Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR)

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life. Patients who may benefit from PMR include those with physical limitations, injuries or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and/or tendons.  PMR can also help patients recover from any type of elective surgery.

The goals of PMR are to maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living, and to improve quality of life. 
 
Conditions Treated
There are many conditions, injuries and diagnoses that can benefit from PMR.  

Some of the most common include:

• Spinal cord injury
• Brain injury (traumatic and non-traumatic)
• Stroke, as part of our Stroke Recovery Program (link)
• Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson (disability/loss of function)
• Post-polio
• Orthopedic injuries including osteopenia/osteoporosis
• Spasticity from stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or injuries
• Occupational and overuse syndromes

Services Offered
PM&R specialists coordinate a treatment team to help patients regain function. This team often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. Evaluations for proper medical equipment, such as canes, walkers, braces, wheelchairs, are also part of that assessment. 
 

• In-depth assessment of disorders and complications
• Physical therapy for restoration of movement, treatment of pain and more.
• Occupational therapy to restore function, ability for self-care or return to work.
• Speech therapy for swallowing/eating disorders, communication problems
• Assessment of balance, problems with falling and fall risk