Dr. William Henry Craig

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

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Specialized care to optimize recovery and prevent re-injury in athletes of all levels.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Managing widespread musculoskeletal pain, tender points, fatigue, and sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia.
• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Care for conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, trochanteric bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Arthritic Conditions: Helping patients manage the symptoms of various arthritic conditions affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Addressing various causes of back and neck discomfort through physiatric assessment and treatment.

Neurological Conditions

• 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.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA) Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Addressing disorders of the peripheral nervous system to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.

Post Surgical Rehab

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

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

• Spasticity Management (e.g., Botulinum Toxin Injections): Utilizing botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) injections to reduce muscle spasticity and improve range of motion in conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or spinal cord injury.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Expert diagnosis and management of axial and radicular pain originating from the spine.
• Electrodiagnostic Medicine (EMG/NCS): Specialized nerve testing to identify conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy (pinched nerves), peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Craig. 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. William Henry Craig 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. William Henry Craig'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. Craig frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Craig'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 a clear understanding of their condition and a personalized rehabilitation plan, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to performing household repairs or light maintenance tasks.
• When difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to keeping up with friends or family during outings, Dr. Craig and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by successful return to work or meaningful activities and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Patients experiencing wanting to explore options for pain relief beyond just medication often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Craig's practice, a key objective is reduced frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck issues, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction.
• Are you struggling with wanting to improve their posture and body mechanics to reduce strain? Dr. Craig partners with patients to target improved hand dexterity for fine motor tasks, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as participating in rehabilitation therapies actively and effectively a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Craig's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in North Vancouver, is situated in a central location within the North Vancouver neighborhood of North Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Accessible patient parking is typically available near our facility.

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

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

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Craig is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their main goal is to improve functional ability, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life for those with physical impairments or disabilities from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments like medication, exercise programs, injections (when appropriate), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans, often involving a team of therapists.

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

Physiatrists like Dr. Craig often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive rehabilitation. This team might include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, social workers, kinesiologists, orthotists/prosthetists, and other specialists. Dr. Craig coordinates with these professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient recovery and improvement. You can ask Dr. Craig about team members involved in your care.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Craig 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. Craig are typically covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, if you have a valid health card and the appropriate referral (if required). However, some specific treatments or procedures (like certain injections, devices, or comprehensive programs) may not be fully covered, or may have extra fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential costs and check your private insurance for coverage of additional therapies or devices.

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

Electromyography (EMG) assesses the electrical activity of muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Craig might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to diagnose conditions like pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint nerve or muscle problems, guiding treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Craig will involve a comprehensive assessment: a discussion of your medical history, symptoms, how symptoms affect your daily life, and past treatments. Dr. Craig will perform a thorough physical exam (musculoskeletal and/or neurological). Any prior imaging or test results will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Craig will discuss their findings, may recommend further tests, and outline treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to set functional goals.

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

Dr. Craig treats a range of conditions including: stroke consequences, 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. The focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.

200-2609 Westview Dr, Westview Wellness Center, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
North Vancouver, BC, V7N 4M2

Phone: (604) 990-1122

Dr. William Henry Craig 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: 28191

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325520/Craig%2CWilliam

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