Practice Locations
Affiliated Hospitals
- Illinois Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Center
- NorthShore University HealthSystem
- Ravine Way Surgery Center
Areas of Expertise
- Spine and sports medicine
- Neck, midback and low back pain
- Joint and musculoskeletal pain
- Interventional pain injections/procedures
- Ultrasound guided injections
- PRP injections
Biography
Dr. Mehul Garala is a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, with a particular focus on the diagnosis and non-operative treatment of spine and musculoskeletal conditions. He earned his undergraduate degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia/Cornell in New York City, where he served as chief resident. His residency training also included rotations at Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He subsequently completed fellowship training in spine and sports medicine in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Dr. Garala evaluates and treats a broad range of musculoskeletal, sports, and spine conditions. He believes that effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis and a thorough understanding of each patient's individual goals and concerns. He emphasizes patient education and works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that may include activity and lifestyle modification, exercise and physical therapy, medications, and image-guided injections or other interventional procedures when appropriate. His goal is to use the least invasive treatment necessary to help patients reduce pain, restore function, and return to the activities that are important to them.
Dr. Garala also brings a personal perspective to the care of patients with spine conditions. Having experienced significant back pain himself and ultimately undergone two spine surgeries, he understands firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany persistent pain and the uncertainty that often surrounds treatment decisions. This experience has reinforced his commitment to educating patients, listening carefully to their concerns, and helping them make informed decisions about their care.
Education
BA
University of Virginia - Cognitive Science
Certificate
Virginia Commonwealth University - Anatomy
Medical School
Medical College of Virginia
Residency
New York Presbyterian - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Fellowship
Dr. Larry Frank - Spine and Sports Physiatrists
Affiliations and Associations
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Spine Intervention Society
- American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
View Dr. Garala's Media
Patient Story: Steroid Injections Relieve Pain for Bill
If you’ve ever experienced back pain or pain that radiates down your leg that originates from your back, it can literally take your breath away. That was the case for Bill, an active... Read more
Patient Feedback
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“For the past couple of years, I have had back pain sufficient to keep me from walking any distance. After initial success, the last few shots I received gave me no relief. My intern recommended seeing Dr. Garala. After hearing my history, he thought he could try something different. I am glad to report that I am able to walk now further than I have for months and I am extremely grateful.” – Neil A.
“Dr. Garala is very personable. He went straight to the point and didn’t waste time. He knows his stuff! The other staff were very efficient and helpful”
“Was very impressed with Dr Garala. He was very kind and and informative.”
