Physiatry: A Holistic, Non-Surgical Approach to Your Orthopedic Care
Are you tired of living with musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, unable to fully enjoy your life and do everything you want to do? What if there was a way to combine physical therapy and pain treatments to help you feel better without surgery? At South Bend Orthopaedics in Northern Indiana, we understand the frustration that comes with musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions. Let us introduce you to physiatry—a specialized medical field that can transform your life by optimizing your physical function and minimizing pain.
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Our Physiatry Doctors
The physiatry doctors at South Bend Orthopaedics are dedicated specialists in the field of physiatry, offering expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular conditions. With a patient-centered and holistic approach to care, SBO’s highly skilled physiatrists provide non-surgical solutions for orthopedic issues, chronic pain, and functional limitations.
Our skilled physiatrists are ready to partner with you on your journey to recovery and better health. Contact us now by calling 574-247-9441 or schedule an appointment online.
What Is Physiatry?
Physiatry, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation, is a medical specialty. It focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to those living with physical impairments or disabilities. Unlike other medical specialties that may focus on surgery or medications, our physiatrists employ a holistic, non-surgical approach to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Physiatry Conditions: Our Treatments and Approach to Care
Physiatrists take a holistic and patient-centered approach to treatment, aiming to improve overall function, manage pain, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with orthopedic conditions. SBO’s physiatrists often work in collaboration with our other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management specialists, to provide comprehensive care. Our physiatry team is equipped to address a broad spectrum of conditions, including:
Conditions We Treat
Other Treatments
Conditions We Treat
Physiatry conditions we treat include:
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Back Pain
Physiatrists can help manage acute and chronic back pain, whether it’s caused by disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or other issues. We use non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, injections, and pain management techniques to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
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Neck Pain
Similar to back pain, neck pain can result from various causes, including muscle strains, herniated discs, and degenerative conditions. Our physiatrists offer treatments to relieve pain and improve neck mobility.
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Osteoarthritis
Physiatrists can develop treatment plans for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knees, hips, and shoulders. We may recommend physical therapy, joint injections, and lifestyle modifications to manage pain and maintain joint function.
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Sports Injuries
Progressive hand condition where thickened tissue forms under the skin of the palm and fingers.
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Rotator Cuff Injuries
We can help manage rotator cuff injuries, including tendinitis and tears, through physical therapy, targeted exercises, and pain management techniques.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.
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Foot and Ankle Conditions
A variety of lower extremity conditions affecting the foot and ankle, commonly resulting in pain.
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Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Conditions like peripheral neuropathy or nerve compression syndromes can cause pain, numbness, and weakness. Our physiatrists work on managing these conditions through nerve studies, medications, and physical therapy.
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Spinal Cord Injuries
In cases of spinal cord injuries, physiatrists play a crucial role in rehabilitation, focusing on functional recovery and helping patients regain independence.
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Amputations and Prosthetic Rehabilitation
For individuals who have undergone amputations, we can assist in the rehabilitation process, including fitting and optimizing prosthetic devices.
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Fractures and Traumatic Injuries
After fractures or other traumatic injuries, physiatrists work on rehabilitation to restore mobility and function through physical therapy and other interventions.
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Chronic Pain Management
Our pain management techniques can alleviate the burden of chronic pain from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or complex regional pain syndrome.
Other Treatments
Physiatry Services and Procedures
Based on the illness, injury, or disabling condition, our physiatrists may treat their patients using the following services or procedures:
- Spine injections
- EMG/nerve conduction studies
- Fluoroscopy-guided procedures
- Ultrasound-guided procedures
- Nerve stimulators, ablations, and blocks procedures
- Joint injections
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Nerve and muscle biopsy
- Spasticity treatment
- Disc decompression, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty, and discogram
- Impairment/disability assessment
- Osteopathic treatment/manual medicine
- Alternative/complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, etc.
What’s the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Physiatry?
Physiatry, led by medical doctors known as physiatrists, focuses on non-surgical treatment of a wide range of conditions, offering personalized care plans that encompass pain management, rehabilitation, and holistic health assessments. In contrast, physical therapy, delivered by skilled therapists, emphasizes hands-on rehabilitation and customized exercise programs to improve function and mobility. SBO’s integrated services ensure that you receive the best of both worlds, allowing us to provide tailored, coordinated, and effective care to enhance your overall health and well-being.
Our Locations
We provide physiatry at the following locations. All offices are open Monday–Friday, 8AM–5 PM and can be reached by calling 574-247-9441.
Don’t let pain and physical limitations hold you back from living your best life. Physiatry at South Bend Orthopaedics offers a path to improved function, reduced pain, and enhanced quality of life—all without surgery. Our compassionate and skilled physiatrists are ready to partner with you on your journey to recovery and better health. Contact us now by calling 574-247-9441 or schedule an appointment online and rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest.