Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also called physiatry, is a medical specialty focused on restoring function after injury, illness, or surgery without an operation. A physiatrist diagnoses problems with the spine, muscles, joints, and nerves, then builds a plan that combines therapy, medication, and procedures to get you back to work, sport, and daily life.
How a physiatrist fits into your care
Physiatrists look at the whole person rather than a single body part. Instead of treating each symptom separately, Dr. Desai asks what you need to be able to do (lift your child, sit through a workday, run again) and works back from that goal. He coordinates physical therapy, medication, and image-guided procedures, and brings in the practice's neurologists or neurosurgeon when your condition calls for it.
This approach is often called functional restoration: the measure of success is what you can do, not only how much pain you feel.
Conditions treated
Services
Comprehensive rehabilitation planning
An individual plan that sets goals, coordinates therapy and treatment, and tracks progress at each visit.
Functional restoration
Treatment aimed at returning you to specific activities, from daily tasks to sport.
QME and IME evaluations
Qualified Medical Evaluator and Independent Medical Examination reports, performed by Dr. Desai.
Disability and impairment ratings
Structured assessments of how an injury affects function and work capacity.
Return-to-work planning
Guidance on activity, restrictions, and timing so you can get back to work safely.
What to expect at your visit
Your first visit includes a detailed history, a physical and neurological exam, and a review of any imaging or records you bring. Dr. Desai will explain what he thinks is going on and lay out a plan, which may include therapy, medication changes, further testing such as EMG/NCS, or an image-guided procedure. Follow-up visits check progress against the goals you set together.
Your physician
Where this service is offered
Insurance
We accept PPO plans and Medicare at our Southern California offices. Patients injured in an accident can be treated on a lien basis at any office, and workers' compensation cases are reviewed case by case. Our Sacramento office treats patients on a lien basis only.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) treatments are cash-pay. Call or text 424-301-7090 and our team will check your coverage before your visit, so you know what to expect.