Dr. Keith Rafal
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Medway, MA
41 years experience male
Locations
Healing Choices, P.C.
Medway, MA
Phone
Practice website
About
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Doctor Q&A
51 Answers
9 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
This is one of many: Without being able to do my own physical exam, history and review of diagnostic workup done so far it is difficult to say with any certainty the cause... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Although there are m: Although there are many known causes of parkinsons- certain environmental toxic exposure, certain drugs, genetics, and head trauma to name a few, most... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
A physical therapist: A physical therapist serves a crucial function by educating the patient along with the prescribing physician on how best to monitor for tolerance and... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Working closely with: Working closely with the rehab team is crucial. They will provide education and training for not only the patient but the family/caregivers, recommen... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
There are many diffe: . Spend 20 minutes in a quiet area where you are likely to be undisturbed. If lunch time works for you or any other time during the day that is fine. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Not all mini strokes: Mini strokes do not necessarily lead to a massive stroke,
the impact of any stroke including ministrokes are dependent on the specific locatioin of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 70-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Non medication optio: In addition to the medications that have been listed there are some other options that may be useful for symptom relief. Of course an evaluation and p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
There are many cause: There are many causes of muscle spasm. This is a common problem and could indicate local injury or relate to a more chronic condition. An evaluation b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Different types of p: It is not uncommon for someone with a back injury to have nerve pain. Nerve pain can be experienced as radiating pain away from the spine and into the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
It all depends on th: It all depends on the type and severity of the stroke.
In general if someone requires inpatient acute rehab we are looking at a stay from 10 days t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Stress can affect ou: More important than stress is our personal response to life circumstances that determine how our emotions and in turn our physiology responds to this ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Back and neck pain : Back and neck pain is a symptom that can be related to a variety of conditions and activities. If these symptoms persist they should be properly eva... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
They are overlapping: Although cfs and fibromyalgia have distinct criteria that needs to be fulfilled, they are often diagnosed together. Fatigue is a common feature with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Arthritis is an infl: Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints.
The cause of the inflammation can be from many different factors. As an example trauma, infection, an aut... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Your History and exa: The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made by history and physical exam. There are at present no blood tests or x-rays that confirm this diagnosis. A histo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
I want to commend y: I want to commend you on your successful weight loss through lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, the last part of your question was cut off. However, w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old female asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Pycogenol ande Coenz: Both of these supplements have antioxidant properties with theoretical and anectodal support. I am not aware of any well designed research studies th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
As soon as medically: As soon as medically/neurologically stable an active rehab program should begin. In fact some basic therapy, evaluations and activity should be initia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
It depends: Fibromyalgia is a condition that affects both men and women but a much higher proportion of patients are women. There is specific set of criteria that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The power of belief: Although not a substitute for a thorough evaluation for the cause of pain, there is evidence that the power of belief can modify the perception of pai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The research is clea: The research is clear that an interdisciplinary approach often works best for chronic pain, once properly evaluated. As part of this approach acupunct... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
It depends: Although the majority who suffer from acute back that is not related to a serious injury usually will improve on their own, it is always important to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Although the first f: The first few months is a significant predictor for the level of stroke recovery. However, recovery can continue over a much longer period of time. In... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Health Psychology is: Health psychology is the study of how our mental/emotional states impact our overall health. Through a better understanding of this important relation... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Symptoms of PTSD can: Symptoms of ptsd can manifest immediately after a traumatic or series of traumatic experiences or can occur months or in some cases years later. It is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Fibromyalgia can aff: Although a thorough medical evaluation is indicated to rule out other causes for the symptoms, fibromyalgia can be present in the young adult populati... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
A regular pulse of : A regular heart rate of 80 is within normal limits for most individuals. However, each patient's situation must be individualized based upon their sym... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Absolutely the coord: Absolutely, the coordination of care with your surgical and oncology team may benefit from a physician/therapist skilled in the assessment of the func... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Do not assume: Any new symptom that is not typical for you should be discussed with your physician. Since fibromyalgia shares many common symptoms with other medical... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
OT can be helpful: After a stroke the function of the arm or hand may be affected. If this is the case the ability to do basic activities of daily living can be impaired... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Although the non hem: Although non hemorrhagic strokes generally are more common, neurologist and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist(physiatrist) commonly trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Generally once the a: Generally once the acute phase of the stoke is stabilized in the first day or two of admission, there is a risk for subsequent bleed that does need to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Massage can be usefu: Massage can be very useful with proper medical supervision for a variety of conditions. Specially trained therapist assist with lymphedema management.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Some patients have: Some patients have food allergies or sensitivities that can contribute to muscle pain. Of course each situation needs to be individualized under the d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The term neuromuscul: The term neuromuscular disorder is a broad term that encompasses many different conditions. In general there is a neurologic problem that negatively i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 67-year-old male asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
If that assessment i: If that assessment is correct, then a proper evaluation to determine the cause would be helpful and would assist in guiding the best therapy and int... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The interdisciplinar: The interdisciplinary team usually consists of a rehabilitation physician who is usually a physiatrist(specialist in physical medicine and rehab)and/o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Flashbacks or relivi: Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic experience are common symtoms, anxiety, anger outbursts, sleeplessness often occurs as well. It is important to b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Although there is a : Although there is a lot of research attempting to find a cure or opportunity to better manage this dreaded condition, at present there is no known cu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Although research ha: Although some research and case reports have demonstrated some positive results in some patients, there have not been any large definitive study that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
No one approach: There is no one approach that has been demonstrated to be most effective in all situations. If appropriate and surgery is not being recommended an int... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Question Benefit: At present there is little in the way of good sound controlled research trials to support this approach for arthritis, but future studies may help us ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The role of the fami: The family has a very important role for the person who is living with the effects of a stroke. In addition to the very crucial role of emotional supp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Some spices such as : Some spices such as tumeric and cumin do have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As long as you are able to tolerate these spices in m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
The criteria for get: The criteria for being eligible for disability is dependent on the type of disability you are applying for and the functional impact that the diagnosi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Without knowing more: Without knowing more details it is difficult to offer a precise answer.
The bottom line though is that all licensed clinicians and their office staff... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Since postural hypot: Since postural hypotension has several potential causes, it is important to make sure that a thorough medical evaluation is accomplished first before ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
For upper extremity : For upper extremity prosthesis an ot will be critical to help with adapting and training for functional use of the prosthesis.
In the case of a low... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Magnesium could have: Although insomnia and muscle pain from Fibromyalgia can have multiple sources and treatments. For some people, especially if the magnesium red blood c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Keith Rafalanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41 years experience
Neck pain lasting fo: Neck pain lasting for more than a year has become a chronic condition that definitely should be evaluated by a physician. There are number of differe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
206
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Rafal is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Rafal is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you very much. The only info I could find was very general and didn't give any detailed info. Thanks
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer or tip was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Howard University College of Medicine, DC
Graduated 1982MD
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