Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Rodeback.
Hi Derek, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my medical career with the intention of specializing in family medicine, drawn by the prospect of building lasting relationships with patients and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to enhance their lives. However, throughout medical school, I became increasingly aware of the challenges faced in family medicine, particularly the tendency for patient visits to be rushed and impersonal in the typical American healthcare setting.
As I explored various specialties, I became interested in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). A mentor who taught us anatomy and biomechanics significantly influenced my passion for this field. He not only headed the prolotherapy conference but also shared my enthusiasm for patient interaction and making a difference in their lives.
Initially, I began my training in family medicine but soon transitioned to PM&R, attending educational conferences focused on regenerative medicine. I found it disheartening that, despite being a specialist, my treatment options for joint and tendon injuries were often comparable to those available in family medicine. These conferences introduced me to innovative therapies such as Prolotherapy, Ozone Therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and stem cell procedures. These advancements finally provided me with effective solutions for patients who had not benefited from physical therapy, chiropractic care, steroid injections, or general massage.
During my residency at the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, I began implementing regenerative treatments, and I realized that I could never return to traditional methods. Witnessing veterans, some in pain for decades, experience significant improvement with simple injections was a powerful influence in continuing to pursue regenerative care. As my skills grew in ultrasound diagnostics and needle guidance, I realized it was time to establish my own practice in St. George, Utah.
In July 2021, my wife and I established our practice, and since then, we have experienced consistent growth through active engagement with our community. Our family has genuinely appreciated our decision to relocate back to Utah, particularly to a warmer region, as we were not fond of the snow in our hometowns of northern Utah.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has often been challenging. While I could potentially earn a significantly higher income at a hospital or an insurance-based clinic, I have always believed that the level of care provided in those settings would not align with my standards of excellence. Operating a medical practice in a smaller city presents its own set of difficulties, particularly concerning costs.
My training in regenerative medicine took place in larger metropolitan areas, yet I have consistently preferred the lifestyle and community of smaller cities, particularly St. George. Nonetheless, I aspire to achieve the level of demand I experienced in larger cities.
We’ve been impressed with The Road Back To Health, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on musculoskeletal medicine. I treat muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments, in order to alleviate pain. My practice utilizes ultrasound for both the diagnosis and treatment of injuries. Many individuals present with pain, often feeling disheartened and resigned to their condition, believing there is no viable solution for improvement.
My approach involves a comprehensive evaluation of muscle, tendon, and ligament tissues, as well as assessing body movement to identify the sources of dysfunction. I employ techniques that stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, facilitating self-repair of damaged tissues. While others may offer similar treatments, few possess my expertise in ultrasound and biomechanics, which are essential for addressing the underlying weaknesses that contribute to chronic injuries. Many practitioners may resort to pain-blocking methods, which often provide only temporary relief.
I aim to convey to readers that there are alternative options available for diagnosing and treating pain. Conditions ranging from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders to coccyx pain can benefit from my approach. Many individuals suffering from neck and lower back pain have lost hope, having experienced only short-term solutions, but I assure them that long-term benefits are attainable. It is important to recognize that I am a physician with extensive training who does not confine treatment to a rigid framework. I have successfully treated every region of the body, from foot to head, utilizing regenerative techniques. Almost all forms of pain can improve with the right approach.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There is always more to learn, as every individual is unique, even though anatomical structures and experiences of pain may be similar.
Pricing:
- New office visits with an ultrasound are $185.00
- Injections vary. Neve blocks, prolotherapy injections, ozone injections, PRP injection and fascia hydrodissection are usually time and skill based. $250 to start. .00
- Stem cell is available contact for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheRoadBackToHealth.com
