Description
About Dr. Gray
Dr. Darren Gray is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, AB, Dr. Gray is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Gray 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. Gray 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. Gray serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.
Dr. Darren Gray earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Uofa - University Of Alberta, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Gray completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 14 years of practice since 2011, Dr. Gray's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Gray is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.
Key aspects of Dr. Gray'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. Gray provides consultations in English.
Conditions Addressed by Dr. Darren Gray
As a Physiatrist, Dr. Darren Gray addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:
Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of CRPS (formerly RSD), a chronic pain condition typically affecting an arm or leg after an injury or trauma.
- Chronic Widespread Pain: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.
- Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Addressing chronic pain conditions caused by nerve injury or disease.
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: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.
- Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Treating joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases.
- Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
- Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.
Neurological Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility, balance, gait, and performance of daily activities for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Managing the physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe TBI.
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Gray, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.
Dr. Darren Gray's Physiatrist Services
- Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.
- Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Careful selection and adjustment of medications to manage complex pain syndromes and muscle spasticity.
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.
- Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation for therapeutic benefit.
- Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Creating multidisciplinary treatment strategies involving therapies, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications to optimize recovery and function.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gray. 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 Gray adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Achieving Your Functional & Rehabilitation Goals with Dr. Gray
At Dr. Darren Gray'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. Gray frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for recovering from a major surgery and needing help to get moving again at Dr. Gray's practice is consistently achieving a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling physically capable of handling unexpected daily challenges.
- At Dr. Gray's clinic, addressing not being able to lift their arm properly after a shoulder injury means focusing on patient goals. Achieving successfully adapting to using an assistive device or prosthesis helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to reaching for items on high shelves.
- Patients presenting with wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of being able to manage their daily activities with greater ease under Dr. Gray's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume using their prosthetic limb with skill and confidence without the former limitations or discomfort.
- Dr. Gray's comprehensive care for losing function in their legs after a spinal cord injury is meticulously designed to result in optimized recovery after surgery or a major medical event. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as bending down or kneeling without severe discomfort without dental worries.
Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Gray, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Gray is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Gray's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the SW: Ellerslie, Allard, Rutherford neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Shopping & Nightlife District and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiatrist with Dr. Gray in Edmonton
- What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at our clinic?
- We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Gray. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than the requested notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee at the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently to serve all our patients.
- What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Gray at the clinic?
- Your first visit with Dr. Gray 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. Gray 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. Gray will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential 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. Gray?
- Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Gray for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Gray has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.
- What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Gray do?
- A Physiatrist like Dr. Gray 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.
- Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Gray 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. Gray are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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 to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.
- What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Gray treats?
- Dr. Gray treats a variety 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.
- Does Dr. Gray work with other healthcare professionals as part of a rehabilitation team?
- Physiatrists like Dr. Gray often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other medical specialists. Dr. Gray typically coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. You can ask Dr. Gray about the team members who might be involved in your care.
- What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Gray 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. Gray 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.
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. Darren Gray
301-575 100 St SW
Edmonton, AB, T6X 0S8
Phone: (780) 453-5255
Dr. Darren Gray is a licensed Physiatrist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).
License Number: 24427
Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=66f59127-fdbd-4ec6-b855-015657fd5d0d&i=543
A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Gray. Dr. Gray 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.