A physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician, is a medical doctor who has specialized training in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region physiatrists are board-certified by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They have undergone extensive fellowship training in advanced diagnostics that help determine the cause of your pain. Physiatrists are different from orthopedic surgeons in that they use nonsurgical treatment methods to help relieve pain and restore maximum function.

What Parts of the Body Do Physiatrists Treat?

A pain doctor is reviewing a patient’s MRI scan in their office.Our Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Specialists offer expert care for a range of conditions affecting several different parts of the body, including:

  • Bones
  • Nerves
  • Tendons and ligaments
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • Spinal cord

Common Conditions Treated by Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Specialists

Our pain management doctors treat a wide range of pain-causing conditions such as:

  • Joint pain
  • Herniated disc
  • Pinched nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Acute and Chronic low back pain
  • Acute and Chronic neck pain
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic dystrophy
  • Chronic myofascial pain
  • Failed back syndrome
  • Compression fractures

Advanced Diagnostics Used By Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Specialists

Our physicians use advanced diagnostic tools with the addition of a few specialized tests. With their detailed training in musculoskeletal anatomy and examination, they can get closer to pinpointing the source of pain in a physical exam.

In our on-site diagnostic facilities, they have immediate access to real-time imaging including digital X-ray, MRI and CT scans, and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Our nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves to diagnose conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and neuropathies.

Personalized Pain Treatment Plans

We believe that pain management should be as individual as you are. Our treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms, address underlying causes, and support your overall health and wellness. Our treatment plans may include actions you can do at home and those done with the help of EmergeOrtho’s multidisciplinary medical team, including other physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Pain

Our nonsurgical approach to pain treatment encompasses the latest in medical and therapeutic innovations, including:

Medical Management: We develop a strategic plan that may include non-opioid medications tailored to target specific types of pain and inflammation.

Innovative Injection Therapies: We offer a variety of injections, including:

  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Delivering steroids directly into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Cortisone Injections: A potent anti-inflammatory agent used in joints and soft tissue regions.
  • Stem Cell/Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: Utilizing the body’s healing mechanisms to regenerate tissue and reduce pain.
  • Facet Injections: Targeting specific joints in the spine to provide pain relief.
  • Nerve Blocks: Temporarily interrupting pain signals to provide relief from conditions like sciatica.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. RFA can be used to provide lasting relief for patients with chronic pain, especially in the lower back and neck.

Find Your Pain Doctor

EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region’s physiatrists lead an in-house team of certified orthopedic medical professionals working together to help you get back to your active life, without pain and restrictions.

If you are debilitated by chronic pain, have had a traumatic accident, or are suffering from a particular illness, you should meet with one of our physiatrists/PM&R specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan or be a part of your existing plan.

Click here to find an EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region physiatrist for you and Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better.

Find a Physiatrist.

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