LEARN MORE ABOUT
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
(PM&R), Including Spine Care
Are you struggling with neck, back, or joint pain? Our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Program, led by Dr. Faye Kibler, provides interventional pain management solutions in Knoxville, TN. We specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, brain and spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and more. Learn more about how the OrthoKnox PM&R program can help you reduce pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life.
Learn about our expert team of orthopaedic specialists.
Understanding Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)
What do Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physicians (Physiatrists) do?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The main goal of a physiatrist is to restore function and improve quality of life. In order to do so, a special emphasis is placed on the consideration of a patient's physical, emotional, medical, vocational, and social needs.
Physical medicine often involves a multidisciplinary approach, meaning that different healthcare professionals from various specialties may collaborate to provide patients with comprehensive care. This collaboration can include physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthotists/prosthetists, psychologists, and social workers.
What conditions do Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physicians (Physiatrists) treat?
Physiatrists specialize in treating a wide range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. These include:
- Musculoskeletal conditions: Arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, back pain, neck pain.
- Neurological conditions: Stroke, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease.
- Pain syndromes: Chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, phantom pain.
- Other conditions: Amputations, cancer rehabilitation, pelvic floor disorders.
Our goal is to help patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life through a comprehensive approach that combines physical therapy, medication management, and other evidence-based treatments.
Interventional Pain Management and Non-Surgical Spine Treatments
Back, neck, and joint pain can be very concerning and limiting, but non-surgical interventions can be highly effective for diagnosing and treating old and new pains. Thankfully, surgery is not always necessary to relieve pain.
At OrthoKnox, we often use a combination of diagnostic tools, non-surgical treatments, and additional resources to help patients reduce pain, regain function, and improve their quality of life, including:
Adjusting daily activities to reduce pain and promote healing.
Tailored exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function.
Physical therapy is a key component of physical medicine. Physical therapists work with patients to help them regain strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance through exercises and other therapeutic interventions. They may use manual techniques, modalities like heat or cold therapy, and assistive devices as needed.
Occupational therapists focus on helping patients improve their ability to perform everyday tasks and activities. They may teach adaptive techniques, recommend assistive devices, and provide training to enhance skills required for independent living and work.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications to manage pain and inflammation.
Procedures to block pain signals and provide temporary relief.
Injections in the lumbar and cervical spine to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
A procedure to deaden nerve endings that cause pain.
A minimally invasive procedure to repair vertebral compression fractures.
Implanted devices involving spinal cord stimulators that deliver electrical impulses to block pain signals.
In cases involving nerve or muscle dysfunction, physiatrists may perform electrodiagnostic studies like electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess the integrity of nerves and muscles.
Precise injections guided by X-ray imaging for accurate treatment.
A traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
Personalized advice on specific holistic and wellness lifestyle changes to support overall health and manage pain.
For individuals with limb loss or mobility impairments, physiatrists may work with orthotists and prosthetists to design, fit, and prescribe orthotic devices (braces) or prosthetic limbs that improve mobility and function.
Physical medicine may involve long-term care, especially for patients with chronic conditions or disabilities. The focus may shift from intensive rehabilitation to the ongoing maintenance of functional gains and prevention of deterioration.
What are the benefits of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation offers a wide range of benefits for individuals who are recovering from injuries or surgeries, or who are managing chronic conditions. Key advantages of PM&R include:
- Functional Improvement: PM&R aims to enhance functional ability and restore independence. Through targeted exercises, therapies, and interventions, patients can regain strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: PM&R practitioners create tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs and goals of each patient. This personalized approach ensures that the rehabilitation process is aligned with the individual's specific condition and circumstances.
- Enhanced Mobility: Whether recovering from surgery or an injury, PM&R helps individuals regain mobility and range of motion. This is particularly important for maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
- Prevention of Complications: PM&R addresses potential complications that can arise from immobilization or reduced activity. By providing appropriate therapies and interventions, it helps prevent issues like muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and pressure ulcers.
- Non-Surgical Options: PM&R explores non-surgical treatment options whenever possible. This often leads to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and a reduced need for invasive procedures.
- Improved Quality of Life: Ultimately, PM&R's focus on restoring function, managing pain, and promoting well-being leads to an improved overall quality of life for patients.
Physical Medicine &
Rehabilitation, Including
Spine Care in Knoxville, TN
Our onsite Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation program, led by Dr. Faye Kibler, is here to help you heal, reclaim your wellbeing, and rediscover the activities you enjoy. We are dedicated to delivering a warm, patient-focused experience within a nurturing and healing setting. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call 865.251.3030 or request an appointment online.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
EXCELLENT. I can't say enough good things...[My provider] was kind, caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, explained my options now and in the future…Very personable. Any patient would be extremely blessed to have him as your provider. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
— J.R.
The staff and the doctors are friendly and caring. They listen to what you have to say and answer your questions so that you understand. I highly recommend ORTHOKNOX!
— S.W.
My son suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus and broken cartilage in the high school football playoffs last season. Dr.Hovis performed surgery and my son was able to play the first game of the season this year! Dr. Hovis was great! We appreciate him so much!
— L.A.
Excellent experience. Mike took great care of me and was very thorough helping me figure out a complicated problem. 10/10 would recommend.
— S.G.
Neil is patient, responds to all my questions, provides objective options and delivers compassionate care. Never once did I feel rushed or uninformed.
— K.U.
My physical therapist was knowledgeable and personable and made me feel at ease throughout the entire session. I appreciated the thorough explanation of the treatment plan and the clear instructions on how to continue the exercises at home. I highly recommend this physical therapist to anyone needing care.
— W.C.
OrthoKnox is an excellent place. I had total knee replacement 3 weeks ago, and I am recovering beautifully. All my friends and family cannot believe how far I’ve come in just 3 weeks. The staff is very kind, caring and take the time to ensure that all my concerns, fears and questions are resolved. Dr. Hovis and his PA, Neil Stoner, are the best.
— P.S.
Instantly felt at ease and reassured with my daughter’s care. Professional, informative and great bedside manner!
— M.P.
Everyone here has been amazing since first coming in through diagnosis, surgery, and now the recovery phase. Couldn't recommend these people enough.
— D.I.
All the doctors and staff at OrthoKnox including those in the physical therapy department, are very caring, and competent. I have been very satisfied with both the surgery outcome as well as the recovery. One nice thing is there is very little wait time after you arrive at your appointed time.
— G.V.
Very friendly and prompt! Always a good experience at this office. Lovely staff!
— R.B.
Laura has been great! She has been extremely friendly and professional at every visit. She has helped me make substantial improvement in my injury.
— W.O.
Delightful, helpful, encouraging, professional group. I am very grateful for their kindness.
— G.M.
Dr. Hovis has taken care of me the past 12 years. Started out with knee surgery and later in life with a shoulder that needed an injection. I would never go anywhere else because he is the best, and he cares. My last visit a couple of months ago was like seeing a family member again. You’re in good hands here.
— J.S.
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