Elise Itano, MD

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Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Elise Itano, who serves patients in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado.

Being a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Itano specializes in non-operative treatments for spine and musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. In practice with Boulder Medical Center clinics in Broadway and Avista in Louisville, she cares for her patients by diagnosing and treating neurological and orthopaedic disorders in the neck, spine, pelvis, arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Her care philosophy is rooted on the principles of relieving pain and enhancing or regaining function and independence in all areas of life. She delivers a whole-person approach, meaning she integrates not only the patient’s disease process, but incorporates their occupation, social and home life for a complete understanding of the medical situation and personal treatment goals for returning to activity. “The best care is individualized, appropriate, and timely. For each patient, I strive to treat and follow up as if he or she was a close friend or family member” as stated by Dr. Itano.

The doctor’s treatments include traditional and integrative techniques, as well as newer approaches such as using a patient’s own platelets and bone marrow to heal their injuries. When procedures are warranted, she uses ultrasound and fluoroscopic imaging to perform precise injections. She also believes in exercise as a medical and integrative approach to healing.

According to Dr. Itano, patient education is a crucial aspect when it comes to medical treatment. “My job is to educate patients about their injury or illness and explain treatment options. Although I advocate for conservative treatment before more invasive alternatives, it is important that the patient understand all of the options so that they can make an informed decision” she explained. 

Whenever necessary, she also incorporates a team-based approach to patient care and collaborates with other medical specialists. “Although I try to be as comprehensive as possible, I know when I need the expert opinion of another provider and will seek support from other medical specialties and therapeutic resources for an integrated path to health care” she stated. 

On the subject of her academic career, Dr. Itano earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas in 2014. She then went on to complete her internship in pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 2015, followed by her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of California, Irvine in 2018. She also completed her fellowship in ACGME Pain Medicine with a focus in sports and spine medicine at the University of Colorado, Denver Anschutz Medical Center in 2019. 

Deeply committed to staying current with the latest developments in the medical field, Dr. Itano is fascinated by the pursuit of knowledge and finds gratification in continuous education about human disease, physiology, and treatment practices. She is board-certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation and pain medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, which was established in 1947 as the certifying body for the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation under the American Board of Medical Specialties. She is also a member of the Spine Intervention Society, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the North American Spine Society.

With a passion for medicine, she especially enjoys helping others. “I have a genuine interest in people and their well-being and feel honored that patients trust me with their care. Physicians are privy to the most intimate and vulnerable matters that detail a personal story; it is a unique perspective into the human experience” as stated by Dr. Itano. 

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry and physiatrics, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. 

In her free time, Dr. Itano enjoys being outdoors with her husband. They enjoy camping and hiking in the spring and snowboarding in the winter. She loves exploring new trails and especially enjoys waterfall hikes. Her favorite place to visit is Yosemite National Park.

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