If you desire conservative treatment for your orthopedic problem, you will benefit from a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists are these specialists who can treat a wide array of women's musculoskeletal health issues, including injury prevention and rehabilitation for conditions such as:
- sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- pelvic obliquity
- lumbar herniatred disc
- pubic symphysis
- osteitis pubis
- pelvic floor myofascial pain and dysfunction
- vertebral compression and stress fractures
- osteoporosis
- rib dysfunction
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- low back pain during pregnancy
Diagnostics tests such as electromyography are used to accurately pinpoint nerve injuries and determine conservative or surgical treatment options. Ultrasound or fluoroscopy, which enable physiatrists to obtain “live” x-ray images throughout a procedure, can be used to perform diagnostic and therapeutic spine or peripheral joint injections when necessary.
Comprehensive evaluations lead to the development of individualized treatment
plans for each patient. Your plan may include medications, physical or occupational therapy, bracing, orthotics, or injections. The primary goal is always to reduce your pain and improve function. If surgery becomes necessary, your physiatrist will work closely with an orthopedic
surgeon to provide integrated care that maximizes a return to functional mobility.