Clinic Visits

All new patients receive a comprehensive evaluation by a specialized orthopaedic surgeon or physiatrist, depending upon the patient's needs and concerns. This may take place in either of our two clinic locations. Our physical therapist and social workers are available for consultation at our Santa Monica clinic.

• Physiatrists are physicians specially trained in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Physiatrists provide comprehensive care for our patients' non-surgical needs. Based on the patient's history, individual areas of concern, goals, and physical examination, a physiatrist may prescribe a combination of therapies, equipment, braces, medications, and procedures. Physiatrists can address abnormal tone, muscle contractures, and other abnormalities that impact a person's quality of life and ability to participate in school, work, self-care, or leisure activities.
• Orthopaedic surgeons care for our patients with bony and muscular abnormalities resulting from cerebral palsy that cannot be treated with more conservative methods. Examples of these include muscle contractures, hip dysplasia, leg torsion, scoliosis, and bony foot abnormalities. Surgical procedures are carefully selected based on each patient's history, individual areas of concern, short and long-term goals, and a physical examination. For patients who are able to walk (with or without an assistive device), an instrumented gait analysis may be completed prior to surgery to aid in decision-making.

Treatment plans are always tailored to meet the individual patient’s needs and discussed in detail with the patient and their family or caregivers.