Updates

BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Physical medicine and physical therapy: Why choose us?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Our team includes trusted physical medicine doctors (physiatrists), physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists. Whether you want to resume your sport, return to work or keep up with household tasks, we can help you. We offer:

  • Extraordinary care: You benefit from one-on-one therapy sessions. We work closely with you, helping you make steady progress toward your goals. This approach helps us successfully treat some of the region’s most complex cases.

  • Holistic approach: Care often starts with a physiatry evaluation where we consider all possible causes for your symptoms. For example, back pain may be due to weak muscles in another area of the body. Our depth of experience enables us to make an accurate diagnosis.

  • Connected services: We collaborate with all the specialists you are seeing to ensure a seamless care experience. Our extended team includes orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors and human performance experts. We coordinate details like assessment findings and treatment plans that lead to exceptional outcomes.

  • Innovative assessments: You have access to sophisticated evaluations that are only available in select programs such as ours. These include strength and balance testing and video motion analysis. They provide precise measurements and other data that help us determine your needs and treatment response.

What are physiatrists?

Our physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, called physiatrists, are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. They have a focus on the return of function.

Physiatrists specialize in a wide array of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:

  • Elbow and shoulder conditions: These issues include brachial plexus injuries, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Learn more about elbow and shoulder care.

  • Foot and ankle issues: We treat common and complex conditions, such as Achilles tendinitis, ankle instability, heel spurs, neuromas and plantar fasciitis. Learn more about foot and ankle care.

  • Hand and wrist pain: There can be many sources of pain, including fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger and sprains. Learn more about hand and wrist care.

  • Hip and knee conditions: Problems affecting the hips and knees include torn anterior cruciate ligament, hip impingement, bursitis, cartilage injuries and labral tears. Learn more about hip and knee care.

  • Orthopedic trauma: We help people recover from traumatic injuries, including complex fractures, dislocations, spinal cord injuries and amputations. Learn more about orthopedic trauma.

  • Sports injuries: Athletes and active people may suffer injuries from overusing their muscles, colliding with other people or objects and wearing ill-fitting equipment. Learn more about sports injuries.

Conditions treated

We treat a range of conditions with physical therapy and rehabilitation, including:

  • Arthritis
    This condition occurs when there is inflammation and stiffness. It may be due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Back, spine and neck issues
    These conditions include an unusual spine curvature, slipped or herniated disks, sciatica and trauma.
  • Chronic pain
    Long-lasting pain anywhere in the body that does not respond to standard therapies.
  • Sports injuries
    These injuries, such as sprains, strains, bursitis or tendonitis, occur in active people.
  • Work injuries
    Injuries may occur in the workplace, including deep cuts (lacerations), crushes, fractures, sprains and strains.
Diagnostic procedures

Physiatrists may perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including:

Electromyogram (EMG)
This test measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves. It helps us evaluate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, reduced sensation and weakness.
Strength and balance testing
You stand on a platform that tilts in different directions. Special technology measures muscle and joint movements while you maintain your balance.
Video motion analysis
We use high-speed cameras and special technology to assess movement and posture while you walk, cycle, throw, swing or run.
Physical medicine and physical therapy services

Physiatrists and physical therapists deliver a broad range of services, making it easier to meet your medical needs and personal preferences. We periodically assess your progress and make adjustments as necessary to keep treatment on track.

Treatments and therapies may include:

Acupuncture
Physical medicine doctors (physiatrists) insert tiny needles into specific areas at different depths to unlock the body's healing energy.
Aquatic therapy
Doing exercises in water takes pressure off painful joints so you can get moving earlier in your recovery. Available at select locations.
Custom splints and adaptive devices
These devices fit the unique shape of your body. They hold the affected area in a position that provides support and relieves strain.
Hand therapy
Therapists specializing in upper extremity issues guide you through treatments, including special exercises to ease discomfort.
Therapeutic injections
We inject drugs or other substances directly into your area of concern, which can speed healing. Real-time imaging helps deliver them with precision.
Therapeutic massage
Licensed massage therapists help loosen stiff tissue, which increases blood flow to injured areas and promotes healing.
Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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