Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)

Rehabilitation is an important medical specialty that focuses on reducing disability and restoring and maintaining optimal health. The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists at Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s help children and adolescents with physically disabling conditions or injuries to reach their full potential. They provide evaluations, treatments and care coordination to promote healing and improve or restore function, addressing all aspects of life that may be affected. Research has shown that early rehabilitation intervention produces better functional outcomes and quality of life for many medical, surgical and traumatic disorders and injuries.

Our team provides care for children and adolescents affected by a wide range of medical conditions and injuries. These include cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, spinal cord impairment, traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer treatment and secondary effects of cancer.

Physiatrists are pediatricians with special training and expertise in PM&R. They help improve or restore functional abilities in children and adolescents who have physical impairments and functional disabilities affecting their brains, spinal cords, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. They focus on enhancing mobility, strength, coordination and overall function through personalized treatment plans that may include therapies, medications, assistive devices and adaptive strategies. Their goal is to optimize independence, participation in activities and overall quality of life for young patients with physical challenges.

PM&R specialists provide direct care and collaborate closely with other members of your child’s treatment team. The interdisciplinary team may include neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, school staff, physical and occupational therapists. Together, they ensure children receive comprehensive services, therapies and the ongoing care necessary to optimize their functional abilities and foster as much independence as possible. This integrated approach aims to support each child in achieving their maximum potential and enhancing their quality of life. Learn more about our programs and services.

Our PM&R providers help develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan for your child. This plan encompasses various therapies such as physical and occupational therapy, as well as speech-language pathology. They also assist in obtaining and utilizing medical equipment such as braces, walking aids and wheelchairs tailored to your child’s need. Additionally, the treatment plan may include recommendations for specialized surgeries, medications or injection treatments aimed at function, alleviating pain and improving your child’s overall quality of life. Continuity of care and ongoing follow-up are crucial aspects of our approach because our patients are continually growing and changing. This ensures we can adapt and optimize treatment strategies to meet your child’s changing needs over time.