Dr. Darren Chiu – Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Calgary, AB

Dr. Darren Chiu is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Calgary, AB, Dr. Chiu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Chiu is licensed by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in AB. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Darren Chiu earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from University Of Alberta, graduating in 2010. Subsequently, Dr. Chiu completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 15 years of practice since 2010, Dr. Chiu's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. Chiu holds qualifications/certifications such as: LMCC; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Chiu is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Chiu's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. Chiu provides consultations in English.

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

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: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Specialized medical and rehabilitative management for the complex needs of SCI patients.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

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

• Comprehensive Physiatric Assessment: In-depth assessment to diagnose conditions causing pain, weakness, or functional limitations and to determine rehabilitation potential.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Helping athletes recover from injuries and optimize performance through targeted therapies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chiu. 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. Darren Chiu adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Darren Chiu'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. Chiu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chiu often consults with patients whose their pain making it difficult to focus or concentrate significantly limits their enjoyment of dressing, bathing, and grooming themselves without assistance or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve improved cognitive function, such as memory and concentration, after a brain injury and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for difficulty participating in family activities due to physical limitations at Dr. Chiu's practice is consistently achieving reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as gardening or doing yard work again.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed chronic pain that affects their mood and ability to enjoy life with Dr. Chiu's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to improved mobility and ability to walk further or more easily and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing with their children or grandchildren on the floor once more.
• Dr. Chiu provides dedicated support for patients going through the challenge of adapting to a new disability and wanting to regain independence, always aiming for positive outcomes like feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain.

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

Dr. Chiu's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Calgary, is situated in the NE: Tuxedo Park, Highland Park, Greenview neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near North Hill Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

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

The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on the nature of your condition, your specific treatment plan, and your progress. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor your response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As your condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring your functional goals are maintained. Dr. Chiu will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to your individual needs.

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

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Chiu treat a wide range of 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. Dr. Chiu focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, provided you have a valid health card and an 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chiu at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Chiu will involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Chiu will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the musculoskeletal and/or neurological system depending on your needs. Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Chiu will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, 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. Chiu do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chiu 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. 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.

901 64 Ave NE, 5138
Calgary, AB, T2E 7P4

Phone: (403) 251-1165 | Website: http://kinesis.ca/

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

License Number: 16397

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=27c60af5-86a1-4b9b-b4a5-f138761f7905&i=286

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