Physical Medicine & Rehabilation - Overview

Illness and injury can affect a person in countless ways. UAB Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is one of the Southeast’s foremost providers of comprehensive rehabilitation care. Our nationally recognized programs are designed to address every aspect of a patient’s rehabilitation, including physical, social, and psychological health. Our specialists are devoted exclusively to the practice of rehabilitation medicine, utilizing advanced research, technology, and expertise to provide the highest level of patient care. These professionals provide the care necessary to help each patient overcome difficulties and pursue his or her goals.

Conditions Treated

• UAB Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation treats a vast selection of conditions. Among them are:
• Work-related injuries
• Neck and back pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis
• Trauma injuries, including sprains, strains, and muscular pain
• Hip and knee pain, including bursitis and cartilage injuries
• Osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures
• Arthritis
• Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff strains or “frozen” shoulder
• Repetitive stress injuries, including tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rehabilitation after joint injury and replacement
• Amputee injuries
• Pulled Muscle
• Ruptured Disc
• Hip and knee Pain

Treatments and Procedures Performed
UAB Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation provides a wide array of treatments and performs many procedures for those in need of care. A sample of the treatments we provide includes:
 

• Specialized physical therapy with an emphasis on pain reduction
• Diagnostic testing such as MRI, CT scan, or nerve testing to help identify pain sources
• Pain management, including epidural or facet block injections
• Muscular and/or joint injections or mobilization techniques
• Pain modalities such traction, TENS electrical stimulation, soft-tissue therapy
• Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility, and increase endurance
• Appropriate oral medications, such as NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, etc. as needed
• Gait (walking) retraining and methods of safe ambulation (including the use of a walker, cane, or crutch)
• Ergonomic assessments and work-related injury prevention
• Help with obtaining assistive devices that promote independence
• Fitting and care for casts, braces, and splints (orthoses), or artificial limbs (prostheses)
• Stress, anxiety, and depression management
• Exercise programs to improve movement, prevent, or decrease weakness caused by lack of use, manage spasticity and pain, and maintain range of motion
• Nutritional counseling
• Involvement in community support groups
• Help with obtaining assistive devices that promote independence