Diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions

The physiatrist is a physician specialized in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine. They handle the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions — joint pain, tendinopathies, low back pain, sports injuries — and chronic pain management. Unlike a physiotherapist, the physiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe therapies, perform diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, and carry out interventional treatments such as injections and shockwave therapy.

Yes, I work with 12 health funds and insurance providers. To check whether yours is among those accepted, contact me directly via WhatsApp or email before booking.

The first physiatric consultation includes an in-depth discussion of your medical history, a physical examination, and, when indicated, a musculoskeletal ultrasound performed directly in the office. At the end you'll receive a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

A session lasts about 15-20 minutes. The standard cycle involves 3-5 sessions on a weekly basis. After treatment you can resume your normal daily activities.

Yes, I offer video consultations for preliminary assessments, second opinions, and follow-ups. Online consultations can be booked through MioDottore. Keep in mind that some procedures, such as ultrasound or interventional treatments, require an in-office visit.

Ultrasound-guided procedures (injections, barbotage, neurolysis) are performed with thin needles and, where necessary, local anesthesia. Discomfort is generally minimal and well tolerated. Real-time ultrasound guidance reduces the number of attempts needed and increases precision, making the procedure faster and more comfortable.

Yes, for patients with limited mobility I offer physiatric consultations directly at home, in Florence and the surrounding area. Following the visit, if indicated, a home physiotherapy pathway can also be set up. Contact me via WhatsApp or email to check availability and arrange the appointment.

The treatment, performed under ultrasound guidance with sterile single-use materials, is generally well tolerated and anesthesia is not necessary. You may feel mild pressure or discomfort at the injection site, which resolves quickly.

PRP is contraindicated in the presence of active infections, blood or liver disorders, low platelet count, cancer, or in patients on anticoagulant therapy. A preliminary clinical evaluation confirms suitability for treatment.

The number of injections varies depending on the condition treated. Clinical benefit generally appears no earlier than one month after treatment and can last up to a year, with the possibility of repeating the cycle if needed.

Response time depends on the tissue treated: tendons and ligaments, having a slower metabolism, generally take a few weeks to show noticeable improvement.

Both methods give comparable results in treating shoulder calcifications. Barbotage (ultrasound-guided lavage and aspiration) is often preferable in acute, painful phases, while shockwave therapy is a non-invasive option when avoiding needle puncture is preferred. The choice is made together after ultrasound assessment.

The treatment may cause transient discomfort during the session, which can be adjusted by modulating the device's intensity. Anesthesia is not necessary.

The standard protocol generally involves a series of 3-5 weekly sessions, with the exact number determined by the site and chronicity of the tendinopathy.

It is an ultrasound-guided procedure involving lavage and aspiration of tendon calcifications, indicated especially in calcific shoulder tendinopathy, particularly during painful phases.

It is an ultrasound-guided interventional procedure used to treat nerve compression syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and certain peripheral neuropathies, with the goal of releasing the nerve from adhesions or structures restricting its movement.

Real-time ultrasound guidance allows the treatment to be performed with precision, limiting discomfort. Functional recovery is generally quick, although specific timing depends on the site and degree of nerve compression.

The choice of medication depends on the condition, its stage (acute or chronic), and treatment goals: cortisone acts quickly on inflammation, hyaluronic acid has a viscosupplementing and protective action, and PRP stimulates tissue repair. Ultrasound assessment guides the most appropriate choice.

There is no universal number: it depends on the medication used and the condition. Cortisone injections require a longer safety interval between sessions compared to PRP or hyaluronic acid, to avoid negative effects on tissue.