Dr. Sarah Frehlich – Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Calgary, AB

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

Dr. Sarah Frehlich earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from University Of Alberta, graduating in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. Frehlich completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Frehlich's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, the Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist holds qualifications/certifications such as: LMCC; QEP1 - Qualifying Exam Part 1; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Frehlich is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Frehlich's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual goals and maximizing functional independence; collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Frehlich provides consultations in English.

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

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Neuropathic Pain (Nerve Pain): Utilizing medications, interventional techniques, and therapies specifically targeted at nerve-related pain.
• 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.

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: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.

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: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

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

• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Treatment of Joint Pain (Arthritis, Tendinopathies): Addressing inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Targeted injections to manage disabling muscle stiffness and spasms, enhancing comfort and functional abilities.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.

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

At Dr. Sarah Frehlich'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. Frehlich frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their pain making it difficult to focus or concentrate begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Frehlich helps patients strive for being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This makes participating in activities such as going up and down stairs without significant difficulty or pain a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Frehlich about their persistent low back pain making it hard to sit or stand for long is to attain better management of their chronic condition, leading to an improved quality of life. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for trouble with bladder or bowel control related to a neurological condition at Dr. Frehlich's practice is consistently achieving a noticeable improvement in their posture and body mechanics. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as attending social gatherings and community events with confidence.
• For patients where wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain is a primary concern, Dr. Frehlich focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully reaching for items on high shelves.

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

Dr. Frehlich's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Calgary, is situated in the NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near McMahon Stadium and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Frehlich 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. Frehlich 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 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. Frehlich?

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

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Frehlich 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 are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Frehlich treats?

Dr. Frehlich treats diverse conditions such as: 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. Frehlich focuses on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Frehlich 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. Frehlich 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. Frehlich at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Frehlich 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. Frehlich 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. Frehlich 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.

1403 29 St NW, Room AC144 Special Services Building Foothills Medical Center
Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9

Phone: (403) 944-1580 | Website: https://carewest.ca/carewest-dr-vernon-fanning/

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

License Number: 24659

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7a166529-c02a-48a8-a30b-37f82515e45b&i=485

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