Dr. Liza Maniquis Smigel

Dr. Liza Maniquis-Smigel is a distinguished specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, commonly known as Physiatry, a unique medical field that places a strong emphasis on understanding illness from the patient's perspective to enhance their overall quality of life. Her approach centers around patient-centered medicine, ensuring that every individual receives compassionate care, comfort, and safety, particularly in terms of pain management, while addressing psychological and vocational aspects.

As both a dancer and a medical doctor, Dr. Smigel's journey into physiatry began with a passion for treating performing artists and athletes. Her ability to communicate in their language, coupled with an understanding of their psychological makeup and determination to return to their professions despite pain and injuries, set the foundation for her distinctive approach. Completing a four-year Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, she further honed her skills through a Musculoskeletal and Performing Arts Medicine fellowship at the University of Texas-Houston, mentored by the renowned physiatrist, dancer, and musician, Dr. Rebecca Clearman. This experience instilled in her the importance of a holistic approach to treating physical injuries.

Throughout her career, Dr. Smigel has worked in various group practices, contributing significantly to the field. Her tenure at Gulf States Rehabilitation, Inc in New Orleans saw her managing complex cases involving spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, post-strokes, and various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. At Hawaii Orthopedics, Inc in Hilo, she collaborated closely with orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons, podiatrists, and physical therapists, gaining valuable insights into different perspectives on the treatment of chronic pain and musculoskeletal and neurological injuries.

In 2002, Dr. Smigel established her private practice in Hilo, followed by the opening of her practice in Honolulu in 2007. A testament to her commitment to advancing healthcare, she founded the Hawaii Center for Regenerative Medicine in 2016. Dr. Smigel specializes in nonsurgical approaches to musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain, integrating traditional medical interventions with physical therapy, manual therapy, Pilates, Yoga, oral analgesic medications, mainstream interventional pain procedures, and cutting-edge regenerative procedures such as prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, orthobiologic therapy, perineural injection treatment, and prolozone.

Dr. Smigel's expertise extends to diagnosing neurological conditions through nerve conduction velocity studies and electromyograms. She is a certified expert in Regenerative Medicine, holding certifications in both Orthobiologic Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Smigel generously volunteers her time for medical missions to the Philippines, Honduras, and Mexico, demonstrating her commitment to global health. Since 2003, she has served as a prolotherapy instructor with the Hackett-Hemwall Patterson Foundation (HHPF). A distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, and the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic and Neuromuscular Medicine, Dr. Smigel continues to contribute significantly to the field of Physiatry through her clinical practice, research, and educational endeavors.