Dr. Yasmin Zia Chishti – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist | Edmonton, AB

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

Dr. Yasmin Zia Chishti earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Dalhousie University, graduating in 2017. Subsequently, Dr. Chishti completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 8 years of practice since 2017, Dr. Chishti's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Dr. Chishti is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care. Key aspects of Dr. Chishti'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. Chishti provides consultations in English.

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

Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Tendonitis & Bursitis: Addressing soft tissue inflammation around joints to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
• Fibromyalgia & Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A multimodal approach to complex pain conditions involving muscles and connective tissues.
• Low Back Pain & Neck Pain (Non-Surgical): Managing acute or chronic pain in the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine due to disc issues, arthritis, muscle strain, or stenosis without surgery.

Sports Injuries Rehab

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

Chronic Pain Syndromes

• 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.
• 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: Addressing persistent pain that affects multiple body regions, often associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or central sensitization.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chishti, 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 Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Performing image-guided (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) injections such as corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, trigger point injections, and peripheral nerve blocks.
• Chronic Pain Management (Multimodal Approach): Comprehensive assessment and treatment of persistent pain conditions using a combination of therapies, including medication management, interventional procedures, physical therapy, and psychological support.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound imaging for real-time assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves.
• 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. Chishti. 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. Yasmin Zia Chishti adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Yasmin Zia Chishti'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. Chishti frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chishti often consults with patients whose pain, making it difficult to focus or concentrate, significantly limits their enjoyment of keeping up with friends or family during outings or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve reduced muscle spasms and improved range of motion and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• The journey from trouble with bladder or bowel control related to a neurological condition to wellness often involves Dr. Chishti's dedicated care. The milestone is optimized recovery after surgery or a major medical event, which opens the door back to activities such as participating in physical therapy sessions with greater ease and less pain.
• With Dr. Chishti's compassionate and skilled care, managing the frustration of not being able to do the hobbies they once loved due to pain or disability is focused on achieving their child achieving better motor skills and functional independence. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to taking care of their personal hygiene needs with dignity without dental concerns.
• Dr. Chishti provides dedicated support for patients going through not being able to use their hand effectively after a nerve injury, always aiming for positive outcomes like their child making significant progress in their physical development, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as enjoying intimate moments without being limited by pain or physical restriction.

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

Dr. Chishti's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Edmonton, is situated in the SW: Ellerslie, Allard, Rutherford neighborhood of Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently located near Main Campus and is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

The first visit with Dr. Chishti 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. Chishti 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. Chishti will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with the patient to establish functional goals.

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

A Physiatrist like Dr. Chishti 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. Chishti treats?

Dr. Chishti treats a variety 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. Chishti 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. Chishti 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. Chishti 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.

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

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

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

Phone: (780) 453-5255

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

License Number: 27966

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b53e7782-a57d-4a28-b77a-4ea731e4bfb4&i=286

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