Join Our Mailing List » JOIN NOW For Email Marketing you can trust	WHY CHOOSE A PHYSIATRIST? Definition: A physiatrist (fizz-EYE-a-trist) is a medical doctor who specializes in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which includes restoring optimal function in people with a wide variety of injuries and pain. The Physical Medicine Approach: This medical specialty involves the evaluation and treatment of injuries to the nerves, muscles, bones, and soft tissues. Upon an initial visit, Dr. Zaharoff will perform a careful history and comprehensive evaluation of the affected area,which may require the use of sophisticated diagnostic tests to help determine the source of pain and the extent of the injury or disability. She will then develop a detailed rehabilitation plan, incorporating non-surgical treatment methods with appropriate goals. Depending on the injury or condition, a variety of treatments are available to control pain. Pain control interventions may include the use of medication, electroceuticals, trigger point therapies, and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Prolotherapy injections may also be used to regenerate injured tendons or ligaments and stabilize arthritic joints if needed. Physical medicine treatments such as heat, cold, massage, myofascial release and traction may also be prescribed. Other health care providers such as physical therapists, massage therapists, nutritionists, exercise trainers, and psychologists may be consulted to address all aspects of an individuals care. People of all ages and walks of life who suffer from physical pain and discomfort can benefit from Dr. Zaharoff's expert care, knowledge, and experience: recreational athletes wanting to stay fit, an executive who injures a knee, a performing artist who overuses shoulder and arm muscles, amateur and professional athletes who sustain injury in competition or training. As an individual recovers from an injury, safe therapeutic exercise is prescribed to promote mobility, strength, and endurance. Guidelines for safe return to daily, recreational, and athletic activities are provided to prevent re-injury. The individual is an active participant in their rehabilitation program and ultimately learns how to maintain their health and fitness for their activity level. Frequently Asked Questions: What types of injuries do you treat? Dr. Zaharoff evaluates and treats: - Arthritis and joint problems - Tendinitis, muscle strains, and other soft tissue injuries - Neck and low back injuries, pinched nerves - Recent, acute injuries - Chronic, recurrent injuries - Overuse injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome - Sport and work related injuries People of all ages and walks of life who suffer from physical pain and discomfort can benefit from Dr. Zaharoff's expert care, knowledge, and experience: a worker who experiences chronic back pain, an executive who injures a knee, a performing artist who overuses shoulder and arm muscles, amateur and professional athletes who sustain injury in competition or training. Do I have to be an athlete do see Dr. Z? No. Dr. Zaharoff's practice encompasses patients of all ages and activity levels. Her goal is to optimize an individual's recovery from an injury and return people to their desired level of activity. Because different activities have different physical demands, Dr. Zaharoff individualizes each rehabilitation and training program to meet those demands. The goal is to return people safely back to their activities whether it be gardening, walking, or competitive sports. What kinds of tests may be ordered or given? Additional types of diagnostic testing may be indicated to clarify the type and extent of an injury. In addition to a comprehensive clinical evaluation other tests may include one or more of the following: - Diagnostic ultrasound, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, bone scan, blood tests - Diagnostic/therapeutic injection techniques: epidural steroid injections (with fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance), facet and selective nerve root blocks, trigger point injections (TPI), and cortisone injections. - Nerve conduction tests - EMG testing - ECG - Functional capacity evaluation Do I need a referral? Referrals are always welcome but not necessary. New patients and self-referrals are always welcome. How do I make an appointment? For more information, please contact Dr Zaharoff or call during office hours at: (210) 616-0646