Physiatrists: Unveiling the Full Picture of Recovery

An Objective Expert

Physiatrists: Unveiling the Full Picture of Recovery

When facing a neurological injury, a physiatrist on your team offers a unique perspective, helping to ensure a fair and balanced evaluation of the case.

Physiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). They bridge the gap between the nervous system and physical function.

Focus on Function, Not Just Injury

Evaluate Daily Living Skills

A physiatrist goes beyond basic physical capabilities. They assess the patient’s ability to perform daily activities, considering progress in regaining independence.

Return to Work & School

Physiatrists evaluate the patient’s potential to return to work or school, considering reasonable accommodations and the specific demands of the workplace or educational setting.

Project Long Term Function

By analyzing the injury, rehabilitation progress, and pre-injury capabilities, a physiatrist can offer a realistic assessment of future limitations and potential for improvement.

The Physiatrist’s Role

Objective Assessment

Physiatrists offer a neutral evaluation of the injury, focusing on observable limitations and progress in rehabilitation.

Address potential for improvement

Physiatrists can highlight the patient’s current rehabilitation efforts and potential for further improvement in function and daily activities.

Quantify Objective Functional Loss

By objectively assessing current and expected limitations, a physiatrist can provide a balanced view of functional loss.

Develop An Appropriate Rehabilitation Plan

Physiatrists advocate for appropriate and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.

Evidence-Based Damage Calculations

A physiatrist’s objective assessment helps ensure damage calculations accurately reflect the patient’s actual limitations and potential for recovery.

LAW + MEDICINE

Ellia Ciammaichella, DO, JD

Dr. Ciammaichella is a board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), spinal cord injury medicine, and brain injury medicine and is a renowned author and speaker in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. She completed her PM&R Residency at the University of Texas at Houston and spent a significant amount of time at TIRR, a national renown center for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. She obtained specialized training at the spinal cord injury fellowship at the University of Utah Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital.

Her meticulous eye for detail and unique dual qualifications as a physician and lawyer make her an indispensable resource for clients seeking in-depth expertise at the intersection of medicine and law.

Ready to schedule an appointment?

Book Now