Dr. Julian Leo De Ciutiis

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Julian Leo De Ciutiis addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Neurological Conditions

• 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.

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: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Diagnosing and treating inflammation of tendons (tendonitis/tendinopathy) and bursae (bursitis) in areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.

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

• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. De Ciutiis. 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. Julian Leo De Ciutiis 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. Julian Leo De Ciutiis'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. De Ciutiis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability at Dr. De Ciutiis's practice is consistently achieving being able to manage their condition proactively to maintain their gains. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as reaching for items on high shelves.
• A key objective when treating difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes at Dr. De Ciutiis's welcoming dental clinic is achieving successful return to work or meaningful activities. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. De Ciutiis with concerns about feeling generally weak and deconditioned after a long illness. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve improved cognitive function, such as memory and concentration, after a brain injury, making a positive and lasting return to focusing on their studies or work without constant pain distraction not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Patients presenting with their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a safe and effective exercise program tailored to their abilities under Dr. De Ciutiis's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume communicating their needs clearly if they have speech difficulties without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. De Ciutiis's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Nanaimo, is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and is accessible via Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. De Ciutiis 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 from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments like medication, therapeutic exercise, and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans.

Does Dr. De Ciutiis work with other healthcare professionals as part of a rehabilitation team?

Physiatrists like Dr. De Ciutiis often work in multidisciplinary teams. This team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other specialists. Dr. De Ciutiis coordinates with these professionals for a holistic approach to patient recovery.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment including a discussion of your medical history, symptoms, and their impact on your life. Dr. De Ciutiis will perform a physical examination and review any prior test results. Based on this, Dr. De Ciutiis will discuss diagnostic impressions, potential treatment options, and establish functional goals with you.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. De Ciutiis recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates muscle electrical activity, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. De Ciutiis might recommend these tests to diagnose conditions like pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other neuromuscular disorders.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. De Ciutiis 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. De Ciutiis 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. De Ciutiis?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. De Ciutiis for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. De Ciutiis has the necessary background information.

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

Dr. De Ciutiis treats various conditions, including stroke consequences, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, sports injuries, arthritis, chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and amputation rehabilitation. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

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

The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on your condition, treatment plan, and progress. Initially, visits may be more frequent, but they may become less frequent as you improve. Dr. De Ciutiis will tailor the schedule to your needs.

302 1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5T4

Phone: (778) 441-2880

Dr. Julian Leo De Ciutiis 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: 39604

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/371427/De%20Ciutiis%2CJulian

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