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.

Call IconRegistration Location

Specialty Clinic

Find A Provider Pay My Bill

Your Trusted First Choice

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
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
IMG_5598
3F8419B5-F11F-4FCF-A8A7-B3C6A037DD2F
Drone overview lake
Rural Health Clinic Exterior
1119_12v2
IMG_0146
ER-Waiting-Room
IMG_3672
IMG_0001
Atrium2
9351980530_462d2ee751_h
9351979310_473cf970ef_k
drone overview 1
62CADCEA-4F61-4799-AD6E-DCE843A20C9D
F30AA05E-024D-4FAA-AE5E-B6978B0BFB65
IMG_5603
IMG_0231 (1)
IMG_1413
PlayPause
previous arrow
next arrow

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

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

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

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

5 out of 5 stars

Helpful and caring from top to bottom ❣️
Dr Fanous is very personable and informative. I really like him alot.
Just amazing care staff is amazing 😊 Dr. Niemela is a amazing doctor and has the best nurse 😊 highly recommended
Was great
Dr Rayner is very good!
Dr Vix was great!! Personable & efficient!!
I give him a 5 out of 5! I'm not a Doctor type of person, but he made me feel comfortable right out the gate. Very friendly and professional! Got right to the point and really helped me figure out what was causing my pain! Excellent visit and Doctor!!
Very pleasant personality very informative!
DOCTOR Rayner Absolutely 💯 Great... Bedside manner fantastic.... Made a nervous Grandma at peace... Amazing outcome... Job well done. I recommend highly... Thank you...
Dr. Niemela diagnosed and did surgery on a tendon tear and bone spur on my foot. There had been pain for over a year with each step, and it was more severe as time went on, and even waking me throughout the night. The successful surgery eliminated the pain immediately! No pain to speak of, and the follow-up care was top notch. Thank you Dr. Niemela and staff! Photo one week after surgery.
Dr Stephen clear and chearful in his diagnoses, treatment and directions to the patient.
Very thorough & explains everything he’s doing. Chloe is very friendly checking up on me.
It's always a pleasant visit when see I Dr. Hoevee and this was no exception. And shout out to Clio who is also great!
Very thorough in explaining and seemed like he generally cared
Knowledgeable, Quick & Personable
Dr. Vix and Dr. Foltz are proactive and reactive. They jump into action and get you the care you need right away. There is no waiting periods regardless of shift change or time of the day. They are attentive and efficient. I only wish we had more physicians like them at transfer hospitals. We certainly receive the best care at SMH with the ER staff and nurses.
Always willing to listen and develop plan that works for me. Excellent care and explanations - very positive experience!
Cheryl Lohse
Dr. Steven A. Vix was great
Dr Vix is warm, compassionate professional.
I received excellent care from the three medical professionals that I saw that day. Kind, thorough and carefully checking to be certain that all my questions were answered.
We were just in the ER for my wife with back pain. Everyone was absolutely wonderful. All of the staff were in checking on my wife. This was one of the best hospital experiences we have ever had.
On time appointment. Staff attentive and helpful. No negative issues during the visit.
She was great answered all my questions