At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we pride ourselves on our success in dealing with all types of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. We take a holistic, noninvasive approach to resolving issues pertaining to the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist, as well as to the spine. If you are troubled by discomfort and restricted mobility, consulting with one of our talented specialists in physiatry — the branch of medicine that addresses pain management and rehabilitation — can put you back on track to an easier, more enjoyable life.
Our team, in addition to being conscientious and efficient, is compassionate. We know all too well how difficult it is to work, exercise, do household chores, travel, or take pleasure in recreation and social events if you are in constant or intermittent pain. We are dedicated to providing you with the very best in musculoskeletal pain treatment.Â
Once you have visited one of our five convenient Long Island offices, you will find that we offer a comprehensive range of musculoskeletal pain therapy — including physical therapy with both active and passive exercises, ultrasound-guided joint injections, PRP therapy, gel injections, trigger point injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and EMG nerve studies.
Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Conditions
Whichever joint is affected, your pain can range from mild to unbearable. The symptoms of joint dislocations, fractures, arthritis, torn tendons or ligaments, inflamed bursae (sacs of fluid that help to lubricate the joints) vary not only in intensity and location but also in the way patients describe the pain they experience. Symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries may include:
- Pain during certain motions, such as bending, grasping, extending a limb
- Bruising, swelling, and stiffness
- Pain that burns, shocks, aches, stabs or needles
- Numbness, tingling sensation, or weakness
- Sounds of clicking, popping or crunching in the joint
- Restricted mobility or locking of the affected joint
- Instability, especially of a weight-bearing joint
- Tenderness or a sensation of warmth at the pain site
No matter what type of musculoskeletal pain you’re experiencing, if it doesn’t improve with rest, icing, or over-the-counter painkillers within a few days, you should get in touch with us soon. Enduring joint pain is not heroic; while you procrastinate, you may be allowing your joint to become permanently damaged.
If you have severe pain even while at rest, or if you have had a serious accident, you should seek immediate medical intervention.
Diagnosing What’s WrongÂ
Our offices are more than ready to diagnose the source of your pain. For one thing, our practitioners are knowledgeable and well-skilled in the science of diagnostics; for another, we have the most up-to-date equipment available.Â
We will always begin your initial visit by taking a complete medical history that covers previous injuries, medication regimens, your occupation and leisure activities. Then, one of our exceptional physiatrists will perform a thorough physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, deformity, limited range of motion, and/or weakness of the affected joint.
Depending on your symptoms, in addition to a comprehensive examination and detailed history, we will use one or more of the following diagnostic techniques to examine bone, soft tissues, nerves, and muscles:
- X-rays, CT, MRI
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction studies
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Ultrasound or fluoroscopically guided injections to pinpoint your pain’s origin
We are well aware that you may come to us with pain that originates not in the spine or musculoskeletal system, but elsewhere in the body. If this is the case, you can trust us to refer you to the appropriate specialist, as we are affiliated with the best, and work daily in concert with a range of trusted colleagues. Â By the same token, if the musculoskeletal condition we diagnose is one that needs surgical repair, we will refer you to an excellent surgeon.
Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment
Long Island Spine offers myriad options to treat musculoskeletal pain. We begin with the most conservative methods but move forward if your body does not respond rapidly. Our goal is to make you comfortable and increase your level of function as soon as possible by the least complicated methods. Therefore, our musculoskeletal pain therapy may include:
- Prescribed relative rest and activity modification (i.e. avoiding activity that will worsen your pain)
- Ice packs for pain relief and/or heat packs for increased circulation
- Acupuncture to control pain and inflammation – offered by our team at our East Meadow and Great Neck locations
- Brace, cane or other assistive devices when appropriate
- Taping to relax muscles and reduce inflammation
- NSAIDS, like aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
- Prescribed, stronger anti-inflammatory medications for a short period of time
- Musculoskeletal physical therapy designed to stabilize and strengthen the affected joint
- Ultrasound-guided injections of corticosteroid and analgesics
- Gel injections to lubricate the joint with hyaluronic acid (to date only used on the knee)
- PRP – platelet rich plasma therapy
- PEMF – pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
Our musculoskeletal pain physical therapy will provide ergonomic evaluation. Our competent, caring physical therapists craft their rehabilitative exercises to fit your unique situation. They may focus on strengthening and stretching muscles or increasing range of motion and flexibility, depending on your individual needs. They will also educate you regarding how best to protect your joints, at present and in the future, during work, sports, and other everyday activities.
Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine Can HelpÂ
Whether you are troubled by pain in your hip, knee, elbow, wrist, or shoulder, our physiatrists have the skills and tools to help you recover. Remember, the sooner you contact us, the sooner you’ll be able to resume your normal activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm.