When are patients usually referred to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist?

In the outpatient setting, I see patients with long-term disabilities and certain injuries such as to the shoulder, back and neck. Patients are referred to me by their primary care physician and some self-refer, often by the recommendation of a friend or family member.

Patients come to me with questions like, “What is causing my pain?” or “What’s making me weaker?” and “Why can’t I do the things I used to?” I work to answer their questions by diagnosing the problem and then prescribing a treatment plan.

I am also referred to see inpatients at the Medical Center when their doctors feel they need additional rehabilitation to overcome their illness or injury. If appropriate, the patient is transferred to our Transitional Care Unit (TCU), where he or she will receive the therapy needed to regain independence and return home. I see patients five days per week in TCU.