Dr. Derry Lawrence Dance – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Derry Lawrence Dance is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Dance is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Dance 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. Dance 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. Dance serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. Derry Lawrence Dance earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2009. Subsequently, Dr. Dance completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Dance's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, Dr. Dance holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Dance is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Dance's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery. Dr. Dance provides consultations in English.

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

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Comprehensive non-operative care for spinal pain, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and preventative strategies.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Treating localized muscle pain and trigger points characteristic of myofascial pain syndrome.

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.

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. Dance, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
• 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.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Comprehensive care for spinal disorders, focusing on pain relief, functional restoration, and prevention of recurrence.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dance. 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. Derry Lawrence Dance 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. Derry Lawrence Dance'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. Dance frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing severe pain and strange sensations in their limb after an old injury (CRPS-like symptoms), involves working systematically towards being able to participate more fully in family and social life. Dr. Dance expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including their child being able to play and interact with peers more easily.
• At Dr. Dance's clinic, addressing a sports injury that's keeping them off the field means focusing on patient goals. Achieving a smoother transition back to community living after hospitalization helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to performing tasks that require fine motor coordination.
• The journey from experiencing pain or weakness that doctors haven't been able to diagnose easily to wellness often involves Dr. Dance's dedicated care. The milestone is their rehabilitation plan leading to tangible improvements in their daily function, which opens the door back to activities such as being able to sit comfortably for a movie or a long car ride.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Dance with concerns about the burning pain in their feet from diabetes making it hard to walk. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a safe and effective exercise program tailored to their abilities, making a positive and lasting return to returning to their job or volunteer work not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Dance's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Financial District and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Dance 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. Dance are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

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

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Dance 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. Dance focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Dance 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. 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. Dance at the clinic?

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

4255 Laurel St, GF Strong Rehab Centre
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2G9

Phone: (604) 714-4113

Dr. Derry Lawrence Dance 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: 67843

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331144/Dance%2CDerry

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