Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

**Episode Title:** The Value of Diagnosis in Musculoskeletal Medicine

**Episode Description:**

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast with Dr. Fred Bagares, a board-certified sports and spine medicine physician in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Bagares delves into the fascinating and challenging world of musculoskeletal medicine. In this episode, Dr. Bagares explores the value of diagnosis from both the patient's and clinician's perspectives, addressing the importance and implications of accurate diagnosis in rehabilitation.

**Timestamps:**

**[00:00]** Introduction to Rehabilitation: What is rehab or rehabilitation?

**[00:09]** Meet Dr. Fred Bagares: A brief introduction and the goals of the podcast.

**[00:27]** The Importance of Diagnosis: Why is a diagnosis valuable and to whom?

**[00:39]** Diagnosis Context: Common musculoskeletal diagnoses and the role of Google.

**[01:00]** Patient vs. Clinician Perspective: Differences in the value of diagnosis.

**[01:07]** The Role of a Diagnosis: Providing context, understanding the problem, and risk factors.

**[02:12]** Peace of Mind and Certainty: How a diagnosis impacts patient reassurance.

**[02:56]** Emergency Room Dynamics: The focus on ruling out fatal conditions.

**[04:09]** Chronic Conditions: Diagnosis over time and the frustration of patients.

**[04:57]** Reassurance and Community: The psychological and social benefits of diagnosis.

**[06:36]** Diagnosis and Compensation: The medical-legal implications of certain diagnoses.

**[07:30]** Clinician Perspective: The diagnostic process and clinical frameworks.

**[08:00]** Imaging and Diagnosis: The limitations and roles of different imaging techniques.

**[09:10]** Evolution in Practice: How Dr. Bagares' approach to diagnosis has changed over time.

**[11:02]** Managing Patient Expectations: The challenge of communicating diagnoses to patients.

**[12:32]** The Role of Insurance: How insurance impacts the diagnostic process and treatment options.

**[14:43]** Conservative Management: Approaches to treating shoulder pain and other conditions.

**[16:54]** Patient Trust and Empowerment: The importance of aligning clinician and patient views.

**[19:00]** Final Thoughts: Encouragement for young clinicians to value diagnosis beyond financial implications.

**[19:39]** Conclusion: Reflecting on the episode's key points and encouraging further discussion.

Join us as we dive deep into the world of musculoskeletal diagnosis and its significant impact on both patients and healthcare providers. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more episodes that challenge conventional thinking and promote better patient care. Follow Dr. Fred Bagares on social media for more insights and updates.

**Follow Dr. Fred Bagares on:**

Instagram: [@drfredbagares](https://www.instagram.com/drfredbagares)

Facebook: [@drfredbagares](https://www.facebook.com/drfredbagares)

LinkedIn: [Fred Bagares DO](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-bagares-do)

YouTube: [Dr. Fred Bagares](https://www.youtube.com/drfredbagares)

Linktree: [Dr. Fred Bagares](https://linktr.ee/drfredbagares)

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to enhance your understanding and approach to rehabilitation!

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In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I share my personal journey into the world of rehabilitation and osteopathic medicine. From childhood aspirations shaped by my Asian immigrant parents to discovering my passion for sports medicine in high school, I'll take you through my evolving career path.

**Key Topics:**

**[00:33] Childhood Aspirations and Early Experiences**

**[00:39] Family Expectations:** The influence of my Asian immigrant parents on my career choice.

**[01:04] High School Sports Medicine:** My first real experience in the medical field, working in the training room and on the field.

**[01:16] College and Career Exploration**

**[01:21] College Years:** Majoring in biology and being pre-med, while questioning if medical school was for me or my parents.

**[01:24] Exploring Other Fields:** Considering chiropractic medicine, pharmacy, PA programs, and physical therapy.

**[02:04] Physical Therapy Experience**

**[02:15] PT Clinic Work:** Volunteering in a PT clinic, working as a PTA, and enjoying the experience.

**[02:33] Meeting with USC Professor:** How a conversation shifted my path from PT to considering medical programs.

**[03:36] The Missing Piece in Patient Outcomes**

**[03:57] Observations in PT Clinics:** Noticing varied patient progress and questioning why some improved while others didn’t.

**[04:49] Chiropractic and Medical Questions:** Exploring chiropractic field and realizing the need for medical training to answer my questions.

**[06:00] Discovering Osteopathic Medicine**

**[06:12] Cousin’s Influence:** Learning about osteopathic medicine from my cousin.

**[06:17] Limited Information:** Finding information through word of mouth and snail mail in a pre-internet era.

**[07:09] Senior Year Decision:** The realization during finals that I wanted to go to medical school.

**[07:50] Choosing Osteopathic Over Allopathic**

**[08:03] Health-Focused Approach:** The appeal of starting with health and symmetry in osteopathic medicine.

**[08:09] Hands-On Training:** The value of hands-on approach from day one in osteopathic medical schools.

**[10:27] The Value of Osteopathic Medicine**

**[11:02] Seeking the Missing Piece:** Feeling something was missing in traditional allopathic training.

**[11:43] Pride in Osteopathic Training:** Encouraging others to consider this valuable education system.

**[12:00] Hands-On Approach:** The irreplaceable value of tactile learning in osteopathic medicine.

Join me as I reflect on my journey and the importance of an osteopathic approach in rehabilitation. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like and subscribe. Stay connected and movement-filled!

**Follow Me:**

Instagram: @drfredbagares

Facebook: @drfredbagares

LinkedIn: Fred Bagares DO

YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares - YouTube

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**Podcast Episode: “The Talking Rehab Podcast with Fred Bagares: Value in Musculoskeletal Medicine”**
In this episode of *The Talking Rehab Podcast*, Dr. Fred Bagares, a board-certified sports and spine medicine physician, discusses the essence of rehabilitation, patient care, and the value of personalized healthcare. With over a decade of experience, he shares his unique approach to treating patients by emphasizing accessibility, coordination of care, and human connection. He also explores the inefficiencies of the insurance-based healthcare system and how his practice contrasts by offering a more patient-centered experience.
**Timestamps:**
- [00:33] **Patient Question: "What do I get for $350?"** The most common question Dr. Bagueras receives in his practice.
- [00:58] **Explaining Value-Based Care:** How availability, accessibility, and human connection define the $350 initial evaluation fee.
- [01:20] **Insurance vs. Personalized Care:** A critique of the U.S. for-profit healthcare system and the typical experience of patients with insurance-based providers.
- [02:26] **The Importance of Accessibility:** Dr. Bagares explains how his clinic prioritizes patient communication, providing direct access to him without lengthy phone trees or delays.
- [04:08] **High-Volume Clinics and Long Waits:** Comparing the traditional healthcare model’s inefficiencies with Dr. Bagares’ commitment to scheduling appointments within 24-48 hours.
- [05:56] **Proactive Clinical Management:** How Dr. Bagares ensures thorough preparation before patient visits, preventing delays and incomplete evaluations.
- [08:52] **Human Interaction Without Fees:** Dr. Bagares discusses his belief in not charging for patient communication, highlighting how he utilizes texting and email to maintain ongoing patient support.
- [10:58] **Wrapping Up:** Personal anecdotes about patient interactions and the value of genuine care beyond billing.
This episode offers valuable insights into improving patient care in musculoskeletal medicine, challenging the status quo, and fostering meaningful doctor-patient relationships.
Follow me on:

Instagram @drfredbagares

Facebook @drfredbagares

LinkedIn Fred Bagares, DO

YouTube Dr. Fred Bagares - YouTube

Linktree https://linktr.ee/drfredbagares

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#sportsmedicine, #medicine, #health, #rehabilitation, #physiatry, #PMR #directcare, #orthopedics, #medicalstudent #ortho #osteopathy #chiropractic #exercise #healthylifestyle #spine #movement #podcast

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**Episode Title**: *What Does Your Body Really Need? Exploring the Essentials of Movement and Rehabilitation*
**Description**:
In this episode of the *Talking Rehab Podcast*, Dr. Fred Bagares dives into a crucial question: *What does your body actually need?* Drawing from years of experience in sports and spine medicine, Dr. Bagares explores the fundamental needs of the body, especially when it comes to movement, flexibility, and managing pain. He challenges common perceptions about rehabilitation, addressing why simply "pushing through" or focusing only on strength isn't always enough. By examining real-life patient stories, he demonstrates how understanding and addressing the body's evolving requirements can prevent recurring pain and sustain a lifetime of movement.
**Episode Highlights**:
- **[00:00] Introduction to Rehabilitation and Movement Needs**
Dr. Begaris introduces key questions about what our bodies need, challenging us to think about physical health beyond simple fitness routines.
- **[00:43] Exercise and Mobility Misconceptions**
Why many patients believe they’re active enough without physical therapy—and what they might be missing.
- **[03:30] Movement’s Impact on Health**
Discussion on the benefits of movement for managing pain and maintaining essential skills as we age.
- **[05:02] Defining Mobility vs. Flexibility**
Breaking down the difference between flexibility and true mobility, and why both are essential for a pain-free life.
- **[07:00] Case Study: The Weightlifter’s Perspective**
A story of a patient with chronic pain who prioritized strength over other mobility aspects, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.
- **[09:41] Meeting the Body’s Changing Needs Over Time**
How our body’s requirements shift through the decades and why it’s essential to adapt your approach to exercise and health.
- **[13:16] Moving Beyond Pain: Lifelong Mobility and Health**
Why managing arthritis, tendinitis, and other chronic conditions involves more than addressing pain—it's about maintaining the freedom to move.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, someone experiencing chronic pain, or a healthcare professional, this episode will offer valuable insights into the nuances of mobility, flexibility, and rehabilitation.

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In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I explore one of my favorite topics in musculoskeletal medicine: Hip and Spine Syndrome. This underappreciated condition can present in a variety of ways—back pain, groin pain, or even leg weakness—and often leads to confusion in diagnosis and treatment. I share real patient stories, the challenges of untangling complex symptoms, and why taking a holistic approach to diagnosis can improve outcomes for patients.

Here’s a guide to key moments in this episode:

• [00:00] Introduction to Hip and Spine Syndrome and why it fascinates me.
• [00:34] The origins of the syndrome and its underappreciation in medicine.
• [01:25] Real-world case: Post-back surgery patient with persistent groin and back pain.
• [02:57] Different symptom patterns and how they guide referrals.
• [04:36] The importance of considering both hip and spine involvement in diagnosis.
• [06:03] The chicken-or-egg dilemma: Hip arthritis versus back issues.
• [08:51] Another case study: L2 radiculopathy mistaken for hip arthritis.
• [10:02] Why collaboration and holistic care improve patient outcomes.
• [14:56] Similarities to neck and shoulder syndromes and a teaser for a future episode.

Hip and Spine Syndrome exemplifies why a single-specialty approach often misses the bigger picture. I hope this episode helps clinicians and patients alike recognize the interconnectedness of these systems.

Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts. Let’s continue exploring how to refine our approach to rehabilitation.

Follow me on:

• Instagram: @drfredbagares
• Facebook: @drfredbagares
• LinkedIn: Fred Bagares DO
• YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares - YouTube

Stay curious, stay active, and have a movement-filled day!

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