Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Minnesota

Overview

Specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) focus on people's function and enhancing their quality of life, no matter what the medical problem. PM&R physicians (called physiatrists) have training that emphasizes neurologic, orthopedic, rheumatologic and cardiopulmonary care, since abnormalities in these body systems frequently interfere with day-to-day functioning.

Physical Medicine specialists diagnose and treat people with many different types of problems, ranging from sports injuries and low back pain to serious neurologic injury such as spinal cord injury or brain injury. We offer treatment options including physical modalities such as heat or ice, acupuncture, manual therapies and therapeutic exercise to improve function. Our goal is to design a unique program of recovery, health and wellness that fits each person's needs. We work together as a team that includes physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, recreational therapists, rehabilitation psychologists, social workers, and nurses. We draw on the expertise of each care professional, as needed, to assure that patient needs are met and that questions are answered.

The Patient Experience

At Mayo, patients, their families and staff work together to set and follow individualized treatment plans for recovery. When implementing these treatment plans, patients benefit greatly from Mayo's low patient-to-therapist ratio. In most instances, patients work one-on-one with their therapists. Patients benefit, too, from Mayo's extensive array of patient care resources, including more than 1,000 staff physicians and sophisticated diagnostic, laboratory equipment and facilities.

Patient Education

Mayo Clinic believes that patient education is an important part of delivering excellent medical care. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation staff weave patient education opportunities into the daily rehabilitation activities of patients. During these "teaching moments," staff use one-on-one discussions and patient education materials — such as brochures, books, and videotapes — to educate patients about their medical condition and rehabilitative care.

Patients and their families are welcome to use Mayo's Patient Education Center (PEC), another patient education resource, for more information. The PEC, which includes a library and conducts many classes, provides information about healthy living and specific conditions. The center is located in the subway level of the Siebens Building on Mayo Clinic's downtown campus.

Referral to the Programs

A physician referral is needed for consideration of admission to our inpatient program or an appointment in any of our outpatient programs.

If candidates have a primary language disorder, a speech-language pathologist will be involved in the evaluation.

Mayo Clinic Traumatic Brain Injury Model System

With funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), Mayo Clinic studies new ways to improve treatment for people with brain injury. Through the NIDRR Traumatic Brain Injury Model System, Mayo shares its research with programs worldwide. People in the Brain Injury Outpatient Program may be invited to participate in this research.