In making a diagnosis, the physiatrist can utilize x-rays, MRI's, CT scans and lab tests. If there is a question of a nerve injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome, the doctor is able to perform electrodiagnostic studies, which can explain where the nerve is injured and the severity of the injury.

A physiatrist treats disorders through a nonsurgical approach, which utilizes a combination of therapeutic techniques such as physical therapy as well as medications and injections when appropriate.

Injections include epidural injections used in the treatment of neck and back pain, joint injections for arthritis or inflamation of joints (leg, knee, shoulder) and trigger point injections for muscular pain.

The goal of a physiatrist is to make a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan so that the patient can obtain a greater level of function as well as the highest quality of life.

In addition to orthopaedic care and physical therapy, Pinnacle physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers are involved in sports medicine, providing medical coverage at thirteen high schools in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties. These schools include: Harrison, Kennesaw Mountain High School, Osborne, North Cobb, Sprayberry, Walker, Lithia Springs, Douglas County, Chapel Hill, Alexander, Paulding, North Paulding and South Paulding High Schools.

Pinnacle is committed to providing coverage at all the high schools' football games, and the home games of wrestling, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Our athletic trainers also visit the schools three times a week (everyday during football season) and assist with injuries and care for all the sports including track and field, tennis and swimming.

Pinnacle also provides physicals for the student athletes. For a student to participate in any high school athletic event, a sports physical must be performed before participation. The physical exams must be done each year a student plans to participate in athletics. Pinnacle performs these physicals annually in the spring in order to cover student athletes for the entire year.

The Austell, Canton, Douglasville, Marietta and Woodstock offices have on-site physical therapy facilities. These centers are full service outpatient orthopaedic gyms with whirlpools, strength and aerobic equipment, and various modalities. We accept referrals of patients, whose insurance plans we participate in, from all family practitioners and orthopaedists, as well as from the business community with occupational health needs.

Founded in 1999, the Pinnacle Spine Center is to provide North Georgia with the best surgical and non-surgical care for disorders of the spine. The center is comprised of board certified surgeons and physiatrists (non-surgical spine specialists) who work in conjunction with physical therapists, pain management physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons and chiropractors to optimize patient care and patient outcome.

The following spinal disorders are commonly evaluated and treated at the Pinnacle Spine Center: Lumbar Disc Herniations, Cervical Disc Herniations, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar and Cervical Spine, Lumbar Spondylolisthesis and Arthritis of the Spine.

Pinnacle Orthopaedics is one of only a few practices that use the Gore Cast Liner. This liner is a unique waterproof, breathable cast padding designed for you to resume your normal routine at home and at work without the added worry of keeping your cast dry. The Gore Cast Liner allows you to bathe or shower, minimize cast odor and itching, swim, and begin hydrotherapy. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for the Gore Cast Liner. For more information go to www.castliner.com.

Pinnacle Orthopaedics Surgeons can replace problem knee or hip joints when the joint is worn or injured. The hip and knee joints allow you to walk, squat and turn. No matter what age the patient is, a joint problem can limit you from daily tasks with pain and stiffness. Total joint replacement surgery replaces the joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. After the joint is replaced, pain is relieved, leg strength increases and the quality of life is greatly improved.

A damaged hip or knee can be caused by osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, fracture or necrosis (reduction of blood supply to the bone caused by a bad injury or long-term use of alcohol or steroids.) Deciding if surgery is right for you is determined by your medical history, a physical exam, and x-rays. The decision to perform surgery is made jointly by the patient and the doctor.

Pinnacle has implemented the AGFA Digital Imaging System. This new technology has enabled our physicians to view x-ray images on flat panel monitors and have the ability to magnify, rotate, and apply contrast to the images enhancing our diagnostic capabilities significantly.

The x-ray tube and table are still utilized, however the film is replaced by a reusable, digital imaging plate to obtain the images with computed radiography.

The diagnostic imaging software further enhances our diagnostic accuracy and allows Pinnacle physicians to be the first to use this high-tech equipment.

Pinnacle has added an MRI to our Marietta location.