Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services

What Is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Physician?

Dr. Jason Edinger, our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Physician, also known as a Physiatrist, treats a wide variety of medical conditions affecting movement and development. He specializes in child development, movement, braces, wheelchairs, and other assistive mobility equipment. He assesses and treats the whole child and is concerned about the problems that exist now and how to prevent problems that worsen with age. 

Dr. Edinger is a Doctor of Osteopathy, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Edinger specializes in cerebral palsy and pediatric brain injuries. He also practices at UPMC Children’s and is the head of the UPMC Cerebral Palsy Clinic. 

Should My Child See a PM&R Physician?

Children with the following conditions may be referred by their primary care physician to Dr. Edinger at Easterseals (this is NOT an exhaustive list; discuss your child's health needs with your child's doctor):

• Cerebral Palsy
• Developmental Delays (speech, gross and fine motor, learning)
• Sensory Integration Concerns
• Wheelchair and Orthotic Needs
• Gait Disturbances (intoeing, toe walking) and impaired bobility
• Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and Lordosis
• Hip, Back, Knee, and Foot Pain
• Leg Length Discrepancies
• Certain Genetic and Congenital Disorders

What to Expect

Initial Visit

After Easterseals receives your child's referral to Dr. Edinger, a staff member will be in touch to set up an initial visit and evaluation.

Treatment Plan

The goal is to help your child improve function and development. A treatment plan may include assistive equipment, medication, and/or outpatient rehabilitative therapies. Those therapies can take place here at Easterseals Rehabilitaiton Center and include: 

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy

Follow-up appointments for equipment and medication checks may be required. Dr. Edinger works with families to help treat and prevent problems that can occur as the child grows. He collaborates with the medical rehabilitation therapists to monitor progress and keep equipment updated as relevant.