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Dr. Ricardo J. Vasquez-duarte, MD

Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)

<p>Dr. Ricardo Vasquez-Duarte is a physiatrist practicing in Miami, FL. Dr. Vasquez-duarte is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. As a physiatrist, Dr. Vasquez-duarte focuses on a patients ability to function, and can treat multiple conditions that affect the brain, nerves, spine, bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Vasquez-duarte can diagnose and treat pain that is a result of injury, disease or a disabling condition. Physiatrists often lead a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and physicians in a patients treatment or prevention plan.</p>
<p>Dr. Vasquez-Duarte is fellowship trained in Sports and Spine Medicine. He is RMSK certified to perform diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound. He is trained to perform Joint and spine injections. He's also trained in regenerative procedures.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dr. Vasquez-Duarte is also certified to recommend Medical Cannabis in the state of Florida.&nbsp;</p>
Learn More About Me
18 years Experience
Dr. Ricardo J. Vasquez-duarte, MD
  • Miami, FL
  • University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Is there a medication that will help with my pain from constipation?

Medications you may be taking can cause constipation. Talk to your primary physician to make sure this is not contributing to this problem. Ultimately, a diet high in fiber (plant READ MORE
Medications you may be taking can cause constipation. Talk to your primary physician to make sure this is not contributing to this problem. Ultimately, a diet high in fiber (plant based diet) and proper water intake should resolve this type of problem.

What is rehabilitation like after a stroke?

Usually after acute rehab, there is home health or outpatient therapy. The therapist at the hospital will make recommendations based on your husband's status prior to discharge, READ MORE
Usually after acute rehab, there is home health or outpatient therapy. The therapist at the hospital will make recommendations based on your husband's status prior to discharge, and usually the hospital will arrange the appropriate therapy prior to discharge. Make sure you have a physical medicine and rehabilitation practitioner that you can follow up with as they can help with your husband's future rehab needs. https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx

What can I do to relieve my joint pain?

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet may help ease the pains in your joints. Make sure you see your primary and get worked up for joint disease like osteoarthritis.

Is there a medicine for chronic pain in older patients?

There are many medications for chronic pain. In the elderly, it is important to be cautious about sedating medications as they may cause falls. Talk to your primary care physician READ MORE
There are many medications for chronic pain. In the elderly, it is important to be cautious about sedating medications as they may cause falls. Talk to your primary care physician who should be able to guide you on which medications are suited for your particular case.

What is the right spot to get an injection for pain?

I suggest you see an interventional spine specialist who will be able to do a full evaluation to determine if an injection is needed and where it can be administered.

I had a hip replacement. What can I do to improve my activity level?

Physical therapy is a great way to start. Your therapist will help you develop a program to help you achieve this goal of more activity.

What can I do to reduce my neck pain?

Look into desk ergonomics. This will probably help your posture and eventually your pain.

My father had a stroke and needs rehabilitation now. Will a physiatrist be able to help?

Absolutely! Here is a great way to find one near you: https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx

Is there a test to diagnose nerve damage?

Nerve conduction study and electromyography. This is usually done by a physiatrist or a neurologist. Here's a link on how to find a physiatrist near you: https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx READ MORE
Nerve conduction study and electromyography. This is usually done by a physiatrist or a neurologist. Here's a link on how to find a physiatrist near you:

https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx

I have a lot of pain from heel spurs. What can I do?

Physical therapy. Heels spurs are usually not the cause of heel pain. This is a chronic condition due to tightness of the plantar fascia. Usually a calf stretching program and READ MORE
Physical therapy. Heels spurs are usually not the cause of heel pain. This is a chronic condition due to tightness of the plantar fascia. Usually a calf stretching program and intrinsic foot muscle strengthening program helps relieve this type of pain.

My husband has been diagnosed with tennis elbow. How long should he rest?

There is no true good answer for this. Consider seeing a physical therapist as usually this tends to help accelerate the healing of these injuries.

After my c-section my back is extremely stiff. What should I do?

Core exercises, flexibility exercise, etc. See a local physical therapist who will teach you proper exercises to help with your back pain.

Effects of a spinal cord injury?

Difficult to say with this information. I suggest you find a spinal cord injury specialist in your community. Here is a great link on how to find one:https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx READ MORE
Difficult to say with this information. I suggest you find a spinal cord injury specialist in your community. Here is a great link on how to find one:https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx

What is the solution for a calcaneal spur?

Usually, physical therapy focusing on calf muscle stretching and foot intrinsic muscle strengthening.

Can I go on a treadmill or go cycling with back pain?

Before doing so you should see a physician 1st to fully evaluate you. If there is no major spine pathology then exercise is encouraged to help alleviate back pain.

Can physical therapy help my mom?

Both should be able to help. Historically, occupational therapy handles hand injuries, but physical therapists are more than capable of handling these injuries, too.

Is my constant body pain for real?

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I suggest you see you primary physician and ask to have a full physical exam to make sure there are no physical reasons for you pain. Humans READ MORE
I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I suggest you see you primary physician and ask to have a full physical exam to make sure there are no physical reasons for you pain. Humans manifest pain both physically and emotionally. Many times it's a combination of both that contribute to the pain. It's important to 1st rule out any physical reasons for pain and if all tests are negative then it will be important to look into the emotional reasons for pain.

How can I treat my neck pain?

Look into work space ergonomics. Changing your work station will likely significantly improve your pain.

Are topical sprays good for sprains?

Not proven to make a difference. Won't harm you though, so if it helps you, go for it.

I have severe back pain at the bottom of my spine. Do you think a surgery might be required?

I recommend you see a spine specialist 1st and get evaluated. Surgery is usually the last resort to treat back pain. You likely will improve with less invasive treatments.