Megan A. Ziske, MD

Physiatry/physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), as a specialty, is focused in two areas: musculoskeletal medicine including non-surgical management of muscle, joint and spine pain, as well as rehabilitation medicine of patients with conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and major multiple trauma. Recovery and improvement in any of these areas usually requires a team-based approach. One of the first tenants we learn as physiatrists is the importance of working as part of a team. This has always been and continues to be a large part of my practice. It is my goal to ensure that every patient of mine feels a part of the team, as they are the most important member. I continuously strive to provide the best care that I can for my patients, while also ensuring to incorporate my patients’ beliefs, concerns and expectations into the treatment plan.

I am an active believer in the power of the body to heal itself in many cases. While I do not shy away from utilizing medications, injections and other interventions in the treatment of my patients, one of the key parts of my practice is utilizing physical and occupational therapies. After working to break the pain cycle, initiation of therapy to regain mobility, strength and capability to perform activities of daily living is a major focus for many of my patients. While therapy is not indicated for every patient, I tend to see that most patients come away from their therapy experiences feeling more in touch with their body and confident in their abilities.

In addition to the above, I am also involved in practicing electrodiagnostic medicine. This includes nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) for further evaluation of specific nerve and muscle disorders. These tests can help patients and physicians who refer to me gain clarity on some conditions that are not always able to be found on physical exam or imaging.

I very much look forward to offering my services to the Buffalo/Niagara area and hope to bring a better understanding of the field of PM&R to the community!

A born and raised Western New Yorker, from a young age it has been my goal to practice medicine in this community. After graduating from Nichols School, my educational journey took me to Ohio where I attended Denison University for my undergraduate degree and The University of Toledo for my Masters and Medical degrees. I then moved to Royal Oak, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) where I completed residency and fellowship training at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. I have been an athletic person for my entire life, which led me to the field of PM&R. I found PM&R as a specialty to be a place where I was able to merge my interests in neurology and orthopaedic medicine. The human body is a true miracle, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help my patients better understand it. Returning locally after an extended time away, I am thoroughly excited to explore everything WNY has to offer and relearn why so many people love calling it “home”!