Physiatry
Restore Function with Physiatry
A physiatrist, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, is a medical specialist who diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including the muscles, joints, bones, nerves, and spine.
Physiatrists focus on reducing pain and improving function through non-surgical treatment. Depending on your condition, treatment may include rehabilitation, exercise, medications, and targeted injections. Image-guided injections can be used to help diagnose the source of pain, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief to support rehabilitation and improved function.
Our physiatrists work closely with orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals to coordinate your care and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Services We Offer
Neck and Back
Meet Your Physiatrists
Brett Wegenast
Stephen Hung
Josh Kutcher
Michael Amatto
Alycia Amatto
Matt Carter
Dominic Shepherd
What to Expect?
At your consultation, you will meet with one of our physiatrists for a comprehensive assessment. They will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and goals, review any relevant imaging or investigations, and perform a physical examination.
Based on their assessment, your physiatrist will explain their findings and discuss appropriate treatment options. Depending on your condition, treatment may include rehabilitation, medications, targeted injections, or other non-surgical treatments. If additional imaging or investigations are required, these will be discussed with you.
Your physiatrist will answer your questions and work with you to develop a treatment plan focused on reducing pain, improving function, and supporting your recovery.
Please note: A referral is required to consult with one of our specialists.
Connected Care for Better Movement
Referrals
We welcome referrals from physiotherapists, chiropractors, and physicians with a valid practitioner ID.
Please note that a referral is required to consult with one of our physiatrist. We are unable to accept WCB referrals.
Specialized Assessment
Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to identify the underlying source of each patient's pain. Our goal is to understand not just where you hurt, but why you hurt.
Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Our care team develops and coordinates a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, injuries, and symptoms.
From referral to discharge, we provide the support for a successful recovery.
Connected Care
Assessments, x-rays, physiotherapy, pain management, surgical coordination and other allied services are all available at Access Orthopaedics, making it easy to access care all under one roof.
Financial Coverage
Physiatry consultations are covered with a valid Alberta Health Care Card. Services that fall outside Alberta Health coverage, along with care for patients without valid Alberta health coverage, are paid out of pocket. Our team will confirm any costs with you before your appointment.
Please note that we do not offer direct billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a physiatrist and a physiotherapist?
A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). They diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and can order imaging or perform interventional procedures. A physiotherapist is an allied health professional who delivers hands-on treatment and exercise-based rehabilitation. At Access Orthopaedics, both work together as part of your coordinated care team.
Do I need a referral to see a physiatrist in Calgary?
Yes. A referral from a physician, physiotherapist, or chiropractor with a valid practitioner ID is required. Once received, our team will contact you to book your physiatry consultation. Please note that we are unable to accept WCB referrals.
Is physiatry covered by Alberta Health?
Physiatry consultations at Access Orthopaedics are covered with a valid Alberta Health Care Card. Services that fall outside Alberta Health coverage, and care for patients without valid Alberta health coverage, are paid out of pocket. We do not offer direct billing. Our team will confirm any costs with you when booking your appointment.