Understanding the Role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists in Your Path to Recovery

Dr. Michele Perez, a board-certified physiatrist at Resurgens Orthopaedics, specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) with a focus on non-surgical spine care. Typically, those who suffer from persistent neck or back pain may assume the next step is a visit to a spine surgeon. However, Dr. Perez offers a different starting point and believes you should know what her specialty and expertise is all about and why physiatry could be the best choice for you.

Many patients may be unfamiliar with the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), and the term "physiatrist" is often misunderstood. As a result, physiatrists are sometimes confused with pain management providers or general orthopedic specialists. Dr. Perez emphasizes the importance of educating patients about the unique role physiatrists play in spine care. They focus on diagnosing the root cause of pain and offering non-surgical treatment options designed to restore function and improve quality of life.

What Is a Physiatrist?

Physiatrists are licensed medical doctors trained in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions using non-surgical methods. "We are the cardiologists of the ortho world," says Dr. Perez. "Everybody knows what a cardiologist does and what a heart surgeon does. You go to a cardiologist to manage your heart condition, and you don't go to the cardiac surgeon unless you need surgery."

This analogy helps patients understand PM&R's role as the medical manager of spine issues before surgery becomes necessary. "When I explain it that way to patients, it's like a light goes on. They say, 'Oh, OK. Now I get it.'"

Conservative Care Options in PM&R

"The best way to explain to patients what we do is that we are there to make an accurate diagnosis. That's our major goal. Including any testing that might need to be done," Dr. Perez explains. "Our conservative treatment may include medications, therapy, and non-surgical or minor non or minimally invasive procedures."

Some of the procedures Dr. Perez performs include spinal and epidural injections, radiofrequency ablations, joint injections, and spinal nerve blocks. She emphasizes that treatment plans are highly individualized. "We start with a diagnosis, then offer the most effective and least invasive options available."

Why Start with a PM&R Specialist?

"We're a small part of the group, but an important part." Dr. Perez says. She also adds, "We're predominantly spine providers for a reason. We consider ourselves the bridge between the outside world and the spine surgeons."

At Resurgens, Dr. Perez and her fellow physiatrists work collaboratively with spine surgeons, therapists, and imaging staff to ensure each patient gets the care they need. "We're going to do everything we can for you non-surgically."

When to See a Physiatrist Dr. Perez recommends seeing a physiatrist when back or neck pain interferes with daily life or when patients want to pursue conservative options before exploring surgery. "Patients should know they have options before surgery," she says. "We offer solutions that are effective and patient centered."

You should consider seeing a physiatrist if you experience:

• Neck or low back pain

• Pain that radiates into the arms or legs

• Limited mobility or stiffness in the spine

• Pain after an injury that hasn't improved

• Pain that disrupts sleep or daily function

• Failed results from physical therapy or medication

• A desire to explore non-surgical treatment options first

Leading the Way with New Spine Treatments

The Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for ongoing low back pain that comes from the vertebrae. It targets a nerve inside the spine, which can be a source of pain when the surrounding bone becomes irritated. Dr. Perez is one of the few providers in the region trained to perform this advanced procedure. "It offers a solution for people who may feel like they've run out of options," she says. "For the right patient, it can be life changing."

A Seamless Approach to Spine Care

At Resurgens Orthopaedics, patients can access the full range of spine care in one place. From conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections to advanced procedures and surgical care, everything is designed to work together for the patient's benefit.

Physiatrists like Dr. Perez help guide that process by evaluating the source of pain, providing non-surgical treatment, and coordinating next steps when needed. With physical therapy, imaging, procedures, and surgical consults available under one roof, patients spend less time navigating the healthcare system and more time focusing on recovery.

"We want to make sure patients get everything they need in-house," Dr. Perez says.

Get Rid of Your Chronic Back Pain

Physiatrists play a critical and often lesser-known role in orthopedic and spine care. By combining diagnostic expertise with innovative non-surgical treatments, PM&R specialists help patients find relief and return to the activities they enjoy. If you're experiencing back or neck pain, starting with a physiatrist can help you explore all appropriate options and determine the best path forward for your condition.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Perez, visit Resurgens.com or call your nearest Resurgens Orthopaedics location.