What is Physical Medicine?
If you have a condition that affects your musculoskeletal system, such as a bone or muscle disorder, your primary care provider (PCP) may refer you to the Intermountain physical medicine team for evaluation, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment. The physical medicine team focuses on life improvement by means of exercise and self-care whenever possible to help you recover strength and the ability to move your muscles and joints.
Physical medicine is also commonly known as physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R).
Holistic strategy
The physical medicine team will work with you and your PCP to develop a care plan tailored to your medical needs, lifestyle, and personal goals. Care may include nutrition counseling, therapeutic exercise, regenerative treatments, biomechanical evaluation, physical therapy, chiropractor referral, injection treatments, and referral to specialists for surgery or rehabilitation if necessary.
Conditions we treat:
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
- Acute or chronic sports injuries
- Joint instabilities
- Rotator cuff tears
- Minor fractures and dislocations
- Plantar fasciitis
- Joint arthritis
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinitis
Benefits of Physical Medicine
Team approach
Your physical medicine physician will perform an evaluation and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, goals, and priorities to develop a customized treatment plan. Other specialists, such as therapists, chiropractors, neurologists, pain specialists, and surgeons may be added to your care team if necessary.
Treatment options
Treatment for your condition may include physical therapy, splinting/bracing, evaluation of biomechanics, acupuncture, standard or ultrasound-guided injections, or in the worst case, surgery. The physical medicine team may also recommend nutrition consultation and teach you stretches or exercises to do at home.
Coordinated care
Your physical medicine team and PCP will coordinate your care plan and monitor your progress every step of the way. If you are referred for surgical evaluation or rehabilitation, the physical medicine team will follow up with you and update your PCP.
Talk to your primary care provider or care manager to find out if you could benefit from physical medicine services for musculoskeletal rehabilitation.