Dr. Speach is a physiatrist, or physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, who specializes in the non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His primary focus is evaluation and treatment of neck disorders, back disorders, and neck and lower back sources of radiating pain. Treatment options include therapy, medications, and spinal injections. Dr. Speach has additional certification in Neuromuscular Medicine and the use of electrodiagnostic studies to evaluate disorders of muscle and nerves.

He earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center and completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at URMC. Dr. Speach has written or reviewed several medical papers and books on rehabilitation topics. He is a board-certified physician and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at URMC.

Certified Specialties

Neuromuscular Medicine - American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Part-Time) - Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (SMD)

Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics (Part-Time) - Department of Orthopaedics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Residency, Resident, University of Rochester School of Medicine. 1993 - 1996

Internship, St. Josephs Hospital and Health Center. 1988 - 1989

Education

MD | State University of New York at Syracuse. 1988

Awards

Faculty Teaching Award. 2012

Faculty Teaching Award. 2004

Alpha Omega Alpha. 1987

Publications

Journal Articles

Association between electrodiagnosis and neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sheen S, Ahmed A, Raiford ME, Jones CMC, Morrison E, Hauber K, Orsini J, Hammert WC, Speach D

PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation.. 2024 November 16 (11):1190-1194. Epub 03/26/2024.

Where Does Ultrasound Fit in the Diagnostic Algorithm for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Chirokikh AA, Carroll TJ, Hoffman S, Speach D, Jones CMC, Ketonis C

Hand : official journal of the American Association for Hand Surgery.. 2023 September 25 :15589447231200645. Epub 09/25/2023.

Ultrasound Assessment of the Ulnar Nerve Around the Elbow and Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Clinical Outcomes

Catanzaro, M.; Santangelo,G.; Ketonis, C.; Speach D.

Hand. 2023; 18(6).

David P. Speach; Daniel J. Lee; John Elfar; Patrick Abt.

Is medial elbow pain correlated with cubital tunnel syndrome? An electrodiagnostic study

Flushing as a side effect following lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

Everett CR, Baskin MN, Speech D, Novoseletsky D, Patel R

Pain physician.. 2004 October 7 (4):427-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Hypoxic brain injury with motor apraxia following an anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera venom.

Speach DP, Wong TM, Cattarin JA, Livecchi MA

Brain injury. 1998 March 12 (3):239-44. Epub 1900 01 01.

Recovery from stroke: rehabilitation.

Speach DP, Dombovy ML

Baillière's clinical neurology.. 1995 August 4 (2):317-38. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

The Comprehensive Treatment of the Aging Spine: Minimally Invasive and Advanced (2010)

Chapter: Aquatic Therapy

Authors: Cesarz T. Speach DP.

Publisher: Saunders 2010

Balliere's Clinical Neurology (1995)

Chapter: Recovery from Stroke: Rehabilitation

Authors: Speach DP, Dombovy, ML

Publisher: Bailliere Tindall 1995

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.9

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.9

During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.8

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.9

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.9

Patient Comments

Dr. Speach and his counterpart (I don't remember his name) were very considerate of my condition in performing the test. They made efforts to insure I was comfortable. They were very respectful.

Sep 24, 2024

I have been recommending Dr. Speach two people. He's terrific. Very knowledgeable and help expedite an injection. I need to get quickly! Hands-down I think he's the best specialist around!

Aug 24, 2024

Dr. Speach took the time to talk with my son and wife. He explained in terms we could understand what the test meant and offered several suggestions to make daily life easier and safer in regards to falls. We were so appreciative of his kind, caring manner

Aug 11, 2024

Excellent care!!!

Aug 05, 2024

5.0

He is outstanding

May 04, 2024

5.0

Exceptional, caring provider!

Dec 30, 2023

5.0

Dr. Speach is kind and understanding of my issues and gives good advice.

Nov 08, 2023

5.0

I always appreciate that he takes the time to explain options and risk versus benefit

Oct 07, 2023

5.0

Dr. Speach is a wonderful doctor. I enjoy seeing him. He's been my doctor since 2012!

Sep 13, 2023

5.0

Each time interfacing w/Dr. Speach - both in person and via MyChart - has been an excellent experience.

Jul 13, 2023

5.0

Thank You Dr. Speach For Professional and Courteous Support

Jun 09, 2023

5.0

Dr. Speach provided me with options and promptly helped me get on the schedule with the Dr. Everett when I decided.

Mar 27, 2023

5.0

A very good experience.

Dec 02, 2022

5.0

Dr. Speach squeezed me into his schedule. I could be seen before I saw the ortho surgeon.

Oct 31, 2022

5.0

Dr Speach is wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone who is having back issues.

Oct 26, 2022

5.0

I would recommend the provider. [...]

Oct 25, 2022

5.0

He is wonderful. Have sent a number of people to him and they are always pleased with their care.

Oct 13, 2022

4.6

Good.

Sep 16, 2022

5.0

Excellent doctorgreat infogenerous with time and questions.

Aug 17, 2022

5.0

Dr Speach was wonderful, very caring and his explanations were understandable.

Jul 29, 2022

5.0

Excellent!

Jul 28, 2022

5.0

Dr. Speach is a great Dr and I would recommend him to anyone.

Jun 19, 2022

5.0

Very personable and a good listener.

Jun 16, 2022

5.0

Dr. Speach is wonderful. He has kept me out of an OR!

May 12, 2022

5.0

I was pleasantly surprised when the Dr went through some testing and asking me a lot of questions right then and there in the room. Then he ordered an xray that I was taken to get right away! I thought for sure I would be waiting a week or two. Then he went over the images right away too! I am very happy that Dr. Speach handles his patient's concerns with the same level of urgency that they feel it deserves and all without having to fight for it. He wants to.

Mar 27, 2022

5.0

DR. Diagnosed my issues and put my mind at ease.

Mar 19, 2022

3.8

As stated, just felt rushed at describing current problem. This provider is wonderful overall.

Mar 08, 2022