Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

University Pediatricians | Michigan

About the Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

The Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) specializes in the rehabilitation and medical management of children with special healthcare needs for conditions including but not limited to: cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and spina bifida/myelomeningocele, neuromuscular disorders, developmental delay, musculoskeletal conditions, Brachial plexus injuries, walking difficulties, and rarer conditions such as Neurofibromatosis.   

Physicians on staff and our Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner (PA/NP) understand how cognitive and physical impairments affect growth and development. They use this knowledge to work with patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans to restore or improve function and quality of life. Physicians work closely with the team to manage spasticity, swallowing disorders, developmental therapy needs, and bracing and equipment needs. Procedures including neurolytic injection of botulinum toxin and alcohol blocks.  Other treatment options, including intrathecal baclofen pumps, selective and non-selective dorsal root rhizotomies, are used as part of the comprehensive spasticity management program.

Division Leadership

My Philosophy of Care

“Rehabilitation is about helping a child reclaim their independence and maximize their potential following a life-altering illness or injury. My approach combines advanced medical management with a collaborative, compassionate network of therapists and families. Together, we focus on every detail of a child’s mobility, comfort, and long-term development so they can navigate their world with confidence.”

Dr. Charles B. Pelshaw, MD
Division Chief, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services

Learn More About Dr. Pelshaw

About Dr. Pelshaw

Dr. Charles B. Pelshaw is a seasoned pediatric physiatry expert with over 30 years of experience, serving as the Division Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan. He holds dual academic appointments as an Assistant Professor at Central Michigan University and as a Clinical Assistant Professor of PM&R at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Dr. Pelshaw balances extensive programmatic leadership roles across the region, serving as both the Director of the Myelomeningocele Care Center and the Medical Director of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. His clinical practice centers on providing comprehensive outpatient therapeutic frameworks for children navigating complex congenital and acquired physical limitations.

Areas of Expertise

  • Medical management of cerebral palsy and neuromuscular disorders
  • Rehabilitation for traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
  • Comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care for myelomeningocele (spina bifida)
  • Evaluations for complex musculoskeletal conditions and muscular dystrophy

Research & Innovations

Dr. Pelshaw is an active investigator and institutional educator focused on elevating long-term functional tracking for children with complex structural conditions. Additionally, he dedicates his time to teaching incoming pediatric residents and physical medicine residents on systemic advancements in non-invasive tone management, assistive mobility technologies, and post-trauma recovery tracking.

Education & Board Certifications

  • Medical Degree & Internship: Wayne State University School of Medicine
  • Residency: Combined Pediatrics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Wayne State University/Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
  • Board Certifications: General Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Division Facts

Largest Pediatric PM&R Division in the Detroit Metropolitan Area with 5 Pediatric Board Certified Rehabilitation Specialists, plus a Physician Assistant & Nurse Practitioner.

We work with therapists (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and recreational therapists) at all Children’s Hospital locations, as well as with community therapists and orthotists.

A friendly, child-centered atmosphere is provided, and staff are dedicated to helping children be comfortable during their outpatient visits.

Outpatient Clinical sites include:

1. Children’s Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center – Detroit, MI
2. Children’s Hospital of Michigan Stilson Center – Clinton Twp, MI
3. Children’s Hospital of Michigan Troy – Troy, MI
4. Children’s Hospital of MIchigan Canton – Canton, MI
5. Hurley Hospital- Children’s Farmer’s Market location – Flint, MI 
6. Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Novi – Novi, MI (coming soon)

Inpatient Rehabilitation:

CHM provides a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation program certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), demonstrating dedication, accountability, and compliance with internationally accepted standards of excellence. The primary focus of the inpatient rehabilitation program is to help each child improve their function and prepare for return to home, school, and the community. Based on the child’s needs, the rehabilitation program focuses on mobility, activities of daily living, communication, memory, and social and community interaction. When necessary, adaptive equipment is used to help each child achieve as much function as possible. The inpatient program admits children with neurological (traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and cerebral vascular accidents), extensive burns, congenital, orthopedic, and other debilitating conditions. The PM&R Division works closely with our therapy team, including physical, occupational, and recreation therapists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation nurses, orthotists, prosthetists, psychologists and neuropsychologists, care managers, social workers, dietitians, wound care, pediatric medical and subspecialty teams, and pharmacists to provide comprehensive medical and rehabilitation care for our patients.

Our Programs

Spasticity Program

PM&R, Neurosurgery, and therapists meet once per month to discuss surgical spasticity options (Baclofen pump insertion and selective/non-selective/ventral dorsal rhizotomy procedures) for patients who do not tolerate oral spasticity medications or toxin injections.

Myelomeningocele Clinic

PM&R, Neurosurgery, Urology, Wound Care, Psychology, Physical Therapy & Orthotists care for children with myelomeningocele, spina bifida, spinal cord birth defects, spinal cord tumors, spinal cord infections, spinal cord injuries, tether cord.

Muscular Dystrophy Clinic

PM&R, Neurology, Pulmonary, Respiratory Therapy, Genetic Counselor, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietitian, Orthotists, and wheelchair vendors care for children with neuromuscular disorders, including numerous types of muscular dystrophies, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Charcot Marie Tooth allowing care from all providers during a single clinic visit. Patients have access to innovative treatments and medications through clinical trials. The clinic works in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Detroit and Clinton Township.

Brachial Plexus Clinic

A multidisciplinary clinic caring for children with brachial plexus injuries, providing care by PM&R, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Occupational Therapy, allowing care from all providers during a clinic visit. 

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Clinic

A multidisciplinary clinic caring for children with Neurofibromatosis type 1, providing care by PM&R, Neurology, Hematology/ Oncology, Psychology & Genetic Counselor, during a clinic visit. 

Procedure Clinic

Spasticity management with neurolytics and toxins is performed by our PM&R specialists in the PM&R clinic or in the operating room under anesthesia.

Neuro-Oncology Clinic

PM&R, oncology, endocrinology, neurology, radiology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, physiatry, nursing, and social work provide ongoing follow-up care to survivors of childhood/pediatric brain tumors, monitoring sequelae (late effects from their therapies) to ensure a high quality of life. 

Concussion Clinic

Pediatric multidisciplinary concussion clinic provided by PM&R, Neurology, and Neuropsychology, that offers specialized, comprehensive care for children and adolescents (0–18) with acute or prolonged concussion symptoms.

Functional Neurologic Disorders Clinic

A multidisciplinary clinic caring for children with functional neurologic, motor, or sensory symptoms, providing care by PM&R, Neurology, Psychology & Psychiatry. Our PM&R provider will also facilitate referrals for outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy services

Developmental Assessment Clinic:

A multidisciplinary clinic caring for infants and toddlers who were admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units following birth. Neonates and infants who meet certain criteria are scheduled to follow up in the clinic following hospital discharge. They are seen in this clinic by PM&R, Neonatology, Psychology, Registered Dietitian, and Social Work.

Seating Clinic:

PM&R doctors assist and work closely with the Therapy Department of Children’s Hospital of Michigan to obtain medical equipment.

Our faculty are familiar with the most recent advances and recommendations in the management of allergic, immunologic, and rheumatologic conditions and offer comprehensive and patient-centered services geared towards their diagnosis and treatment. The team of dedicated nurses work on obtaining prior authorizations for expensive medications deemed necessary for management of the patients in order to provide them the most cost-effective therapy. Outpatient appointments are available Monday-Friday and some Saturdays. Same-day appointments are available for patients requiring urgent evaluations.

Disabilities, Illness, or Injuries treated in Inpatient AND/ OR outpatient clinics include:

Amputations
Arthrogryposis
Brachial plexus injury
Rehab following brain tumors/ childhood cancer
Burns
Cerebral palsy
Rehab following cerebral vascular accidents
Complex regional pain syndrome
Gait deviations
Muscular dystrophy
Neuromuscular disease
Spasticity
Spina bifida
Spinal cord injury
Spinal muscular atrophy
Concussion
Torticollis
Traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury
Adaptive Sports

CHM provides a 12-bed inpatient rehabilitation program certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), demonstrating dedication to accountability and compliance with internationally accepted standards of excellence.

A friendly child-centered atmosphere is provided, dedicated to helping children be comfortable during their outpatient visits. Specialty clinics and programs include: Myelomeningocele/Spinal cord injury clinic, Muscular Dystrophy Clinic, Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Program and Alcohol Block Clinic for treatment of spasticity.

Rehabilitation

The Children’s Hospital of Michigan offers a full complement of therapy services in a 12-bed inpatient unit with four convenient outpatient locations for children and adolescents recovering from injury or illness. Therapists are pediatric rehabilitation specialists including team members certified in NDT (Neurodevelopment Treatment) and SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests). The rehabilitation centers are kid-friendly and the therapy staff is skilled in working with children in a therapeutic milieu.

Learn More

The primary focus of the inpatient program is to help each child improve their function and prepare them for return to home, school and the community. Based on the child’s needs, the rehabilitation program focuses on mobility, activities of daily living, communication, memory and social interaction. When necessary, adaptive equipment is used to help each child achieve as much function as possible. The interdisciplinary team is experienced in the complexities of pediatric disability and rehabilitation.

The inpatient program admits children with neurological (traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and cerebral vascular accident), congenital and orthopedic conditions. Children with extensive burns and other disabling conditions are also candidates for admission to the unit.

Learn More

Our Clinical Programs

Comprehensive Care Through PM&R

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) staff work with many departments within the hospital to generate a rehabilitation plan for our patients.

Available services include:
– Augmentative communication
– Intrathecal Baclofen intervention
– Occupational therapy
– Physical therapy
– Prosthetics/orthotics
– Speech pathology

Our Specialized Clinics Include

Our Team is Dedicated to You

Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital of Michigan includes 5 board certified Pediatric PM&R physicians led by Charles Pelshaw (Division Chief of PM&R).  All have faculty appointments at Central Michigan University College of Medicine.  The faculty is actively involved in teaching medical students from both Central Michigan University and Wayne State University, pediatric residents,  Med/ Peds residents, and PM&R residents.  

The Division also includes an outpatient Physician assistant and an inpatient nurse practitioner.

Want to learn more about our distinguished specialists? Click the button below to be taken to our Faculty Directory.

View our Faculty Directory

Education

Learn more about the residency program and fellowships offered in affiliation with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Residency Program
Fellowships

Recent Research Publications

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