Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a discipline that focuses on treating a range of nerve and muscle related conditions to return a higher quality of life to the patient. Some other treatments for nerve pain or muscle pain might involve invasive surgery or addictive painkillers, both of which come with their own risks. An effective physical medicine and rehabilitation program can permanently make a big difference to many patients’ lives with fewer associated risks

What Is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialization that focuses on returning maximum function and quality of life to patients who have lost the ability to move effectively or independently.

PM&R differs from Physical Therapy in that it takes into account the patient’s entire body and various physiological systems when determining the best course of action to take. This includes not only the joints and muscles directly involved in the desired motion, but also the nerves that attach to those muscles and even how the brain is sending signals to effect that motion.

PM&R combines a range of different disciplines into a holistic treatment plan that addresses every part of a patient’s physiology to achieve a return to the maximum level of function possible.

What Does a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Do?

A PM&R specialist, also known as a physiatrist, is a medical practitioner that has completed extensive education and practical experience in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect movement. They are experts in nerve, muscle, bone and brain conditions that can impact a person’s ability to move, from sprained ankles or lower back pain, to the after effects of a stroke or cerebral palsy.

A physiatrist will take a comprehensive history and ask you a range of questions to assess the areas you feel need improvement. They will also conduct a physical examination to observe the extent of the condition and how limited your movement has become. Once they have a clear picture of the symptoms and causes of your illness, they will develop a personalized treatment plan that can include physical therapy, electrotherapy, or the use of an assistive device.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation in manistique michigan

Who Needs To See a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist?

As physiatrists are experienced in a broad range of medical conditions, the range of patients they are able to treat is also expanded.

Conditions that can be treated with a PM&R specialist include:

  • Recovering from major surgery
  • Recent loss of limb
  • Spinal injuries
  • Pain syndromes
  • Loss of motor function due to stroke and other neurological conditions
  • Sports injuries
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Sprains, ligaments tears
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Gait disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Peripheral Nerve Disease
  • Headaches & Migraines

What Treatments are Offered at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital?

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital offers a complete range of PM&R services for our patients to ensure they are receiving the best care possible.

Some key treatments offered include:

Electrodiagnostic Testing

This diagnostic method is commonly used in pain and movement conditions to accurately identify the cause and extent of the issue. A machine collects data on the electrical activity of a specific area of the body to determine whether nerves are firing correctly or whether the loss of sensation or pain symptoms is caused by something else.

Headache & Migraine Therapies

Dr. Vermeulen conducts a thorough initial history, lifestyle assessment and physical exam to investigate the cause of patient headaches.  Treatment options are offered to control headache triggers and symptoms, and may include oral medications, Botox injections, local anesthetic nerve blocks and recommendations for lifestyle changes.

 

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is an effective treatment option for many conditions that involve limited mobility and recovery from surgery. A range of physical motions, stretches and exercises will be prescribed to assist with regaining function and strength.

Injection Therapies

A specialty of RM&R is injection therapies, which utilizes certain compounds such as BOTOX to treat muscular and nerve conditions. By injecting therapeutic amounts of BOTOX, a trained physiatrist can help lessen muscle pain or spasms associated with a range of disorders.

Dr. Richard Vermeulen, M.d - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
RICHARD VERMEULEN, M.D

Dr. Richard Vermeulen graduated from Wayne State School of Medicine prior to completing his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency through Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center in 1990. This has afforded him a strong neurology, musculoskeletal and electrodiagnostic foundation. He treats children and adults with a variety of therapies including injection therapies such as BOTOX spasticity and cervical dystonia management.

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Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
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Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
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Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
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Read what Patients have to say about Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

Everyone in the ambulatory care/outpatient surgery were great!! They all made me feel very comfortable and did a great job!!! thank you to the whole outpatient staff and Doctor Rayner..I would recommend Schoolcraft or patient to anyone in need of surgery

Reviewer: Jeremy Sitkoski

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5 out of 5 stars

The care that was provided by The nurses (Cindy, Felicia Ruth) and staff was exceptional. The entire staff was very friendly and made you feel welcome. We received a call from Felicia the next day to check on my husband to check his pain level and do a follow up. The surgery area from check in to check out was well organized, clean, and up to date. Thank you to all of you for what you do so well and everything beyond your normal duties.

Reviewer: Maureen DesChamps

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5 out of 5 stars

Doing good
Wonderful very pleasant. Great staff very informative and kind
He was very helpful ,he explained what was giving me so much pain and ordered test to confirm his diagnosis the next morning his Nurse called and let me know what was happening and he sent Dr.Adair an emergency notice to get me seen ASAP
Had a 3 inch cut in my stomach from a circular saw, he was great, easy going and gentle. Great care, and he explained everything really well!
Very pleasant personality very informative!
I saw Doctor Schoenow on 9/3/25. All the support staff were very prompt and supportive. Specialists described what they were doing and why. Dr. Shoenow took time to explain what he thought was going on with me and what he planned to do to explore the causes. A couple times he stopped at my room to apologize for the wait, describe what was going on, and offer projected time frames. Before discharge, he reviewed his findings, recommended treatment, recommended follow-up with my primary physician, and responded to my questions.
His demeanor was professional, friendly, and contributed to stress-reduction.
Dr. Niemela was very knowledgeable and friendly, and he patiently listened to my complaints. He offered numerous treatment options, and gave me a cortisone shot that day. He also gave me instructions for several stretches and ice massage. I will definitely return to him when needed.
Jen was very thorough, and informative, I look forward to seeing her again
Dr. Vix Is an excellent doctor. It is very obvious that he loves what he does in helping people. I was very appreciative at the help that I got from him yesterday and through the next few days.
He is amazing and you should keep him on staff as long as he wants to work whatever the cost
Fast, Friendly and efficient.
There was a long wait due to the phones being down and an emergency flight but otherwise everything was great I ripped some stitches and they patched me right up
The Dr took time to go overy MRI with me and explain in detail his thoughts. I wish all Drs were like this again. I would recommend him without hesitation.
He is extremely thorough and amazing! Makes you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Listens, Explains, Pleasant, On time
Friendly and seems to check on my numbers. I really appreciate the follow up on my blood tests.
Dr Vix’s is fantastic, personal, friendly, knowledgeable, fun, caring. Compassionate, easy to communicate with.
His whole team was fantastic. Everything he did was quick and easy. Would definitely refer to anyone in the U.P.
Dr Anderson is clear and succinct. He speaks to the patient even when a guardian is present. He is wonderfully suited for his role.
Dr Rayner was very informative and answered all my questions. He was very good to work with.
Once again Dr Hovey was very good as he reviewed my findings and explored options for treatment. Very comfortable with him.
Dr. Vix did everything in his power to get me out of the ER as quickly as possible, even though every bed was full.
Everything was right on time. All of the staff is very professional, courteous, and friendly. They had everything they needed. Jeremy, the CRA, was thorough and complete and addressed all of my medical history. Dr. Bambach discussed the procedure and reviewed risks and benefits. my recovery was uneventful. After 24 hours, I am feeling great. I have minor incisal pain that requires no medication. Was as good of an experience a surgery could be.
He was very knowledgeable and very courteous
I'm thankful to have Dr Hoeve as my cardiologist. He has always listened to my thoughts and concerns and helps adjust my meds and advise to my advantage..He puts my mind at ease with my concerns...
He was great and right to my issue. I had to wait 3 hours so I know they were very busy.
Great doctor, really listens. Highly recommend.
Helpful and caring from top to bottom ❣️