Ira G. Rashbaum, MD

One of the great things about being a physiatrist—a specialist in rehabilitation medicine—is having the chance to sit and talk with patients and their families. It gives me the opportunity to see the big picture and get to know my patients, their lifestyles, and the environment in which they live and work. This allows me to identify problems that may have been overlooked previously.

At NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, I specialize in mind–body care and treatment of people who have tension myoneural syndrome, previously known as tension myositis syndrome, a condition that causes pain and symptoms associated with tension and stress factors. For the past 25 years, I have gained expertise in diagnosing and treating people who have psychosomatic pain disorders.

I also provide inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation, as well as care for adults who have chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders, using diagnosis and treatment methods pioneered by Dr. John E. Sarno, emeritus professor of rehabilitation medicine at NYU School of Medicine.

I have been featured in Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors” series every year since 2012. I have also served as the study guide committee chair of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, leading a project that compiled information on advances in rehabilitation medicine for more than 10,000 physicians worldwide. This position placed me at the forefront of all aspects of rehabilitation medicine.