Benefits of Physiatry Treatment

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Benefits of Physiatry Treatment

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As a result of an illness, injury or other condition, individuals may find themselves with limited mobility or in pain when performing regular physical activities. In situations like this, they may be referred to a physiatrist for treatment to help regain mobility and resume daily functions.

In this post, we’ll identify what a Physiatrist is, the types of problems physiatry can help; discuss the benefits of physiatric treatment; and advise on when you need to see a physiatrist.

What is a Physiatrist?

A Physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation for people with orthopedic conditions, disabilities, or chronic pain.

They treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

What can physiatry treatment help with?

Physiatry treatment can bring relief to individuals suffering from:

What are the benefits of physical therapy?

As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, a Physiatrist may refer the patient out for physical therapy. Physical therapy treatment has many benefits. Among the most common are:

Pain Reduction or Elimination

Whether it stems from a chronic condition or is the result of an injury, the various therapeutic exercises and treatments administered during physical therapy can be targeted to lessen, manage and/or rid the patient of pain.

Improved Mobility

Many times, after nerve damage or injuries occur, mobility will be limited for the patient. Through stretching and strengthening exercises in physical therapy, and sometimes with the additional assistance of a device or prosthetic, many patients can return to normalcy and resume most if not all of their usual activities.

Restored or Improved Balance

Some patients have challenges with vertigo or are at a high risk for falls due to lack of balance. Physical therapy can restore vestibular functioning and take patients through exercises that enhance coordination.

Preparation for Surgery

If surgery is required, physical therapy may be recommended in advance to strengthen the area of the patient’s trauma so that they recover faster and lessen the likelihood of complications during healing.

Diabetes Management

For diabetic patients who suffer from sensations in their feet and legs, physical therapy exercises can promote relief for these issues and help control blood sugar levels.

Rehabilitation

For patients recovering from strokes and other health events, physical therapy can help with breathing and conditioning exercises, as well as procedures that strengthen muscles and stimulate movement.

When should you see a Physiatrist?

It’s time to make an appointment to see a physiatrist if you:

  • have been injured
  • have been diagnosed with a repetitive stress injury
  • are going to have surgery to treat chronic pain or are currently recovering from surgery
  • are recovering from nerve damage or a stroke
  • have a disability that’s left you with limited physical mobility or causes you pain, or
  • have an illness that’s left you with limited physical mobility or causes you pain.

Meet Dr. Catherine Yee

Dr. Catherine Yee is a WWMG Physiatrist who is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She provides care to patients who are suffering from numbness, weakness, pain or loss of function to help them adapt to or restore physical limitations. She works with patients in every age group and can diagnose and treat issues in all major systems of the body.

Request an Appointment

If you’d like to explore physiatry services, request an appointment with Dr. Yee today. Her office is located in the Gateway Center at 3726 Broadway, Suite 201, in Everett.