Welcome to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island

Our care philosophy is to always pursue higher states of health and function through partnership with patients, empowering them through health education.  Understanding your medical condition is the first step in managing it. Setting health goals is the first step towards achieving them.

physiatrist in Suffolk County

Located on the beautiful south shore of Long Island, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, PLLC was founded to meet the needs of the eastern Long Island community. By offering a unique combination of vital services, combined with a patient-centered, holistic approach to medical science, we deliver a truly remarkable, gold standard level of service. Our goal is to relieve pain and suffering in every way, to strengthen our community by improving the health of individuals.

Our Mission

To improve health, maximize function and restore quality of life through the provision of comprehensive medical rehabilitation services across the continuum of care for all patients.  

Our Care Philosophy

To pursue higher states of health and function through a partnership with patients, empowering them through health education and by providing the highest quality medical care and rehabilitation services.  Understanding your medical condition is the first step towards better health. Setting health goals is the first step towards achieving them.

About Dr. Paulinder Rai, our Pain Management Doctor on Long Island

Dr. Rai is a specialist in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He focuses on the health and well-being of the whole person, utilizing the body’s natural tendency towards health and repair to achieve higher levels of function and independence. He believes in the importance of strength and physical conditioning to maintain optimal health and to treat and prevent injury. He emphasizes that nutrition plays a vital role in the pursuit of a healthy body. Dr. Rai treats patients as partners in health, and he practices a teaching model of medicine to help patients achieve their desired health and lifestyle goals.  His areas of expertise include sports medicine and non-surgical management of orthopedic injuries, limb loss rehabilitation, pain management, post-stroke rehabilitation, spasticity management, and wound care.

Dr. Paulinder S. Rai is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He practices in Brightwaters, NY where he cares for patients with various musculoskeletal impairments. He is a specialist in mobility and function. Through his understanding of human anatomy, fitness, health, and nutrition he brings quality to the life of each of his patients. His comprehensive approach to health and disease helps him partner with his patients to create effective treatment plans and restore function to those who have suffered from their ailments. His philosophy is anchored in both treatment as well as prevention of disease, and he aims to facilitate the body’s natural tendency towards healing through the use of all medical modalities. He believes in evidence-based, common sense medicine, and always keeps his patients at the center of his care.

Dr. Rai completed undergraduate training at New York University, where he studied philosophy, then earned his Master’s degree in Public Health. He earned his medical degree from The New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. Since graduation, he has continued to serve as a leader of the academic medical community, completing his tenure as president of the New York Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, of which he is currently serving as treasurer. Dr. Rai is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has mentored countless medical students and residents, and is passionate about teaching and empowering the future generation of medical practitioners.

He has returned to Long Island to serve and care for the community in which he grew up, and is the founder and president of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, PLLC.

Located on the beautiful south shore of Long Island, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, PLLC was founded to meet the needs of the eastern Long Island community. By offering a unique combination of vital services, combined with a patient-centered, holistic approach to medical science, we deliver a truly remarkable, gold standard level of service. Our goal is to relieve pain and suffering in every way, to improve function and human independence, and to strengthen our community by improving the health of individuals.

 

Recent Blog Posts from our Pain Management Doctor on Long Island

 

Pain Management Long Island

How a Pain Management Doctor on Long Island Can Treat Your Pain

Pain management may be simple or complex depending on the cause of the pain.  Management may include conservative treatments such as steroid injections, medication management, osteopathic manipulation or physical therapy. Emphasis is also placed on lifestyle changes to alleviate pain such as nutritional counseling, assistance in choosing the right footwear and encouraging cessation of tobacco use and good sleep habits.

Are you experiencing chronic pain and don’t know how to deal with it? Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island can help with any constant discomfort you may be suffering from. If you are looking for a doctor for a pain management doctor on Long Island, whether your pain is due to an injury or illness, we can offer you various options.

We have many therapies to help you manage your pain. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, injection therapy, and a pain management doctor on Long Island can all help with any complications you may be having, depending on your bodily condition. What most people don’t realize is that pain management is most helpful when patients become active partners in their pain relief. That means prioritizing self-help techniques like incorporating anti-inflammatory food into your diet, partaking in low-impact exercise, and overall making your health a primary concern. At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, we can help treat various painful conditions you may be suffering from, such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic headaches
  • Nerve pain
  • Back pain
  • Pain associated with limb loss

Pain Management Nassau County

The different therapies and treatments we recommend will be based on the progression of your condition. Whatever the cause of pain may be, our team at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island will provide you with the right way to manage it. Our pain management center on Long Island is here not only to help reduce the pain with our wide-ranging therapies, but also to provide you with a better overall quality of life. Your pain is our priority. Helping you understand your condition and showing you an alternative including healthy methods of rehabilitating it will help restore your life as a whole. Looking for a pain management doctor on Long Island? Contact Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island to set up an appointment today!

With the help of our pain management doctor, Dr. Rai, you will not have to live in constant fear of how significantly your chronic pain will affect your ability to succeed on a day-to-day basis. Physiatrists, also sometimes referred to as pain management doctors are those who specialize in diagnosing the root cause of a patient’s chronic pain in order to help teach them how to manage their pain so that they can live as comfortable a life as possible.

How A Pаin Mаnаgеmеnt Doctor on Long Island Will Diagnose Your Pain

At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, we believe that the treatment process begins with us taking the time to get a thorough understanding of your individual symptoms. That is why, when you first visit our facility in search of a pain management doctor on Long Island, we will ask you a lot of questions that will allow us to compile the most up-to-date medical history we possibly can. As soon as we have an accurate medical history, we may perform a series of diagnostic tests that would serve as the foundation in which we construct your treatment plan. What follows is a brief list of the on-site diagnostic tests that we perform on a regular basis:

  • Electromyography (EMG) – A process by which we assess the health of a given muscle by lightly electrifying the cells within it, and analyzing the resulting activity.
  • Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) – Similar to an EMG, NCS is used to assess the health of your motor and sensory nerves by way of mild electrical current, allowing us to get a complete understanding of the depth of the damage that could be causing your chronic pain.
  • Gait Analysis – An assessment of how your musculoskeletal moves as you walk or run, which allows us to determine if your abnormal gate could be causing your pain.

Creating a Treatment Plan for Your Chronic Pain

Following the completion of any and all diagnostic tests, our pain management doctor on Long Island will use the results to construct the most appropriate treatment plan for you. We offer a wide variety of treatment options that are specifically designed to help manage your chronic pain, such as:

Get In Touch With Us

We at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island are committed to empowering our patients through health education and top-quality medical care. There is no reason to constantly be worried about how to live with chronic pain. Contact us today to get connected with our pain management doctor on Long Island who will get you the help you deserve.

Natural Pain Management

Pain Management PhysicianAre you looking to get rid of your pain, increase your quality of life, and do it all without the use of medication? 

Are you experiencing pain and not sure why?

Do you want to standstill your bad habits?

If you answered yes to the above questions, a pain management doctor on Long Island at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island can lead you in the right direction. Whether it is damaged diet choices, poor sleep habits, or bad footwear, your pain may be caused by things that have never crossed your mind. Our pain management doctors have the expertise to pinpoint the causes of your pain and plan out natural lifestyle changes that enforce lasting results. 

Consequences of Certain Lifestyle Choices

Diet – The food that you consume has an assortment of nutrients that are digested into your body. The diet you choose either enhances your immune system or hurts your immune system. A sugar-heavy diet hampers the effectiveness of your immune system. Your immune system helps fight inflammation and other bacterias that cause pain. Without a healthy diet, your pain will not subside. 

Sleep – When you are sleeping your body is rejuvenating and recovering from your day to day activities and actions. If you are short on sleep, your body is deprived of its time to heal specific pains. 

Footwear – Shoes that are too small or too big initiate pain. The bonuses of the perfect size shoe are that it helps all of your muscles and bones function properly. If your shoes are too big, you will tense up certain joints, tendons, and muscles and it will cause unnecessary pain. Also, improper shoe choices will increase your chance of injury.

Smoking – Smokers are less likely to exercise, increasing the likelihood of experiencing pain and discomfort.

Natural Pain Management Methods

Whenever we are in pain, our doctors quickly turn to medication for relief. Three other (and potentially more effective) ways to terminate your pain and tackle your relief are exercising, building relationships, and massage therapy.

Exercise – Your body is designed for movement. If you are not engaging in much movement because of the pain you are feeling, your pain will only worsen. Depending on your unique situation, our pain management doctors in Long Island can locate certain exercises to keep your pain to a minimum. It is imperative to understand that pain management is a process and that full commitment/trust of the journey will increase the likelihood of your pain subsiding.

Building Relationships – If you can talk to people who may be dealing with the same pain, you will be more likely to reach your goal of pain relief. Talking with people can reassure you that you are not alone and will allow you to trust the work you are putting in and be all in with your recovery. Also, ideas will be bounced off one another and new ways to subside your pain can be implemented. 

Massage Therapy – Getting a massage helps to relieve both stress and pain. When you get a massage, muscles are loosened and painful spasms are calmed. A massage also has positive mental outcomes that motivate the body to be at ease. The relaxation state that a massage puts you in will allow your body to heal and refresh. 

PMRofLI – A Quality Pain Management Doctor on Long Island

Our pain management doctor on Long Island at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island can help to reverse your lifestyle choices and promote pain relief. Our nutritional counseling program will steer you in a direction where your body is getting the correct amount of nutrients. This will encourage the body to function correctly, strengthen the immune system, and hopefully get rid of your discomfort. Our doctors have years of knowledge of the way sleep habits cause pain. We know that a strict sleep schedule can help the body recover and reduce pain and we can help implement a sleep routine that stimulates positive change in your life. With gait analysis, the study of how one walks, we will be able to see how your shoes and walking habits may be linked to the pain you are experiencing. We also understand that smoking is an addictive lifestyle habit and we will support you in ceasing this habit. We will encourage you to stop, support your success, and help solidify your mind, body, and soul by halting your smoking habits. 

Book an appointment today to speak with our talented pain management doctor on Long Island! 

Battling Osteoarthritis

If you or someone you know suffers from osteoarthritis, get in touch with our pain management doctor on Long Island at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island for treatment.  

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is a condition that occurs when the cartilage at the end of a person’s bone begins to wear down. This cartilage is responsible for cushioning your bones and preventing contact with other bones in the area. Once worn down, the cartilage is unable to provide a reliable connective tissue between the bones and it can create immense pain. This condition is most commonly seen in the hands, hips, knees, and spine. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis usually occur slowly and worsen over time. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seeking professional help with a pain management doctor on Long Island is recommended:

  • Tenderness – The affected joint may feel very sensitive to contact in and around the area. 
  • Loss of flexibility – Full range of motion in the affected area will be difficult due to the bone to bone contact. 
  • Inflammation – Swelling of the joint that can be seen with the naked eye. 
  • Stiffness – Usually occurs in the morning, the region of the body where the pompous joint is located will feel especially tight.
  • Clicking/cracking of the joint – When the joints pivot/bend and a clicking or cracking sound is heard. 

Causes

Osteoarthritis has long been understood as wear and tear of the joints that happens throughout one’s life from common use and deterioration. Recently, scientists are viewing it as a disease that can be caused by genetics, weight, and overuse. 

Genetics – A variety of genetic traits can make one more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. One of these traits is a defect in the body’s production of collagen. Collagen is the protein that makes up the cartilage that provides the connective tissue our joints need. This trait abnormality can initiate the development of the disease at as early as age 20. Another trait defect that can cause osteoarthritis is one where the bones do not fit correctly. This defect causes the cartilage that allows our joints to bend to wear out quicker than if the bones were correctly aligned. 

Weight There is a distinct link between being overweight and being at a higher risk of having the disease. When one is overweight, their joints have added pressure to support the bones. Usually, when one is overweight, osteoarthritis is experienced in the knees, hips, and hands. Researchers have indicated that osteoarthritis is very common in the hands of overweight individuals. This is because fat tissue produces inflammatory tissue that affects the joints and how they are supposed to function.

Overuse – Blue-collar workers (electricians, ironworkers, carpenters, etc.) are likely to get osteoarthritis because they are constantly bending, grabbing, and twisting their bodies. The joints are put under high duress in these professions and can promote the condition to rapidly worsen if overuse continues. If you are in this profession and are experiencing these pains in your joints, contact a pain management doctor on Long Island at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island. 

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island

At Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island, we believe that understanding your disease is the first step to managing the symptoms. One of our core practices is educating our patients on their condition so that they are aware of how their recovery goals will be achieved. With a dedicated staff and a clear vision of rehabilitation practices, we are the right place to recover and alleviate your osteoarthritis pain. With our assistance, we hope to empower you to fight this disease head-on and hopefully in the long term see life-changing results. If you are thinking about investing in our great care, give us a call at 631-300-0797 to get in touch with our pain management doctor on Long Island. We look forward to brightening your future!  

pain management doctors in Nassau County

Proudly Voted Best Pain Management Doctor on Long Island

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island would like to thank all of you for voting us for Best Pain Management Doctor on Long Island for Bethpage Best of Long Island. Without your undivided support, our practice would not be as successful as it is today!

Our team at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island focuses on the health and wellness of all of our patients. With the patients’ well being as a top priority, we heavily emphasize the importance of strength and physical conditioning when it comes to maintenance and recovery. Aside from this, each patient’s nutrition is taken into account as well. At our practice, we offer a unique approach to pain management. We combine our most vital services, which are patient-centered, holistic, and rooted in medical science. These factors together have allowed us to provide the highest quality of care to patients across Long Island. Whether you’re looking for inpatient services, clinical services, or therapy, our goal stays the same; relieve our patients from pain and suffering, improve everyday function, and allow them to regain the human independence they want and deserve.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island are grateful and proud to achieve the title of Best Pain Management Doctor on Long Island. We will continue to serve and treat our patients with the attention and support they deserve. The undisputed support from our patients made this award a significant and proud part of our time serving the community.

For any questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!

How can a Pain Doctor help your Sciatica?

Sciatica

Sciatica is identified as back pain that is directly caused by the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is located in the lower back and runs down each leg, making it the longest nerve in the body. This condition occurs for 40% of Americans, making it an incredibly common complication. It is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and ways it can be treated in order to help prevent or treat sciatica. If you need a pain management doctor on Long Island, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Long Island can help treat sciatica by using a wide variety of methods. 

Symptoms

When someone has sciatica, pain can spread from the lower back to the hips, legs, and buttocks. Some of the common symptoms of sciatica are listed below:

  • Back pain when sitting or sudden movements such as sneezing or coughing.
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in one leg.
  • Pain radiating down the leg.

Back pain occurs in 31 million Americans, according to some studies. Naturally, this is an issue that we suffer from daily, especially as we age. Sciatica is just one of the many complications that leads to the development of back pain. Other potential risk factors could be involved, triggering sciatica and an abundance of other issues. 

Risk Factors

  • Age – Statistics show that Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to have or eventually develop sciatica.
  • Pregnancy – The uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve during pregnancy, usually leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Herniated disk – The herniated lumbar disk could press against the sciatic nerve, causing pain and affecting the quality of life.
  • Degenerative arthritis – Also known as osteoarthritis, this condition is considered the most common form of the disease. When the cartilage around your joints wears down, it can cause pain.
  • Spinal stenosis – The narrowing of your spine may trigger pain within the sciatic nerve. Narrowing of the spine is the direct condition associated with spinal stenosis. 
  • Piriformis syndrome – The piriformis muscle is located above the hip joint and stabilizes movement. Issues affecting this area of the body can harm the overall quality of life.
  • Sacroiliitis – Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can also be related to sciatica.

How a Pain Management Doctor on Long Island Can Help

Treatment is possible for symptoms of sciatica in order to restore comfort and help patients feel better physically. Below are some options for treatment offered at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Long Island:

  • Steroid injections
  • Stretching
  • Physical therapy
  • By working with a pain management doctor on Long Island, practitioners help you return to the activities you want to do by setting a plan for helping you to achieve your goals
  • Occupational therapy
  • Osteopathic manipulation
    • Through OMT, physicians apply pressure to different areas of the body. This has several benefits, such as improving blood flow within the body. 

Prevention

Your pain management doctor on Long Island will work with you to decrease your level of pain. Additionally, they will ensure safe practices into your everyday life so you can prevent it from returning.

  • Healthy diet – Eating the right foods can help ease your sciatica pain. Be sure to include foods that contain a good source of vitamins and minerals. Your doctor will advise incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet so that you can help prevent sciatica from recurring.
  • Exercise – Performing low-intensity exercises will prevent strain from developing on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, it will strengthen the surrounding lumbar muscles. Your pain management doctor on Long Island will guide you on which exercises are best for you.

Pain Management Doctor on Long Island

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Long Island is available for your pain treatment needs. We offer clinical services for sciatica and other functions. We also provide therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Our Location

234 Orinoco Drive
Brightwaters, NY 11718
Tel (631) 300-0797
Fax (631) 647-8429
Email: Move@pmrli.com

Monday: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: 9am – 6pm
Thursday: 9am – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 3pm
Sunday: Closed

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