Dr. Ross Alexander Davidson

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Ross Alexander Davidson addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Post Surgical Rehab

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement, spine surgery): Helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence after major surgical interventions.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Non-operative treatment and rehabilitation for common sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and stress fractures.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• 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.
• Chronic Widespread Pain: A comprehensive approach to managing complex and diffuse pain that significantly impacts daily life.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Treatment aimed at reducing severe pain, swelling, skin changes, and functional impairment associated with CRPS.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.

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

• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Specialized therapies to address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges following a stroke.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue injuries, guide injections, and monitor treatment progress.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Diagnostic procedures to evaluate the health of muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Care: Working collaboratively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Davidson. 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. Ross Alexander Davidson 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. Ross Alexander Davidson'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. Davidson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When needing to learn how to use a prosthetic limb effectively starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to enjoying a walk on uneven ground or nature trails, Dr. Davidson and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by being able to manage their condition proactively to maintain their gains and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When patients discuss their recovery from surgery being much slower than they expected, Dr. Davidson outlines a path to improved balance and reduced risk of falls, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably their child being able to keep up with friends during playtime.
• Dr. Davidson understands that dealing with difficulty participating in family activities due to physical limitations can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving being able to participate more fully in family and social life, helping patients comfortably get back to going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain and feeling their best.
• Patients presenting with their child having movement difficulties due to cerebral palsy or another condition can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a personalized plan that addresses all aspects of their physical impairment under Dr. Davidson's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume being able to stand for periods needed for work or daily tasks without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Davidson's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Nanaimo, is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre and is accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Designated accessible parking spots are often located close to the entrance.

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

In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Davidson for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Davidson has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a physiatric assessment, please speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Dr. Davidson treats 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. Davidson's focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Davidson 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. Davidson 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.

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

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Davidson 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. Davidson coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to the patient's recovery and functional improvement. You can ask Dr. Davidson about the team members who might be involved in your care at the clinic or through referral.

How long will my treatment or rehabilitation with Dr. Davidson take?

The duration of treatment and rehabilitation varies greatly depending on the specific condition, its severity, your individual goals, your response to treatment, and the complexity of the rehabilitation plan. Some conditions may require only a few consultations and a home program, while others (like recovery from a significant stroke or spinal cord injury) can involve longer-term management and therapy. Dr. Davidson will discuss an estimated timeline and expected milestones after the initial assessment and as treatment progresses.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Davidson will typically involve a comprehensive assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Davidson will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing 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 evaluation, Dr. Davidson 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.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Davidson 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 from injury or illness. 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.

502-1515 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5H6

Phone: (778) 787-1707

Dr. Ross Alexander Davidson 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: 67539

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330646/Davidson%2CRoss

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