“A rehabilitation physician can be thought of as a doctor who restores quality of life. We address small but significant problems that may impact a patient’s quality of life now and in the future if left untreated. For example, after a patient recovers from an illness, rehabilitation helps them return to their normal daily life before going home.” 

Treating a wide range of conditions 

Rehabilitation physicians treat diverse conditions across many patient groups. One key diagnostic tool is electrodiagnosis, which uses electrical stimulation to assess nerve function with high accuracy. This helps diagnose a range of neurological and muscular disorders. 

Dr. Paweena also performs endoscopic swallowing assessments and helps patients retrain their ability to swallow. This involves a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care. 

She is particularly interested in various subfields, such as: 

• Ultrasound diagnostics for muscles and nerves 
• Geriatric rehabilitation, especially related to swallowing 
• Endoscopic swallowing training, where patients are taught to observe and adjust their swallowing technique to eat safely without aspiration, enabling them to return to home life more independently and safely. 

Specialized equipment and post-surgical care 

Dr. Paweena diagnoses and prescribes custom assistive devices for each individual patient to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. 

She also provides care for post-operative patients—once the illness is resolved, physical rehabilitation helps the body recover, reduce complications from prolonged hospitalization, and speed up the return to normal function. 

Office syndrome and chronic pain treatment 

Dr. Paweena treats office syndrome, particularly through acupuncture, which is effective for chronic pain and allows the body to heal naturally with minimal medication. 

She explains: 

“Office syndrome is a general term for a group of conditions, including muscle inflammation, tightness, nerve compression, numbness in the hands, headaches, and eye strain. People who use computers or smartphones for extended periods often develop neck, shoulder, and upper back tension. Treatment involves behavior modification, proper stretching techniques, and therapeutic exercises. If symptoms persist, treatments may include medication, injections, acupuncture, and ultrasound therapy to provide targeted relief.” 

Integrating multiple disciplines in care 

Beyond rehabilitation, Dr. Paweena also cares for athletes, providing education on recovery from various types of injuries and sports-specific muscle training to enhance physical performance. 

With additional training in anti-aging medicine, she incorporates this knowledge into patient care, offering advice on: 

• Nutrition 
• Rest and recovery 
• Exercise and lifestyle habits 

She shares: 

“When treating a patient, I always start by thinking: if this were me, my parents, or a loved one, how would I want them treated? That mindset guides me to choose the most appropriate care. I want to see my patients live happily and regain their quality of life. Giving patients time, being sincere and approachable helps build trust, encourages cooperation in the treatment process, and improves outcomes. Considering all aspects of the patient’s life allows me to see the full picture, and I always ask myself—what will the patient take away from this visit?”