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:

Post Surgical Rehab

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

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): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.

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.

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.

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional recovery and independence after a cerebrovascular accident through a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Developing comprehensive, patient-centered rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs, goals, and specific 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.

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 AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

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:

• For patients where wanting to improve their walking pattern and reduce limping is a primary concern, Dr. Best focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in being able to participate more fully in family and social life. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully playing with their children or grandchildren on the floor.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Best when they first notice the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve being able to manage their symptoms with less reliance on pain medication, enabling them to once again enjoy navigating their home environment safely and independently without hesitation.
• At Dr. Best's clinic, addressing wanting to find non-surgical ways to manage their chronic joint pain means focusing on patient goals. Achieving learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to gardening or doing yard work again.
• For those affected by experiencing pain or weakness that doctors haven't been able to diagnose easily, Dr. Best provides solutions that lead to being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort.

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 Calgary, is situated in the NW: Mount Pleasant, Cambrian Heights, Rosemont neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near SAIT and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). 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 (physician) 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 (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.

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

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

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment: a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how symptoms impact daily activities and quality of life, and previous treatments. Dr. Best will perform a thorough physical examination (musculoskeletal and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem). Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Best will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

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

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well 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 (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Best 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. Best are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, provided you have 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. Best treats diverse conditions such as 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. Best focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

700-1816 Crowchild Trail NW
Calgary, AB, T2M 3Y7

Phone: (888) 550-5512

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

License Number: 37754

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=43cdfab3-bf3f-446b-b170-583fe2a15486&i=169

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.