Stroke
Care focused on residual motor weakness, functional deficits, mobility challenges, and long-term adaptation following ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
What We Treat
Conditions that affect function, mobility, and independence
NWA Physiatry evaluates and manages neurologic, musculoskeletal, amputation-related, and functional recovery conditions that interfere with daily activities, comfort, movement, or personal independence.
Neurologic Care
Neurologic conditions & recovery
Neurologic diagnoses often bring lasting changes to how the body moves and functions. Physiatric care focuses on the practical, functional consequences of these conditions—addressing mobility, muscle tone, adaptive equipment needs, and individualized rehabilitation planning.
Brain Injury
Evaluation and rehabilitation planning addressing functional limitations, physical recovery, and day-to-day adaptive needs after traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury.
Spinal Cord Injury
Physiatric management centered on mobility goals, functional independence, wheelchair and adaptive equipment needs, and associated neurologic complications—including evaluation of concerns such as neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Parkinson's Disease
Support for mobility preservation, functional movement strategies, gait changes, and coordination with physical and occupational therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis
Management of functional decline, mobility limitations, muscle fatigue, abnormal tone, and daily activity adaptation across disease stages.
Cerebral Palsy
Adult and transitional physiatric care addressing mobility, tone, contracture prevention, orthotic needs, and functional independence.
Neurogenic Bowel & Bladder
Evaluation and clinical management of bowel and bladder dysfunction arising from spinal cord injury, stroke, MS, or other neurologic conditions.
Tone Management
Spasticity, abnormal tone & dystonia
Following stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurologic illness, muscles may become overly tight, stiff, or prone to involuntary spasms. If left unaddressed, persistent tone can lead to pain, skin breakdown, hygiene difficulties, and joint contractures.
Spasticity & Muscle Stiffness
Increased resistance to passive stretch that interferes with walking, limb positioning, transfers, dressing, or comfort.
Abnormal Tone & Dystonia
Involuntary muscle contractions and posturing that cause repetitive twisting movements, abnormal posture, or functional impairment.
Contracture Risk & Prevention
Proactive clinical planning, positioning strategies, orthotics, and targeted medical interventions to prevent permanent shortening of muscles and tendons around joints.
Musculoskeletal Care
Musculoskeletal conditions
When musculoskeletal problems limit comfort, movement, or daily activities, NWA Physiatry provides thorough diagnostic evaluation and nonoperative clinical management focused on restoring functional capacity.
Joint Pain
Nonoperative clinical evaluation and conservative management of joint pain that limits movement, comfort, or participation in daily activities.
Tendinopathy
Assessment and structured rehabilitation guidance for tendon-related pain, overuse conditions, and associated movement limitations.
Myofascial Pain Syndromes
Identification and targeted management of localized muscle tightness, trigger points, and myofascial pain impairing functional mobility.
Amputee Care
Amputation & prosthetic-related concerns
Living with limb loss requires ongoing attention to mobility, prosthetic fit, residual limb health, and comfort. Dr. Drake evaluates post-amputation recovery needs and manages common clinical concerns that arise with prosthetic wear.
Limb Loss & Prosthetic Readiness
Comprehensive evaluation following amputation, including clinical assessment for prosthetic prescriptions and ongoing prosthetic management.
Residual Limb Skin & Wound Concerns
Evaluation of skin irritation, pressure areas, and superficial wounds related to prosthetic socket wear, coordinating care within physiatric scope.
Residual Limb & Associated Pain
Diagnostic assessment and management of localized discomfort, mechanical friction, or musculoskeletal pain related to prosthetic use.
Phantom Limb Pain & Sensation
Targeted clinical evaluation and symptom management for phantom limb pain and non-painful phantom limb sensations following amputation.
Functional Recovery
Functional limitations & rehabilitation needs
Many patients seek physiatric care not just for a specific medical diagnosis, but because their day-to-day abilities have changed. Dr. Drake evaluates functional limitations to help clarify next steps in recovery.
Mobility Limitations & Walking Difficulty
Challenges with walking, balance, step stability, or transfers between bed, chair, and vehicle.
Decline in Daily Independence
Difficulty performing self-care, household tasks, or returning to work, family, and community activities.
Post-Hospital & Post-Rehab Recovery
Ongoing medical and functional follow-up after discharge from acute hospital care or inpatient rehabilitation.
Equipment & Assistive Device Needs
Evaluation for manual or power wheelchairs, walking aids, orthotics (bracing), or prosthetic components tailored to personal goals.
Rehabilitation Goal Setting & Planning
Developing structured recovery priorities and coordinating closely with physical, occupational, and speech therapy teams.
Clinical Guidance
When physiatry may be helpful
A Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation consultation can provide direction and medical leadership when functional changes impact your daily life.
Consider a PM&R evaluation when:
- Walking, transfers, or overall physical mobility become difficult
- Muscle tightness or abnormal tone interferes with movement or daily care
- Pain limits comfort, activity, or participation in rehabilitation
- You are transitioning home after inpatient rehabilitation or hospitalization
- You need an evaluation for a wheelchair, brace, or prosthetic prescription
- Daily independence or self-care has declined following an illness or injury
- Therapy progress needs medical coordination and goal alignment
Additional care and referral information
Clinical Services
Learn how NWA Physiatry treats these conditions
Explore our full range of physiatric services, evaluations, rehabilitation follow-up, and outpatient interventions.
For Clinicians
Referring a patient?
NWA Physiatry partners with primary care physicians, hospitalists, and specialists through collaborative PM&R consultation.
Take the next step in your rehabilitation
Reach out to NWA Physiatry with general questions about conditions we evaluate.