Dr. Hernish Jayant Acharya

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

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion Rehabilitation: Helping patients recover and adapt after a TBI to return to daily life, work, or school.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Diagnosing and managing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by damage to peripheral nerves (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy).

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.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Managing pain arising from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or radicular pain.

Post Surgical Rehab

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

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Acharya, 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.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injuries, addressing cognitive, physical, and behavioral sequelae.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Maximizing functional recovery and independence after a cerebrovascular accident through a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Comprehensive care for individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, including bladder/bowel management, spasticity control, and assistive technology.
• 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.

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

At Dr. Hernish Jayant Acharya'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. Acharya frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For individuals troubled by their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement, Dr. Acharya's approach is focused on delivering reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction with a healthier smile.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of their neck pain giving them constant headaches, Dr. Acharya offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of sleeping through the night without being woken by pain.
• When needing help to manage muscle spasms or cramps effectively starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks, Dr. Acharya and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a significant reduction in their daily pain levels and a return to comfort and confidence.
• A key objective when treating trouble with their memory and concentration after a head injury at Dr. Acharya's welcoming dental clinic is achieving enhanced ability to manage spasticity or muscle stiffness. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like driving their car independently.

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

Dr. Acharya's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the SW: Windermere South, Keswick neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near 4th Street Promenade and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Acharya 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. Acharya 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 does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Acharya do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Acharya 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.

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. Acharya. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' 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.

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

Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Acharya 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. Acharya has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Acharya 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. Acharya 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. Acharya treats?

Dr. Acharya treats a range of 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. Dr. Acharya focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Acharya 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. Acharya 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. Acharya will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

301-6040 Andrews Way SW, Physiologix
Edmonton, AB, T6W 3S9

Phone: (780) 447-4924

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

License Number: 19289

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9e5a087d-482f-4048-beda-a7e1defc713e&i=16

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