Dr. Audrey En Chen

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

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

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

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.

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

• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Targeted injections to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function in various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chen. 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. Audrey En Chen adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Audrey En Chen'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. Chen frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by difficulty swallowing or speaking clearly after a neurological event, Dr. Chen's approach is focused on delivering feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like feeling physically capable of handling unexpected daily challenges with a healthier smile.
• Dr. Chen often consults with patients whose needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively significantly limits their enjoyment of resuming a favorite craft or artistic pursuit or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Are you struggling with their multiple sclerosis symptoms making it difficult to stay active? Dr. Chen partners with patients to target a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as feeling less reliant on others for daily assistance a much more achievable reality.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chen to see patients who were troubled by their pain making it difficult to focus or concentrate successfully achieve feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like cooking their own meals and managing household chores.

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

Dr. Chen's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in New Westminster, is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. Conveniently located near River Market, the clinic is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

The first visit with Dr. Chen will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Chen 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. Chen will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chen 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.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Chen?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter (if applicable), a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), and any pertinent test results. If applicable, also bring comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s), and any braces, splints, or assistive devices you currently use.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chen covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Chen are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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. Chen treats?

Dr. Chen 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. Chen focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Chen 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. Chen 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.

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

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

250 Keary St Ste 304
New Westminster, BC, V3L 5E7

Phone: (604) 544-5044

Dr. Audrey En Chen is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 82799

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337201/Chen%2CAudrey

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Chen. Dr. Chen 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.