Dr. Craig Stewart Best

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

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.
• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.

Neurological Conditions

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional independence and quality of life for patients with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Managing the physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe TBI.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Rehabilitative support for patients with MS to optimize mobility, energy conservation, and overall well-being.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.

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

• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries, guide injections, and monitor treatment progress.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• 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. Best. 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. Craig Stewart Best 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. Craig Stewart Best'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. Best frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Best's skilled guidance and modern techniques, patients suffering from muscle spasms or cramps often find they can readily achieve restoration of more normal sensation in areas affected by neuropathy and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes.
• For individuals troubled by impaired gait, Dr. Best's approach is focused on delivering proactive condition management to maintain gains. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities with greater ease.
• Dr. Best often consults with patients whose numbness and tingling significantly limits their daily activities. The clear goal of care is to achieve fuller participation in family and social life and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The path to improved function, especially when facing a sports injury, involves working systematically towards improved dexterity. Dr. Best expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments.

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

Dr. Best's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Kitsilano neighbourhood. Conveniently located near Robson Square, the clinic is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Best is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing 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 quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments, including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (when applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

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

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

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

Dr. Best treats various conditions, including the 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

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

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

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Best will perform a thorough physical examination, reviewing any prior imaging or test results. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Best will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Best 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. Best are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

301-1541 West Broadway, Canadian Pain & Regenerative Institute
Vancouver, BC, V6J 1W7

Phone: (604) 260-4481

Dr. Craig Stewart Best 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: J1073

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/377323/Best%2CCraig

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