Dr. Sami Fouad Zaki

As a Physiatrist, Dr. Sami Fouad Zaki addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Managing widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points, fatigue, and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Management strategies for arthritis, including medication, injections, bracing, and exercise programs to improve joint function and reduce pain.
• 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.

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Helping amputees achieve optimal function, comfort, and independence with their prosthetic devices.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.
• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Managing conditions caused by repetitive stress and overuse, such as tendinopathies, shin splints, or stress reactions.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Zaki, 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: Leading a rehabilitation team to ensure all aspects of a patient's recovery are addressed cohesively.
• Individualized Rehabilitation Program Design: Goal-oriented rehabilitation planning to help patients regain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
• Medication Management for Pain & Spasticity: Optimizing pharmacological treatments to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects and risks.
• Stroke Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from stroke to improve mobility, speech, cognition, and activities of daily living.
• Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Specialized care for athletes with musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and safe return to sport.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Zaki. 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. Sami Fouad Zaki 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. Sami Fouad Zaki'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. Zaki frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Zaki when they first notice difficulty walking and keeping their balance since their stroke. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve feeling more confident in their physical abilities, enabling them to once again enjoy writing or typing without hand pain or fatigue without hesitation.
• Many people seek Dr. Zaki's professional help and expertise when dealing with feeling like they've lost a lot of strength after being bedridden. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently learning effective strategies to cope with chronic pain or disability, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to getting in and out of a chair or bed with greater ease.
• Dr. Zaki understands that dealing with feeling like their body just isn't recovering properly after an accident can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving successful return to work or meaningful activities, helping patients comfortably get back to participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively and feeling their best.
• When patients discuss their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling, Dr. Zaki outlines a path to being able to participate more fully in family and social life, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably walking around their neighborhood or a park comfortably.

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

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

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

The frequency of follow-up appointments with Dr. Zaki will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the specific treatment plan, and how the patient is progressing. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As the condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Zaki will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to each patient's needs.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Zaki 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. Zaki 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Zaki at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Zaki will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current symptoms, how these symptoms impact their daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Zaki 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. Zaki will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Zaki 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. Zaki 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.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Zaki 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.

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

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

Can Dr. Zaki help with chronic back pain without surgery?

Yes, Physiatrists like Dr. Zaki are experts in the non-surgical management of acute and chronic back and neck pain. After a thorough assessment to determine the cause, treatment may include personalized exercise programs, medication management (e.g., anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications), advice on posture and ergonomics, referrals for physical therapy, and potentially therapeutic injections (such as epidural steroid injections or trigger point injections, if these are part of Dr. Zaki's practice and appropriate for the patient's condition) to improve function and reduce pain.

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

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

502-1515 Dufferin Crescent, Coastal Rehabilitation and Neurodiagnostics
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5H6

Phone: (778) 787-1707

Dr. Sami Fouad Zaki 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: 67112

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346315/Zaki%2CSami

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