Dr. Andrew Willmott

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Andrew Willmott addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Guiding recovery and functional restoration after orthopedic or neurosurgical procedures.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.

Neurological Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Rehabilitative support for patients with MS to optimize mobility, energy conservation, and overall well-being.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs aimed at improving memory, attention, executive function, balance, and emotional regulation after brain injury.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Willmott, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Optimizing pharmacological treatments to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects and risks.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Willmott. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Andrew Willmott adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Andrew Willmott's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Willmott frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If feeling exhausted all the time and having widespread muscle aches is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Willmott develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy focusing on their studies or work without constant pain distraction.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication at Dr. Willmott's practice is consistently achieving a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as keeping up with friends or family during outings.
• When patients discuss needing support to navigate the complexities of their rehabilitation journey, Dr. Willmott outlines a path to their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably enjoying hobbies like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Willmott to see patients who were troubled by recovering from a major surgery and needing help to get moving again successfully achieve successful return to work or meaningful activities. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like navigating their home environment safely and independently.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Willmott, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Willmott is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Willmott's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the S Central: Ritchie, Strathcona (Whyte Ave East) neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Legislature Grounds and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Willmott recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Willmott might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Does Dr. Willmott work with other healthcare professionals as part of a rehabilitation team?

Physiatrists like Dr. Willmott often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other medical specialists. Dr. Willmott typically coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. Patients can ask Dr. Willmott about the team members who might be involved in their care at the clinic or through referral.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Willmott do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Willmott is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury (e.g., sports injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury), illness (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, arthritis), or chronic pain. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Willmott covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Willmott are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. It's always best for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Willmott treats?

Dr. Willmott treats a variety of conditions, including: consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Willmott focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Willmott at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Willmott will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Willmott will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Willmott will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

How often will I need to see Dr. Willmott for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments with Dr. Willmott will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the specific treatment plan, and how the patient is progressing. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As the condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Willmott will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to each patient's needs.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Willmott?

In AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Willmott for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Willmott has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

212-8225 105 St NW
Edmonton, AB, T6E 4H2

Phone: (780) 930-5590

Dr. Andrew Willmott is a licensed Physiatrist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 25133

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=2c530d4a-89dd-409e-b3fb-1ef00a7c6f63&i=1554

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Willmott. Dr. Willmott and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.