a) A physiatrist is a physician trained in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This specialty requires four years of residency training after completing medical school. Physiatrists help patients with impairments ranging from sports-related injuries to spinal cord injuries regain as much function as possible.
What conditions do physiatrists treat?
Physiatrists are well-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint, and nerve disorders. These include muscles strains, tendinitis, pinched nerves, and arthritis.
Do physiatrists evaluate neck and back pain?
Physiatrists are well equipped to diagnose and treat neck and low back problems. Diagnosing the source of spine-related pain can be challenging. Accurate diagnosis requires in-depth knowledge of both the neurologic and the musculoskeletal systems. Diagnosis starts with a comprehensive history and a detailed physical examination. Often, other studies such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are ordered. Physiatrists are also experts in performing electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). These tests assess the function of nerves in the neck, back, arms, and legs. Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is developed with the goal of reducing impairment and maximizing function.
How do physiatrists treat neck and low back pain?
Physiatrists often use a multi-modal approach to treatment. Physical therapy is a primary tool in the treatment of low back and neck pain. The key to successful physical therapy is tailoring specific therapy exercises to the specific diagnosis. Physiatrists are also well trained in the appropriate use of medications for low back pain. Additionally, some physiatrists perform interventional spine procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac joint injections with the use of x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy). Such injections provide both short and long term pain relief while the patient’s body is healing.
Does Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic offer physiatry services?
Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic offers physiatry at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Baptist Hospital West. Dr. Peter Vonderau, a board-certified physiatrist, joined Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic in 2006. He graduated with honors from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. He completed his residency at the world-renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Vonderau then pursued additional training in interventional spine procedures at the Institute for Low Back and Neck Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Vonderau specializes in the non-surgical treatment of neck and back pain, as well as sports and work-related injuries. He performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) and x-ray-guided spine procedures such as epidural steroid injections.
Our Physiatrist is:
Peter E. Vonderau, M.D.
Services offered include:
• Interventional Spine Procedures
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sports Medicine and Athletic Injuries
• EMG's/Electrodiagnostic Testing/Nerve Conduction Studies
• Work related injuries
• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Joint Pain, Nerve Injuries, Neck, Back and Spine Injuries
