Education
Many common sports- and work-related injuries are preventable. However, even the best prevention methods don’t guarantee a life without injury.
For chronic problems, your physiatrist may prescribe exercise, physical therapy, orthotics or injections to relieve pain.
If you suffer chronic back pain, for example, your physiatrist may give you a spinal nerve injection after first determining the source of your pain through a physical examination, review of your medical history and diagnostic tests such as X-ray or MRI.
Your physiatrist may also utilize electrodiagnostic studies such as Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) studies to evaluate muscles, nerve roots and peripheral nerves.
Unlike imaging tests that evaluate structure, such as an X-ray or MRI, electrodiagnostic studies assess physiology or biochemical function.
If it is determined that your injury requires surgery, your physiatrist will assemble a multidisciplinary team to create the best treatment and rehabilitation plan for you.
