Dr. Daniel Arthur DeForge – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Daniel Arthur DeForge is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. DeForge is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. DeForge is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in BC.

As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. DeForge focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. DeForge serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Daniel Arthur DeForge earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Queen'S University, graduating in 1984. Subsequently, Dr. DeForge completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 41 years of practice since 1984, Dr. DeForge's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. DeForge holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. DeForge is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. DeForge's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in rehabilitation techniques; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery; collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. DeForge provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Daniel Arthur DeForge 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: 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.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Diagnosing and treating inflammation of tendons (tendonitis/tendinopathy) and bursae (bursitis) in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

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. DeForge, 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): Performing image-guided (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) injections such as corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, trigger point injections, and peripheral nerve blocks.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Managing pain and dysfunction related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other joint conditions.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from stroke to improve mobility, speech, cognition, and activities of daily living.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. DeForge. 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. Daniel Arthur DeForge 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. Daniel Arthur DeForge'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. DeForge frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing trouble with bladder or bowel control related to a neurological condition, involves working systematically towards feeling stronger and more capable in their daily movements. Dr. DeForge expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including reducing their dependence on mobility aids if possible and desired.
• For patients where not being able to return to work because of their physical limitations is a primary concern, Dr. DeForge focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully managing their assistive devices efficiently.
• Effectively addressing needing to find better ways to cope with daily pain and its impact on their mental health with Dr. DeForge's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of their chronic pain no longer dominating their life, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue and social interactions.
• Dr. DeForge often consults with patients whose difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes significantly limits their enjoyment of going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve being able to manage their condition proactively to maintain their gains and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. DeForge's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Museum of Vancouver / H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (Vanier Park) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. DeForge 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.

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

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

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

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 ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. DeForge has necessary background information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. DeForge 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. DeForge are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral if required. 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Dr. DeForge treats various 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

4255 Laurel St, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2G9

Phone: (604) 734-1313

Dr. Daniel Arthur DeForge 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: 63409

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334012/DeForge%2CDaniel

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