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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

VA Washington DC health care Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) offers a variety of clinical services that focus on improved functional mobility to enhance quality of life for Veterans through medicine, procedures, manual techniques, modalities, device prescription, education, exercise and more.

Our specialists offer the following services to help you improve your independence and quality of life, manage pain and stay healthy:

Physiatry

Rehabilitation Medicine services are performed by board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation medical doctors, also called physiatrists. The physiatrist evaluates, treats, and coordinates rehabilitation care  with the goal of maximizing function.

Walk-in visits are available for equipment training and pickup (an order from a provider is required for the item) 

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy provides evidence-based care. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a treatment plan. Evidence-based services are used to decrease disability, reduce pain, improve function and independence, prevent illness, promote wellness and restore quality of life. The service is available by consultation.

 

Occupational Therapy

The core purpose of Occupational Therapy practice is the evaluation and assessment of a patient's ability to perform self care and daily life tasks. This include fine motor skills, cognitive training and more. Available by consultation request from provider.

Blind Rehabilitation

We offer a wide range of services for Veterans who are legally blind, have low vision, or traumatic brain injured (TBI). If you are experiencing problems performing daily living activities, please call the Vision Rehabilitation Team at option #5. The clinic is located on the basement level, room GC-210.

Specialty Clinics

Polytrauma Rehabilitation
Available for patients with injuries to multiple body parts or organ systems that can result in physical, cognitive, psychological, and/or psychosocial impairments and functional disabilities. TBI frequently occurs in polytrauma in combination with other disabling conditions. Available by consultation to Polytrauma, scheduling in room GC-210, .

Driver Rehabilitation
Available for patients requiring drivers assessment and rehabilitation due to a physical or cognitive impairment. This includes simulated driving assessment and training on the road with adapted vehicles. Available by consultation to Drivers Rehab.

Wheeled Mobility Clinic
Available for patients requiring an assessment for a custom wheeled mobility device. An evaluation is performed by a therapist or team of providers to determine equipment needs and plan of care. Available by consultation to Wheeled Mobility Clinic or by calling option #2 to make an appointment through direct scheduling.

Amputee Clinic
All veterans with major amputations should be referred to Rehabilitation Medicine for education, assessment and training. Veterans are evaluated in this clinic by a team of rehabilitation and prosthetic providers to determine the rehabilitation plan and artificial limb prescription when appropriate. Appointments can be made by a consult or through direct scheduling by calling option #2.

Chiropractic Services

VA doctors of chiropractic (DCs) provide diagnosis and management of non-operative neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. This most commonly includes problems in the low back, neck, and other joints. 

VA DCs provide diagnosis and management consistent with both VA and external evidence-based guidelines. Chiropractic treatment options include patient education, active rehabilitation, spinal manipulation and other manual therapies. VA DCs may also provide acupuncture or other novel therapies as non-pharmacologic options for Veteran care.

Kinesiotherapy

Kinesiotherapy is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations or those requiring extended physical conditioning. Available by consultation to Outpatient Therapy.    

Location and Contact Information

Location: Basement, Patriot Hallway, Room GC-210
Phone: 
 

Clinical Hours

  • Outpatient rehabilitation clinics are open Monday- Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

An appointment is required.

  • Walk-in visits are available for equipment pickup (an order from a provider is required for the item) 

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

  • Community Living Center (CLC) Rehab: Therapy services are offered to sub-acute rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice residents of the CLC through consultation from medical providers. Physical therapy, Occupational therapy and Kinesiotherapy are offered by appointment only, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, 8:00 am. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Inpatient Acute Rehab: Physical and Occupational therapy services are offered Monday- Friday from 7:00am- 4:30pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, limited therapy is provided between 8:00am- 4:00pm. Consults are required and are received within 24 hours.


Physical therapy is also offered at the following CBOC sites:

  • Ft Belvoir (VA)
  • Montgomery County (MD)
  • Charlotte Hall (MD)

Consults and appointments are required for physical therapy at a CBOC. Please refer to the Washington DC VA Medical Center website for CBOC hours. 

NOTE: There is no Physical Medicine coverage (inpatient or outpatient) on Federal Holidays.

To speak with a PM&R Clinic, call and use the following options:
Option #1- Main phone line for scheduling or reaching Physical & Occupational therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Physiatry, Chiropractic and Polytrauma services.
Option #2- Wheeled Mobility and Amputation clinic requests
Option #5- VISOR Blind Rehabilitation
Option #9- Cancellation and re-scheduling requests