized method of treatment to improve their patients' quality of life -- one that involves a comprehensive approach to expand the framework of resources at a patient's disposal. As a result, a patient's recuperation involves every aspect of their lives.

What kind of training do Physiatrists require?

Physiatrists train for four years in medical school, followed by a one-year internship and three years of hospital residency with a specialization in physiatry. The board-certified physiatrists at Montvale Health Associates have also received advanced degrees and fellowships in several areas of musculoskeletal specialization.

How do Physiatrists diagnose?

Physiatrists use X-ray's, MRI's, as well as the use of Electrodiagnostic Medicine in order to detect areas of nerve and muscle damage. This includes electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies [NCS], which are used to measure the condition of your nerves and muscles in their relaxed and stimulated states.

What types of conditions do Physiatrists treat?

Physiatrists treat a wide scope of musculoskeletal cases including brain and spinal cord injuries, neck and back pain, and stroke and burn victims. They have also been specially trained and certified to help patients who have spine and sports injuries as well as other musculoskeletal problems.

Medication

Our goal at Montvale Health Associates is to correct the cause of your problem, not just eliminate your pain. We understand pain and the damage it can have psychologically and physically on the human body.

Once your problem has been diagnosed properly, our Doctors may advise an oral medication protocol so that we are able to administer conservative treatment to the problem area.

Our Doctors may prescribe:

  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Muscle Relaxants
  • Pain Killers
  • Pain Patches

Prior to giving any patient a prescription, a detailed history and examination must be performed.