I was midway through medical school when I was introduced to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Playing intramural flag football, I stepped in a divot and immediately felt pain shoot up my back. I saw a physiatrist—a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation—who took my concern seriously and treated me with respect.
From the x-rays and MRI scans he sent me to have done, he saw that one of my vertebra had slipped out of alignment and was pressing down on the vertebra below it. He assured me that I’d feel better with physical therapy. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when the pain disappeared and I could go back to living my life.
Soon after, I enrolled in the first of several elective rotations that exposed me to the various aspects of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Across them all, patients expressed sincere appreciation as their condition improved. Seeing this reaction again and again, I realized that this was how I wanted to help people.
When a patient comes to see me today, I listen carefully to their concerns with the same compassion that was extended to me 25 years ago. I’ll try to pinpoint what led them here. Sometimes the answer’s clearcut, other times it’s a combination of obscure factors. From there, I’ll conduct a thorough physical exam. All of this will allow me to develop basic parameters. Additional diagnostic testing, such as an electrodiagnostic study, which I perform, will provide even greater insight. Only once I’m able to consider all of this data can I make a diagnosis and, in turn, construct a treatment plan.
In each case, the goal is the same: to help the patient get back to living life on their terms, pain-free. I appreciate just how profound that experience is. In my twenties, I never had reason to question my physical ability—until that day it was suddenly compromised. Now in my forties, being able to move freely means being fully present for everyone who counts on me, including my family and the youth football team I coach.
My practice welcomes referrals for most types of pain management, and we accept most insurance providers, as well as Medicare.