Patients seeking comprehensive evaluation and conservative, nonsurgical treatment of spine, sports or occupational orthopedic conditions will benefit from an appointment with a Washington University physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Our physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, called physiatrists, are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, with the focus on the return of function. They specialize in a wide array of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Disorders involving the spine, shoulder and upper extremity, hip, pelvis, knee, ankle and foot
- Sports injuries
- Occupational injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Musculoskeletal health related to women and performing artists
The physiatrists at Washington University in the department of orthopedic surgery perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including:
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies
- Fluoroscopically (x-ray) guided diagnostic and therapeutic injections for lumbar spine and peripheral joints
- Ultrasound guided peripheral joint diagnostic and therapeutic injections
Diagnostics tests such as electromyography (EMG) are used to diagnose nerve injuries and determine conservative or surgical treatment options. Ultrasound or fluoroscopy, which enables physiatrists to obtain “live” x-ray images during a procedure, are used when necessary to perform diagnostic and therapeutic spine or peripheral joint injections.
Treatment for many conditions, such as lower back pain and neck pain, may include medications, physical or occupational therapy, bracing, orthotics (support devices) or diagnostic or therapeutic injections. Treatment is individualized to the patient’s condition and functional goals. If a surgical referral is needed, physiatrists work closely with our nationally recognized team of orthopedic surgeons to provide integrated care.