Dr. Michael John Pappachan – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist | Edmonton, AB

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

Dr. Michael John Pappachan earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Uofa - University Of Alberta, graduating in 2007. Subsequently, Dr. Pappachan completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 18 years of practice since 2007, Dr. Pappachan's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Pappachan is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Pappachan's medical practice philosophy include: a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of disability and recovery; promoting optimal quality of life and helping patients adapt to and overcome physical challenges. Dr. Pappachan provides consultations in English.

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

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): Helping patients regain strength, endurance, and mobility to improve their ability to perform daily tasks.

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Developing rehabilitation plans to optimize outcomes following surgeries like total knee/hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or spinal fusion.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management & Rehabilitation: Long-term care and rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, addressing paralysis, spasticity, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and other complications.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Chronic Widespread Pain: Developing strategies to cope with and reduce the burden of chronic widespread pain.
• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.

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

• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Developing individualized pain management plans to reduce suffering and improve daily functioning for patients with chronic pain.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Expert prescription and monitoring of analgesic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and medications for neuropathic pain or spasticity.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the source of pain or inflammation for therapeutic benefit.

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

At Dr. Michael John Pappachan'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. Pappachan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Pappachan often consults with patients whose a 'pinched nerve' in their neck or back causing shooting pains significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying hobbies like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve successful return to work or meaningful activities and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Patients experiencing difficulty swallowing or speaking clearly after a neurological event often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Pappachan's practice, a key objective is their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in cooking their own meals and managing household chores.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Pappachan to see patients who were troubled by feeling very stiff and having trouble moving because of their Parkinson's successfully achieve finding non-pharmacological ways to manage their pain effectively. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like simply moving through their day with less pain and more freedom.
• Dr. Pappachan provides dedicated support for patients going through numbness and tingling in their hands that just won't go away, always aiming for positive outcomes like learning techniques to prevent re-injury or a worsening of their condition, 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. Pappachan, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Pappachan is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Pappachan's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the SW: Ellerslie, Allard, Rutherford neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Garneau/University Area and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Pappachan treat a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Examples include 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. Pappachan's focus is always on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life.

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

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, while Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Pappachan 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. Pappachan do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Pappachan 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 like medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

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

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

How is a Physiatrist different from an Orthopedic Surgeon or a Neurologist?

While all three specialties may deal with the musculoskeletal and/or nervous systems, their approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons perform surgery on bones, joints, and related tissues. Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, often primarily with medication. Physiatrists like Dr. Pappachan focus on optimizing function and quality of life through non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions. They often take a holistic view, coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Pappachan 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. Pappachan are covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), provided the patient has a valid health card and an appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain injections, assistive devices) may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage of adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Pappachan often work with a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other medical specialists. Dr. Pappachan coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. You can ask Dr. Pappachan about team members involved in your care.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive assessment: a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, their impact on your daily life, and previous treatments. Dr. Pappachan will perform a thorough physical examination (musculoskeletal and/or neurological). Prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Pappachan will discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations (if needed), and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

301-575 100 ST SW
Edmonton, AB, T6X 0S8

Phone: (780) 453-5255

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

License Number: 20240

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=bda64ca9-0491-491b-9dd8-8c1102bc67f4&i=1124

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