Allen C. Tafel, MD is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), which is also known as Physiatry. Dr. Tafel is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic pain and disability caused by injury, illness or conditions involving any organ system.
Dr. Tafel is focused on quality of life issues. His goal is to restore his patients to pain-free, maximum function that was lost due to injury, illness or disabling conditions. He treats the whole person, not merely the problem area, to restore patients to productive lives. All treatments are nonsurgical, via a comprehensive, personalized program, and are geared to enhance a patient’s abilities and performance, and preventing further disability. His services are also applied to sport injuries, through development of programs to help athletes to avoid injury.
The goal of rehabilitation is to decrease pain and enhance performance without surgery and to help the patient return to and maintain a high level of function. Pain medications are used to help bring severe pain under control in order for the patient to participate in rehabilitation.
Collaborating with a team of medical professionals, including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, to coordinate care, Dr. Tafel will look at the “big picture,” treating the whole person, to improve function, mobility, and the activities of daily living.
Conditions treated include:
Dr. Tafel will conduct a comprehensive Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation evaluation, including a complete history and physical examination. This consultation will allow us to assess your condition, needs, and expectations. We will also use diagnostic tools to identify the source of your discomfort.
Diagnostic technologies that may be employed depend on the type of disability or injury, and may include:
Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Tafel will develop a comprehensive, patient-centered program to restore the patient’s quality of life after injury or disease. The plan developed can be carried out by the patient or with the assistance of a medical team.
If you or a loved one is suffering from debilitating chronic pain and function, it is in your best interest to contact Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida to learn what you can do to optimize your quality of life.