Dr. Chan Hwang
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Puyallup, WA
29 years experience male
Locations
Office
Puyallup, WA
My office hours
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Show morePhone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Aetna Life Insurance Company
CIGNA Health Care
Regence Blue Shield of Washington
Premera Blue Cross
About
Bio
I went into my field because I recognized that lifestyle modification is how people can make an enduring difference in the state of their health. In my practice I try to help people replace medications with food, exercise, and other lifestyle choices.
I enjoy helping people with all sorts of problems set goals, achieve them, and set higher goals. Nothing is more satisfying than getting someone who had a disability to overcome their challenges and get back to life, health, and the pursuit of happiness.
I am Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I enjoy practicing all aspects of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, including electrodiagnostics. Because of the nature of my field and practice I do need a referral from your primary care physician in order to treat you. (:
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
Licenses
United States: Washington
Doctor Q&A
421 Answers
310 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
No.: Urine drug testing using modern gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy for confirmatory chemical analysis will not mistake tizanidine (zanaflex) for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
What caused the fall: ...? There are many reasons for falling: decreased balance, poor vision, loss of coordination, etc. Ask your doctor to investigate why you fell. If it... 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. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Progressive weakness: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, als, or lou gehrig's disease is characterized by progressive weakness, muscle wasting, involuntary twitching (usually o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Fasciculations...: Are twitches which can occur in any skeletal muscle in the body. They are usually benign. However, there are several pathological conditions associate... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Fasciculations...: Are usually harmless twitches which can occur in any skeletal muscle in the body. There are several pathological conditions associated with these spas... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Drowsiness,....: Dizziness, irritability, nervousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice and, if you are allergic, a rash.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Joint effusions: You are likely experiencing joint effusions, a common problem in people suffering from arthritis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Slightly high...: Your alanine transaminase (alt) was slightly high at 80. It should be less than 60. It is a sensitive but not a specific test of liver function. Talk ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Good diagnosis.: A good diagnosis leads to a good treatment plan and good results. See a first-rate electrodiagnostician for an accurate diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Probably: Unless there is a specific reason not to get a massage, it should be fine for you to get one. Enjoy!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Could be many things: ....See your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Glasgow Coma Scale.: The glasgow coma scale is the most widely used measure of a patient's mental status. Other scales are also used.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Seek a diagnosis: Ask your pcp for a referral to an expert in musculoskeletal conditions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Several: Fitness is not only nutrition and exercise. The whole person is a biopsychosociospiritual being so whole person care involves right eating, drinking, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
No harm done: The actual shelf life of Pepto-Bismol is a lot greater than what is indicated by the expiration date. Old Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) may los... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Many possibilities.: There are a number of possibilities, including vascular, fascial, bone, muscle or nerve pain. They range from minor problems to serious conditions. If... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
May need catheter.: Sorry you're experiencing this. Go to an urgent care center or to an emergency room. The staff can help relieve your bladder, and the physicians can p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Could be from cough.: It sounds like you may have strained your neck/occipital muscles from all the coughing you did. If you do not improve in a few days with massage, ibup... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Normal.: Having wet dreams is a normal part of achieving sexual maturity. Congratulations, and be in good health.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Normal.: You're describing a normal vagina. Take care of your self, and be healthy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
One every 4 hours...: If you can get by on one every four hours and only if you need it, you would be better off. When it comes to opioids (narcotics), using the least you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Probably developing:: Lactose, or milk intolerance--a common condition especially as one becomes an adult. Fortunately there are many treatment options, including enzymes, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 61-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Aggravated foot...: You may have aggravated your arthritic foot. You may need relative rest, ice packs, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory measures. If it doe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Stretch marks: Your condition is most likely caused by your body's growth. These lines you describe are probably stretch marks. They will fade with time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Many possibilities.: See your primary care doctor for a thorough evaluation, specific diagnosis and treatment. If a referral is needed, then your PCP can provide the appro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
You have crepitus: It sounds like you have crepitus, and from what you write, it may be that the undersurface of your kneecap (patella) is rubbing on the front of your t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Should be alright.: A heat pack transfers energy rather superficially, that is, only to the first layer of tissues. The embryo is well protected from anything like a heat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
See your doctor: Sorry you are experiencing this. It could be a number of things, and without speaking with you and examining you, speculating on your diagnosis would ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Generally safe: 2.5 grams of L-arginine twice a day is within safe limits based on available research. The best way to lose fat is to eat healthy foods (including ple... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Not likely: In pharmacologic doses your liver should be able to handle it. It is extremely rare to develop liver toxicity at the usually prescribed doses of Adder... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Both are harmful: Both are harmful behaviors, but smoking kills more people because there are more smokers. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2010 ~28% of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Gas: When belching is related to food, it is usually from drinking carbonated beverages, eating gassy foods, eating too quickly, drinking through a straw, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Could be abnormal...: A possibility is an electrolyte imbalance. See your doctor for appropriate diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Not necessarily.: Herpetic whitlow causes painful blisters and usually occurs in the fingertip. About 60% of cases are due to HSV-1 (oral herpes) and 40% of cases are d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Need more info...: If you are menopausal, anything under 4 mm is considered normal. If you are having menstrual cycles, then the endometrial stripe varies depending on w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Lifestyle : After 18 years practicing medicine, I have come to the conclusion that if there is to be a cure for spinal pain, it will be in enduring lifestyle choi... 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. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Variable: It depends on what nerve, the extent and duration of the injury, and the degree of decompression achieved. If surgery was needed, then the presence of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Food contamination: can result from washing even "organic" produce with water contaminated by animal manure or by other contact with animals. Another source is when a foo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Possibly related...: Although the numbness and tingling may be related to migraines, she could be experiencing something else. Have her see a neurologist without delay.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Caution advised: In the years I have been practicing I have yet to see anyone with significant lasting improvement after radio frequency ablation which is used to caut... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Temporary edema: During a workout the load on your muscles exceeds what they've been used to managing. This leads to microscopic tears in muscle fibers, which then nee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Many.: First, massage increases circulation, allowing therapeutic blood and lymph flow to occur. It relaxes injured and tense muscles. It reduces spasms and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Yes...: Muscular dystrophy (md) is a group of inherited muscle diseases. Most patients with md are boys, but some forms affect girls also. For instance fascio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Many possibilities.: There are many potential causes for low back pain. Common are: disk changes, smoking, sprains of ligaments, muscular strains and spasms, vitamin defic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
See a physiatrist,: a specialist in non-operative musculoskeletal problems. You have a problem that most people will experience at some time in their lives. With proper a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 57-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Temporal arteritis: is an inflammatory condition of the blood vessels supplying the head and brain. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder resulting from an inapprop... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Ignore: Getting rehabilitation is crucial, and neuroplastic repair depends upon it. Insist on getting it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A male asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Partial tears?: If your rotator cuff tendons are only partially torn, you can isometrically strengthen the cuff muscles with the aid of a physical therapist. The phys... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Spleen: From your description I am not sure what you may be experiencing. The area you indicate is that of the spleen. The descending colon also starts from t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 76-year-old female asked:

Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 29 years experience
Lifestyle: Proper nutrition (get a book called foods that fight pain by neal barnard, md), moderate exercise outdoors in the sun (vitamin d), proper hydration, a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k 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.
7
Recommendations
627
Thank you notes
Dr. Jan Lei Iwata
Aug 24, 2014
Dr. Chan Hwang is an excellent physician, whose compassion and care is demonstrated by his thoughtful answers given to patients. His broad range of expertise in areas outside of physiatry is invaluabl...Read More
Aug 5, 2014
Dr. Hwang is providing an excellent service to the public via Healthtap. I endorse Dr. Hwang.
Aug 15, 2014
Dr. Hwang is compassionate and holistic. What a wonderful combination!
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Thanks, I'm in contact with my surgeon, I know something is compressing my nerves, hope CT myeolgram shows what it is. ADRs are working okay, will see
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I really appreciate your time! I was too late to enroll in obamacare so I really appreciate that you would take the time to provide me with comfort!
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I will be ringing my docters tom first thing because the pain is still bad and im taken painkillers and still is not easing the pain will let u no
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA
Graduated 1994MD
Residency
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Completed 1998
Awards
Franciscan Health System Physician of the Month
Scholl Recognition Award for Rehabiliation Research, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust Residency
Affiliations
UBC
pacific rehabilitation centers
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