Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services & Treatments

Mayo Clinic Health System provides integrated physical medicine and rehabilitation care for muscles, bones and joints, combining diagnosis, treatment, education and rehabilitation. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, called physiatrists, are experts in nerves, muscles and bones. The goal is to help people affected by disease or injury remain as active as possible.

Find out more about our physical medicine and rehabilitation services:

• Conditions and consultations
• Diagnosis and treatments
• Integrated care
• Referrals
• FAQ
• Physical Medication and Rehabilitation locations near you
• Physical Medication and Rehabilitation providers near you

Conditions and consultations

After learning about your condition, our physiatrists and specialists will offer tools and resources to manage it.

Conditions we treat include:

• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Concussions
• Foot conditions and injuries
• Joint pain and arthritis, including hip, shoulder, knee, wrist and hand
• Ligament, muscle and tendon injuries
• Limb amputations and deformities
• Lower back pain, including arthritis and disc disease
• Movement disorders, including spasticity
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle pain syndromes
• Neck pain, including arthritis, disc disease and whiplash injuries
• Nerve pain/peripheral neuropathies
• Osteoarthritis
• Pinched nerves related to sciatica and radiculopathy
• Piriformis syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunctions
• Spinal cord injuries and spinal stenosis
• Sports injuries
• Stroke
• Tendonitis
• Traumatic brain injuries

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Diagnosis and treatments

After learning about your condition, our providers will offer tools and resources to manage it. Together, you and your care team create a personalized plan that focuses on nonsurgical treatment options as a first choice, helping reduce pain, improve movement and support long-term function.

If surgery is needed, your provider will work with you and your surgeon before and after surgery.

Treatments we provide include:

• Botox
• Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Electrodiagnostics, including electromyography and nerve conduction studies
• Evaluation for radiofrequency or cryoablation
• Joint injections to relieve hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, hand, foot and ankle pain
• Peripheral nerve injections
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy
• Prolotherapy
• Prosthetics and orthotics
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Therapeutic and diagnostic lumbar spine injections
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Ultrasound-guided tendon release
• Wheelchair and mobility equipment evaluation
  Working with physicians, physical therapists and equipment specialists, care teams assess functional and medical needs to help determine the most appropriate wheelchair or mobility device. Equipment is fitted and tailored to the individual to support independence, safety and long term use.
• X-ray-guided cervical epidural steroid injections to relieve neck, shoulder and arm pain
• X-ray-guided facet injections for back and neck pain
• X-ray-guided lumbar epidural steroid injections to relieve lower back and leg pain

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Integrated care

To maximize care, we may coordinate care with other specialists if needed. We also have direct access to local providers and specialists at Mayo Clinic.

Our specialists include: 

• Physicians
• Physiatrists
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Nurses

Additional care and therapies may be provided by: 

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Occupational Therapy
• Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery
• Orthotics
• Pain Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Podiatry
• Prosthetics
• Speech-Language Therapy
• Sports Medicine

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Referrals

A referral may be required depending on your need. Call the appointment number of your preferred Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation location to learn more.

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FAQ

How is physical medicine and rehabilitation different from physical therapy?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation is led by medical doctors who diagnose and manage conditions affecting movement, function and pain. These providers create comprehensive treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medications, injections or other nonsurgical treatments. Physical therapy is one part of the broader care plan and focuses on restoring strength, mobility and function through guided exercises and techniques.

Do physical medicine and rehabilitation providers perform surgery?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) focuses on nonsurgical treatment options whenever possible. PM&R providers use therapies such as exercise programs, medications, injections, assistive devices and advanced procedures to reduce pain and improve function. If surgery is needed, your PM&R provider coordinates care with surgical specialists before and after treatment.

Who may benefit from physical medicine and rehabilitation?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation may help people of all ages who are experiencing pain, mobility challenges or functional limitations due to injury, illness or chronic conditions. PM&R is often recommended for individuals seeking nonsurgical options to improve movement, manage pain or regain independence.

Can physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) help with braces, wheelchairs or other assistive devices?

Yes. PM&R teams evaluate functional and medical needs to recommend and help fit assistive devices, such as braces or mobility equipment, to support safety, independence and long term use.

What should I expect during my first appointment, and what should I bring?

During your first appointment, you will discuss your health issues and concerns with an expert who will develop an individualized treatment plan. This may include imaging, lab work or referrals to other specialties.

Bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for other forms in multiple languages.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes. Call the appointment number at your preferred Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation location. See What should I expect during my first appointment, and what should I bring? for tips on how to prepare.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.

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Explore locations or providers near you for details on physical medicine and rehabilitation:

Not all treatments, tests and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.