Non-operative (Physiatry)

Cutting-edge Treatment

Excellent care is all about options, and sometimes surgery is not the best or only treatment option for an orthopaedic condition. Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists provides a full spectrum of orthopaedic care in Utah by complementing our roster of expert surgeons with two physiatrists, Dr. Michael L. Clegg and Dr. Jacob B Pugsley.

Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in non-surgical physical medicine and rehabilitation. These nerve, muscle and bone experts diagnose and treat pain, illnesses, and injuries that affect the proper performance of the body. They work with patients to design specialized treatment plans that lead to positive results and improved quality of life.

Diagnostic Technology

Our physiatrists use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness and numbness:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Studies
Computed Tomography (CT scan)

Procedures

The following are just a few of the non-surgical treatments employed by our physiatrists:
Trigger Point Steroid Injections
Medications
Therapeutic Exercise
Activity Modification
Orthotics
Assistive Devices
Physical Therapy

Dr. Clegg

Dr. Pugsley

Dr. Hills

Dr. Crum

Dr. Clegg, Dr. Pugsley, Dr. Hills, and Dr. Crum take a global approach to healing. Their focus is not on one specific part of the body, but on the development of a comprehensive program for dealing with pain or rehabilitating from injury or disease. They prescribe activity modification and therapy, in harmony with medication and trigger point injections, to address their patients’ musculoskeletal needs. Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, and sports injuries, are just a few of the many conditions that benefit from treatment by a physiatrist. If during the course of treatment Dr. Clegg, Dr. Pugsley, Dr. Hills, and Dr. Crum discover surgery is necessary, they work closely with our surgeons to insure their patients receive the best possible care.
Whether it’s aching hands or soreness in the lower back, pain is one of the most common physical problems that lead patients to seek medical help. The first step in successful treatment is recognizing that pain is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. Using cutting-edge electrodiagnostic equipment and techniques, along with physical examinations and thorough medical histories, they are able to learn not just where it hurts, but why it hurts. They then prescribe a treatment plan using therapy, medication, trigger point injections, and more that will decrease pain and enhance performance.