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Meet Our Team

Joseph Platon, DO

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Platon

Meet Dr. Platon

Dr. Platon has had a rich and diverse career across many different fields and industries and is blessed to be able to assist patients in North Texas. He obtained his B.A. in history at the State University of New York at Buffalo, New York in 1996. Shortly after graduation he began work in finance at a large investment bank in New York City. After 5 years working in finance, he transitioned to information technology and began work with a mid-sized New York City based technology firm specializing in database and software interfaces. He continued working in Information technology for 6 years when the desire to serve was sparked in part due to the events of 9/11/01 and after.  While working full time, he completed his post baccalaureate degree at City University of New York at Hunter College, eventually enrolling in medical school and accepted for post-graduate residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio Texas.

Dr. Platon spent four years training at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio under several distinguished faculty members who had authored several essential PM&R textbooks/chapters as well as served as past presidents of the American Academy of PM&R and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. His training focused on inpatient/outpatient Rehabilitation medicine, Electrodiagnostic medicine and several rotations with various services including medical ICU, Internal medicine wards, rheumatology, prosthetics and orthotics, spinal cord injury, neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and interventional pain.

Residency

  • The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX
    • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Medical School

  • New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; Old Westbury, NY
    • Doctor of Medicine

Board Certifications

  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
    • American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Electrodiagnostic Medicine
    • American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
    • Diplomate

Specialties

  • AANEM board certified in electrodiagnostic medicine. Electrodiagnostic testing for many conditions including lumbar or cervical radiculopathy, compressive neuropathies (carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, etc), peripheral polyneuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases.
  • Ultrasound guided peripheral joint injections: Intra-articular hip, sacroiliac joint, intra-articular knee, sub-acromial bursa, glenohumeral joint, carpal tunnel, ischial tuberosity/bursa, iliopsoas bursa, piriformis muscle and more.
  • Acute and subacute nonsurgical management of spinal pain.

Personal Interests

  • Originally from New York City, Dr. Platon, his wife and young son moved to Texas after falling in love with the area while visiting family. “I really like the down-to-earth quality of north Texas,” he said, calling the area the perfect combination of energy and serenity. In his free time, Dr. Platon enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis, hiking, fishing, and cycling. Prior to medical school, he had careers in finance and information technology. “What I love most about physical medicine and rehabilitation is it combines several specialties into one field,” he said. “It’s very rewarding to help patients get back their quality of life to do activities, hobbies, play with their children and grandchildren again — the simple things we take for granted in daily life.”

Locations Served:

  • Rockwall

Neck and back pain take the joy out of life. We’re here to help you find it again.

Our founder, Dr. David Rothbart, understood that people struggling with back or neck pain often fear surgery as the first option. He shared this concern, which is why he founded Spine Team Texas—to treat patients conservatively and avoid surgery as the initial solution. Dr. Rothbart’s team of carefully selected pain management experts has helped many patients find relief from their back and neck pain. Schedule your appointment today to find out how they can help you achieve your goals.
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Meet Walt Rutkowski

Physical trainer, businessman, & back pain conqueror

After enjoying physical training for many years, Walt developed a specific pain. He tried conservative treatments, but when it was time to find a surgeon, he knew who to call!

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