Services

As a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Bernal has dedicated his medical career to helping patients reach their fullest potential physically, psychologically, socially, vocationally, and educationally. In doing so, Dr. Bernal takes into consideration the patient’s current state of health; all conditions or impairments; the patient’s living and working environments; and most importantly, the patient’s desires and goals for their individual life. This is why Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians are often referred to as “The Quality Of Life Professionals” – they are concerned with not only illness and disease, but with living!

Dr. Bernal believes in working in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team, with the most important member of the team being the patient. He takes an active role in advocating for his patients.

The services offered at Bucks Rehabilitation Specialists by Dr. Bernal include:

Balance Expertise and Vestibular Rehabilitation

Dr. Bernal has a particular interest in balance and has taken advantage of the opportunity to study with a recognized expert in the field. Patients with dizziness, vertigo, and gait dysfunction are referred to Dr. Bernal for consultation to determine the source of the patient’s problem and the best treatment plan to improve a patient’s balance, and ultimately their quality of life. Canalith repositioning is performed and vestibular rehabilitation is prescribed if necessary.

Electrodiagnostic Studies (EMG and NCV Studies)

Physiatrists train extensively during their residency in the performance of electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies. These diagnostic studies evaluate whether a patient’s muscles and nerves are working properly, and help to determine the ideal course of treatment for the patient.

Independent Medical Evaluations (IME’s) and Impairment Rating Evaluations (IRE’s)

Independent medical evaluations and impairment ratings are often required by work and automobile insurance carriers. Dr. Bernal is Board Certified by the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and is a recognized impairment rating evaluator by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Medication, Rehabilitative Therapies, Prosthetics/Orthotics and Assistive Devices

Physiatrists utilize a number of options in treating and restoring function for their patients. Options include medication, a myriad of therapies, artificial limbs, devices designed specifically to restrict or assist movement of the human body; and mechanical assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes, etc.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Advances in ultrasound have provided the physiatrist with the ability to improve the care of patients suffering from a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound not only allows for better diagnosis but also better treatment.

Pain Relief Injections

As the muscle, bone and nerve expert, Dr. Bernal performs a large number of injections to relieve pain and improve function including: bursa, tendon, joint, and trigger point injections. Pain relief injections are also performed to address conditions such as Dupuytren’s Contracture, Spasticity, Cervical Dystonia, and Chronic Migraine.