a physiatrist is a doctor of physical medicine / rehabilitative medicine.
i started seeing one because they give trigger point injections and SI cortisone injections and my PT thought i could really use both; she was right.
i've just found that my good physiatrists have been the ones most successful at treating my symptoms and helping me have quality of life.
they definitely seem to be the most knowledgeable about the SI, and at least acknowledge that i have sacroiliitis, not just telling me to my face, but actually writing it down, and treating it, more than i can say for any of the rhuemies i've seen so far.
ultrasound is something a good PT or good chiropractor could do, if warranted. i do find the ultrasound helps my inflamed tendons, my inflamed SI, and muscle spasms.
if you are seeing a pain specialist, he may do a lot of the same things.
not sure it matters exactly the specialty, so long as we are getting our needs met.
even your pain doc should be able to evaluate if muscle relaxants should help. for me, much of my pain was from muscle spasms. so they made a world of difference for me.
the pillow thing is funny. i think we're all a very resourceful bunch and
will try anything to get some relief, even if we look silly doing it.
sue
