About Physiatric Treatment
As a result of an illness, injury or condition, individuals may find themselves with limited mobility, or experiencing pain when performing regular physical activities. In situations like this, after being diagnosed by a physiatrist, a patient may be referred to physical therapy to help regain mobility and resume daily functions.
In this post, we’ll identify what a Physiatrist is, the types of ailments physiatry treatments can help; explore the benefits of physiatry treatment; advise on when to see a physiatrist and introduce you to our Western Washington Medical Group Physiatrist, should you need to make an appointment.
What is a Physiatrist?
A Physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehab. 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 those suffering from:
- Amputations
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Brain Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Degenerative Disc Disease
- Chronic Whiplash
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Herniated Discs
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle and Ligament Injuries
- Neck Pain
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Pinched Nerves
- Sciatica
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Strokes
- Work-related Injuries
What are the benefits of physical therapy?
There are many benefits of physical therapy; among the most common are:
Reduction and/or Elimination of Pain
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.
Improvement of 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.
Restoration or Improvement of 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.
Management of Diabetes
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.
Speak with a Physiatrist
If you’d like to explore physiatry services, call (425) 317-9119 to request an appointment with Dr. Yee or fill out the form on this page. She is located at the Gateway Center at 3726 Broadway in Everett. For directions to the Center, visit this page. For more general inquiries, complete the form on this page.