Streamlining Your Treatment and Care
UC Health’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation team works to bring together specialists from across the UC Health network to best treat debilitating conditions. We offer these treatment options:
Electromyography (EMG) or Nerve conduction study (NCS)
We use this treatment to help diagnose nerve injuries, radicular pain, numbness, tingling or burning pain, neck pain or back pain. In an EMG or NCS, tiny needles are inserted into the muscle through the skin, which report the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles back to a machine. The doctor is then able to diagnose what might be causing your symptoms.
Ultrasound imaging of soft tissues and joints
We use ultrasound imaging for joints or musculoskeletal areas that have pain when the patient is not finding relief or diagnosis from other treatment options. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a dynamic imaging method that allows us to evaluate the area of impairment at rest, and also during painful motion–so we can make an accurate, functional diagnosis. Ultrasound imaging is radiation-free, and patients with metal implants and pacemakers can be imaged safely.
Spasticity management
We work to control spasticity (pulling or stiffness in the muscles) using oral medications, physical therapy, Botox injections, Phenol injections and Intrathecal Baclofen pumps.
Epidurals and steroid injections under fluoroscopy (intermittent imaging of x-rays that creates an “x-ray movie”)
We offer epidurals (medication injected into the spine) for neck pain, back pain or those with lumbar radiculopathy (pain caused by compression in the spine that extends to the legs and/or feet). We perform steroid (pain medication) injections for patients with chronic neck or back pain.
Prosthetics and orthotics
Our specialists fit patients who have amputations or gait (walking) abnormalities with prosthetics (artificial body parts) and orthotics (a support, splint or brace to enhance body function).
Adaptive equipment
We fit patients with wheelchairs or braces after they have had a stroke or following a debilitating impairment or diagnosis, with the overall goal to increase independence. Patients with multiple sclerosis also sometimes benefit from adaptive equipment.