As a Physiatrist I expertise in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. My practice is both hospital and out-patient based. I am the medical director for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at the rehabilitation unit Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles since 2004 and previously was the director at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, since 1992. Previously, I have opened up and have been on the ground breaking integration of two other free-standing rehabilitation hospital facilities.
I am board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and board-certified in Pain Medicine. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is the branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders—particularly those of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems—that may produce temporary or permanent impairment.
I have experience in performing neuromuscular and orthopedic medicine examinations, industrial medicine consultations and disability evaluations. My office provides an integrated care in the treatment of all neurologic and musculoskeletal disabilities from traumatic brain injury to lower back pain. Our specialty focuses on the restoration of function to people with problems ranging from simple physical mobility issues to those with complex cognitive involvement.
I perform and utilize electrodiagnostic medicine studies such as (EMG/NCS),electromyography and nerve conduction studies. This is especially helpful in diagnosing and treating peripherial and compression neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, polyneuropathies, spinal radiculopathies and myopathy.
Other areas of special interest include: A.I.D.S./HIV Rehabilitation; Arts Medicine; Brain Injury; Burn Injury; Cancer Rehabilitation; Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation; Geriatric Rehabilitation; Industrial Rehabilitation; Manual Medicine; Myofascial Pain; Neurophysiology; Osteoporosis; Pain Rehabilitation; Pediatric Rehabilitation; Prosthetic, Orthotic, Wheelchair and Assistive Technology; Rheumatologic Rehabilitation; Spinal Cord Injury; Sports Medicine; and Stroke and Neurologic Disease Rehabilitation.
The Diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia often involves ruling out other illnesses. Treatment is primarily exercise and may include some kind of medication. From low back pain and herniated discs to carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, as a physiatrist I seek to not only reduce and eliminate chronic pain, but also to prevent its recurrence.
Like an Orthopedic Surgeon or Rheumatologist I do perform joint and ligament injections, spinal injections and nerve blocks, spinal epidural and peripherial nerve injections. In my office and in my practice I perform other integrated medicine aproaches such as prolotherapy, acupuncture and homeopathic medicine.
Correct posture and behavior modification to prevent injuries at the work place is important, I have a strong understanding of ergonomics and can work with the employer and the physical therapists to teach and coordinate medical care. Early stages of patient care include medication, testing and therapy can help prevent future injury by preventing chonic injury. For chronic problems, I may medicate to reduce pain and prescribe exercise, diet and nutrition to improve a patient’s physical fitness.
Common work injuries include spine disorders – particularly in the heavy machinery industries – and cumulative trauma from repetitive motions, which causes carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. The incidence of cumulative trauma continues to increase as computer usage grows.
As a QME,Qualified Medical Evaluator, I can and do perform Independent Medical Evaluations for insurances companies within and outside of California. I have been a Medical Expert for the Social Security Administration in Los Angeles, CA since 2000.
If you need any other services, such as those of a physical therapist or athletic trainer, I would supervises, collaborates with and coordinates the other health care professionals. The result is a specially designed treatment program tailored for you.
Because we as physiatrists offer an aggressive, non-surgical approach to pain and injury, we are the ideal choice for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and conditions.
Jorge D. Minor, M.D.
