Physiatry

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

People who suffer with bone, joint, muscle and nerve problems can often reduce pain and discomfort without surgery by consulting with a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist known as a physiatrist. Physiatrists are doctors that specialize in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal issues causing chronic and acute pain. Their approach is to treat the whole person, not just the problem symptoms. 

Our board-certified, experienced physiatrists are sub-specialists in pain medicine and sports medicine and skilled at the prevention and management of a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions including arthritis, tendinitis, muscle sprains, back and neck pain and sports-related injuries. They also diagnose and treat balance, walking and general mobility problems. These physicians offer non-surgical treatments such practical home exercises, physical therapy, occupational therapy, equipment such as braces or orthotics, pain management injections and regenerative medicine therapies (also known as orthobiologic therapy). Physiatrists collaborate with other physicians including neurologists, orthopedists and rheumatologists to provide individualized care.

When pain interferes with the ability to move and participate in everyday activities, it is time to see a physiatrist. Your primary care physician may refer you to a physiatrist for an evaluation to diagnose the cause of your pain, formulate and oversee a treatment plan, or refer you to the right specialist for care. A physiatrist also can be instrumental in helping patients prevent further injury. In many health insurance plans, a referral from your primary care doctor is not needed.

Conditions we treat:

• Arthritis / Osteoarthritis
• Back and neck pain (pinched nerve, sciatica)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Joint pain and injuries (ankle, foot, hand, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist)
• Ligament injuries
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Muscle spasms and weakness 
• Lear
• Myofascial pain
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spine disorders and injuries
• Sports injuries (ACL, rotator cuff, tennis/golfers’ elbow)
• Tendon injuries (tendinitis, tendinosis)

Physiatrists perform diagnostic testing and treatments that include the following:

• Electrodiagnostic nerve and muscle testing (EMG/NCS)
• Fluoroscopically guided injections for pain management
• Orthobiologic / Regenerative medicine therapies
• Spasticity management: Botox injections, Baclofen pump
• Ultrasound guided injections for pain management

Rehabilitation

Yale New Haven Hospital provides comprehensive rehabilitation for patients of all ages. Our therapists collaborate with physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals to deliver high-quality, individualized care including physical and occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. Our therapists work with patients and families—in and out of the hospital—to deliver the most clinically effective rehabilitation.

Whether recovering from surgery, an accident, injury or illness, at Yale New Haven Hospital we ensure you receive the care you need to recover. Depending on the intensity of the care that you require, treatment may include inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, home care or a stay at another facility.

Learn more about Rehabilitation at Yale New Haven Hosptial.