Pain management in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation focuses on identifying the source of pain through a thorough clinical evaluation and developing a treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying condition. Dr. Lemberikman evaluates each patient’s medical history, imaging studies, and functional limitations to determine the most appropriate course of care.
Treatment strategies may include targeted physical therapy referrals, pharmacological management, interventional procedures such as joint injections and nerve blocks, and coordination with other specialists when needed. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life while minimizing reliance on long-term medication use.
Patients are seen for a wide range of pain presentations, including cervical and lumbar spine pain, joint pain, myofascial pain syndromes, post-surgical pain, and complex regional pain conditions. Each treatment plan is individualized and adjusted over time based on the patient’s response and functional progress.
What to Expect
Your first visit begins with a detailed intake covering your pain history, prior treatments, current medications, and how pain is affecting your daily life. Dr. Lemberikman performs a focused physical examination to assess range of motion, strength, neurological status, and areas of tenderness or dysfunction.
If imaging or prior records are available, they are reviewed as part of the evaluation. Following the assessment, Dr. Lemberikman discusses her findings and outlines a treatment plan with you. For some patients, this may involve scheduling an interventional procedure such as a joint injection or trigger point injection. For others, the initial plan may center on medication adjustments, therapy referrals, or additional diagnostic testing. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor your response and refine the approach.
Who Can Benefit
Pain management through a PM&R specialist is appropriate for a broad range of patients. Those who may benefit include:
- Adults with chronic neck or back pain that has not resolved with rest or conservative care
- Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery who are experiencing persistent post-operative pain
- Individuals with joint pain related to degenerative changes or inflammation
- Patients with myofascial pain, muscle spasm, or trigger point tenderness
- Those with complex regional pain conditions or neuropathic pain affecting the limbs
- Patients who need a coordinated, non-opioid-first approach to pain management
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pain management the same as seeing a pain specialist?
PM&R-based pain management is a specialty approach that combines physical rehabilitation with interventional and pharmacological tools. Dr. Lemberikman evaluates the whole patient, not just the pain site, and integrates therapy, functional goals, and medical management into a single plan.
Will I need injections?
Not necessarily. Injections are one tool within a broader set of options. Many patients are managed effectively through therapy, exercise, and medication adjustments without any interventional procedures. If an injection is recommended, Dr. Lemberikman explains the rationale, expected benefit, and what to expect during the procedure.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on the nature and duration of your condition, your response to treatment, and your functional goals. Some patients achieve their goals within a few visits; others with complex or chronic conditions require longer-term management. Dr. Lemberikman reviews your progress at each appointment and adjusts the plan accordingly.