Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation

About Physiatry
Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation All offices can be reached at: PH 303-238-4277 FX 303-238-4977 PRIMARY OFFICE: • Golden Office SATELLITE OFFICE: • Fort Collins Office SURGICAL CENTERS: • Denver West Surgical Center • Lakewood Surgical Center Also, Get More Informtion About: • Physical Therapy • About physiatry • Complimentary Medicine • Occupational Medicine • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD) Email This Page		ABOUT PHYSIATRY Physical means of healing have been practiced since prehistoric times, but Physiatry did not become recognized as a separate medical specialty until 1947. Most widely known as the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the medical specialty of modern-day Physiatry comprises the related disciplines of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, Interventional Pain Management and Neuro-diagnostics. Physiatry The term Physiatry derives from the Greek words physikos (physical) and iatreia (art of healing). A Physiatrist is a physician who creatively employs physical agents as well as other medical therapeutics to help in the healing and rehabilitation of a patient. Treatment involves the whole person and addresses the physical, emotional and social needs that must be satisfied to successfully restore the patient's quality of life to its maximum potential. Physiatrists are medical doctors who train for at least four additional years after medical school including internship and residency. A physiatrist’s training includes a strong emphasis on Orthopedics, Neurology, Sports Medicine, Rheumatology and Pain Management. Physiatrists are the only physicians formally trained to supervise other rehabilitation professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and social workers. PM&R physicians frequent work with the field of Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy. It is common after residency for a physiatrist to either choose to practice in an outpatient setting including Sports Medicine, Non-surgical orthopedics, Interventional and Non-interventional Pain Management, and Peripheral Neurology. Other physiatrists work in hospitals and become specialists in Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Total Joint Replacement, and Complex Orthopedic Trauma. The unique training based and fund of knowledge of a physiatrist provides a bridge between medical fields. As a result Physiatrists are considered to be among the best diagnosticians for musculoskeletal, neurologic, and pain disorders. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation involves the restoration of a diseased or disabled person to optimal physical, psychological and social functioning. Interventional Pain Management Nerve blocks, Epidural steroid injections and Radiofrequency nerve ablation are some of the interventional techniques available to relieve pain. Therapeutic injections may be considered an adjunct to medication and physical therapy. The following is a brief overview of different types of nerve blocks and Epidural Injections used to treat pain and discomfort caused by spinal disorders. Nerve Blocks A nerve block is an injection of medication onto or near nerves. Most injections are performed under fluoroscopic guidance for precise targeting and optimal safety. Facet Joint Block and Medial Blocks Joint inflammation between the spinal bones can cause back pain. A facet joint block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid medication into the joint. Medial block uses similar medication injected outside the joint space near the nerve that feeds that joint. Peripheral Nerve Block These nerve blocks are designed to interrupt communication between periphery nerves (which are communicating pain to the brain) and the brain. These blocks can alleviate pain, numbness, tingling, and/or a ‘pins and needles' feeling. Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) Pain and discomfort from irritation and inflammation of a nerve root that serves a particular body part (e.g. arm, leg) may be alleviated with a selective nerve root block. Sympathetic Nerve Block Conditions causing chronic pain often involve the sympathetic nerves. A sympathetic nerve block may help alleviate symptoms caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system. Epidural Steroid Injections The Epidural space is the space surrounding the membrane that covers the spinal cord and nerve roots. An Epidural injection places anti-inflammatory medication (eg steroids) into the Epidural space. Epidural injections are performed in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Sacroiliac Joint Injection The sacroiliac joint is the largest joint. It is located in the lower spine above the tailbone. Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can cause low back and buttock pain. An injection of an anesthetic and steroid may help relieve joint pain. Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation Radiofrequency nerve ablation uses radio waves to produce heat directed at a specific facet joint nerve. The heat destroys the nerve and relieves pain. The ablation procedure is similar to a nerve block or spinal joint injection except that two needles are inserted; each facet joint has two nerves. Fluoroscopic guidance is used to correctly position each needle. Then Radiofrequency “radio waves” are directed through each needle. Electromyography Electromyography (EMG) is a medical technique for measuring muscle response to nervous stimulation. EMG is performed using an instrument called an electromyograph, to produce a record called an electromyogram. EMG can help to distinguish primary muscle conditions from muscle weakness caused by neurologic disorders. It can be used to differentiate between true weakness and reduced use due to pain or lack of motivation. It is used to find causes of weakness, paralysis, involuntary twitching, and abnormal levels of muscle enzymes. It can help diagnose neuromuscular disorders such as neuropathy, nerve damage and muscle damage.

Doctors | Services | Map | Office Policies & Forms | Physical Therapy | News | Education | Q&A | Newsletter | Contact | Home

About Physiatry