Robert Metzler, MD, FAAPMR

Robert Metzler, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Pain Management)

Dr. Metzler is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician which means that he is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions that affect muscles, bones, ligaments, and the entire nervous system. His aim is to find out what goals are important to his patients, and ultimately help them achieve their goals.  He prides himself on listening to his patients, and will always treat you with compassion and open-mindedness.

Dr. Metzler works closely with physical and occupational therapists and utilizes their expertise in helping you to function at your best. If you feel like you are not progressing as planned, he will work with you to adjust the therapy, or identify a different approach to your care.  He understands that sometimes surgical intervention is necessary, and he works closely with his peers to determine if and when that is the right choice for you. 

His expertise also includes electromyography and nerve conduction studies which diagnose diseases of the neuromuscular system - everything from a pinched nerve in your back, to carpal tunnel syndrome, to more systemic neuropathies which may be related to chemotherapy, diabetes, etc. He also provides treatments for back pain, spasticity, and osteoarthritis which range from epidural steroid injections to botox.  Dr. Metzler is comfortable utilizing a variety of different medications to help you function at your best. He believes that sleep disturbance, pain, irritability, and ability to focus are often related, and will approach your treatment through a multimodal perspective. 

In Dr. Metzler’s free time, he enjoys playing indoor and beach volleyball, listening to all types of music, and going on walks with his bulldog.

Meet Dr. Metzler

"I chose physical medicine and rehabilitation because I am interested in helping my patients function, listening to what is important to them and helping them to achieve their goals."

~Robert Metzler, MD

Additional Information

Board Certification/
Education

  • Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
  • Medical School: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra / Northwell, Hempstead, NY
  • Internship: Internal Medicine – Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY
  • Residency: Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital and Care Network / University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Practice Emphasis

  • Disc Herniations
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Facet Arthropathy
  • Full Body Pain
  • Crossfit and other athletic related full body body/back injuries

Pain Management

  • Visco Supplementation
  • Epidural Steroid Injections
  • Medications
  • Physical Therapy

Additional Expertise

  • Electromyography

Patient Reviews

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rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Mar-2025

Dr Metzler is a tremendous doctor. He reviews your information and results, listens to you, explains what is going on and then lays out your options. I highly recommend Dr Metzler and have referred many friends and family members to him
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Mar-2025

Dr. Metzler Very personable , extremely concerned about his patience well being. I will definitely recommend him to friends and family. If they're looking for an orthopedic doctor he definitely has my vote.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

Dr. Metzler was wonderful. He explained my issues to me in detail, and made that explanation easy to understand. He listened to my many questions and answered them thoroughly. We worked together to come up with the next steps of my care, instead of him just dictating it, like so many doctors do. I highly recommend him.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

Dr. Metzler is outstanding. He carefully explains all the details of any medical issues and always has an answer for taking care of the problem. He never makes you feel rushed and takes the time to make sure you understand your options.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

I was anxious about my EMG appointment. Dr. Meltzer and his were kind and considerate and put me at ease. He explained the process and narrated what he was doing to help distract me. He had a magic touch with the needles and I had almost no real pain! U would highly recommend Dr. Meltzer!
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

I had a great experience during my visit with Dr. Metzler! He was incredibly thorough, taking the time to address all my concerns. I felt a sense of relief after receiving the injections he recommended. Thank you, Dr. Metzler, for your attentive care!
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

Dr Metzler was very kind and helpful in explaining how my EMG test was going and how it would progress! He put me at ease during the entire test. I am very grateful for his gentle handling of the test!
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2025

Dr. Metzler was truly attentive in my appointment with him, I felt like he listened to what I was experiencing and he was very responsive to my issues, he explained to me what treatment options that were available to me moving forward which made me feel much more optimistic about treatment and much more at ease. Thanks Doc !!
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Jan-2025

Very knowledgeable, and courteous and mindful in answering my questions. He was very gentle with both tests and told me what to expect from both. Thank you Robert for telling me what these tests involved!
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Nov-2024

Always a pleasure going to see these doctors.Every one of them, including physical therapy.They are all very knowledgeable, very compassionate and very good at their jobs.I have not had a bad experience yet.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Sep-2024

My experience with Dr Metzler was an excellent experience he was very patient with me and answered all my questions kept me calm the wait time was great he came right in and took care of business would recommend him to someone who was going through this situation. Thank you Dr Metzler??
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2024

Dr Metzler is a wonderful doctor who performs the EMG test, he is very aware of being as kind as possible considering this type of test! Previously I had had this test years ago and I actually cried through it, it was the worst pain I gone through and I dreaded ever having to have another one, but he put me at ease and I could not believe how different it was !!!nowhere near the pain I went through before! If I have to have another EMG, I would definitely go back to the doctor Metzler
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Jun-2024

Very nice and informative Dr. he listened to me and we came up with a plan. Office was efficient except for the person who made the initial appointment she took my name off my license and they had me scheduled by my first and middle name. Fixed now
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Apr-2024

He’s the best!! He hear you and listens.he explain everything.if you have questions he answers them with patience. I feel very comfortable and very, very trusting to what he says.i feel that he is a doctor who cares.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Mar-2024

I like Dr. Robert Metzler. I like Dr. Metzler's attentiveness to my concerns. He asks questions, he explains my options and what he recommends first etc. Dr. Metzler fits my needs because I want first for my doctor to listen to me.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Mar-2024

I had to come in for an EMG and Dr Metzler made the whole process super relaxed. I don’t do well with needles but he was very patient and he even took the time to answer my questions, never made me feel like I was bothering him.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2024

I appreciate that he was genuinely interested in what I described as my issue. He then assessed and WE decided on a plan. He adidn't tell me what I need to do. He explained in detail and I felt comfortable with the decisions. Highly recommended.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2024

Dr. Metzler was great. He explained everything that had to be done for the EMG. His ability to keep me comfortable and talking kept my mind off of the testing process. It was done quickly. He has an excellent bedside manner.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2024

I had a great consultation with Dr. Metzler. He thoroughly explained my back issue as well as explaining the procedure he is going to do and how it will benefit me. He was able to answer all my questions and upon looking over previous notes, he pointed out an abnormal result (of something that has absolutely nothing to do with my reason for seeing him) and suggested I see my PCP to address the issue. I was impressed. Excellent “Bedside Manner”.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2024

Dr. Metzler was very engaging. He was very responsive to all my questions and managed my anxiety during the procedure. Excellent bedside manner. He prepared me every step of the way of next steps. Excellent experience.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2024

Dr. Metzler is very nice and polite always very concerned about your issues and try to make sure that all complaints are addressed what ever he can do to make you feel better he will at least advise you of that.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Oct-2023

The good Doctor sat down with me & explained my MRI and what was causing the pain in my leg. Very informative with hardly any questions afterward. He explained various procedures to resolve my problem & painI would recommend others to see Doctor Metzler if they have the same problem. I’m very satisfied with my experience.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Oct-2023

Dr. Metzler was very professional, courteous, kind and thorough. He explained everything in full detail. He listened to my concerns and answered my questions. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my family and friends.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2023

Doctor had good bedside manners, greet you with a smile and hand shake. He was very attentive, listened well, knowledgeable, and didn't rush the appointment. Office clinic exam room clean/ nice, and the all the staff I came in contact with were also polite and professional . Thanks for making me feel welcomed, especially since I wasn't feeling good.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2023

Dr. Metzler was quite refreshing, professional, and throughout the examination kept me informed about what was taking place, why, and even by conversation otherwise made the test undertaken easy to bare.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jul-2023

I saw Dr Metzler for lower back pain and he was very patient, polite and explained my symptoms in terms that anyone would understand. I enjoyed my visit with Dr Metzler and I'm looking forward to working him so that I can feel better.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jun-2023

My husband and I both see Dr. Metzler for our backs. We love how open, honest, and trustworthy he is. He always explains at least three different options and what future care will look like depending on the route we go. We will always go to him and recommend him.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Apr-2023

I had to have an EMG with Dr. Metzler today. While this test is no fun, he made it as bearable as possible. He is very kind and compassionate. He is concerned about what you as the patient will tolerate and what your concerns are about your healthcare and will work with you within your framework.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2023

Today, I had an EMG done and it was a pleasant experience with Dr. Metzler he has an awesome bedside manner and super nice and friendly. He explained every step of what he was doing and gave a little feedback during the test. I was nervous having never done this test before but Dr. Eased my mind and it wasn’t painful at all. Thank you Dr. Metzler
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2023

My experience was amazing at this clinic! Everyone there was kind, patient, helpful and quick to get you in and out. The doctor was super nice and also suggested other medication that would help me with my back pain, so I could sleep better at night. Some of the best service I have ever received at a clinic.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Jan-2023

I met with Dr. Metzler today for the first time and he was great! No wait time, very informative and great bedside manner. I was little nervous not knowing what to expect and he made me feel very comfortable. My appointment was less than 20 minutes which was also very convenient.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Dec-2022

I was very nervous about having an EMG. I tried to learn as much as I could about the procedure from YOU TUBE, etc. Electric shocks and needles sounded scary. I am very happy to say the Dr. Metzler was very calm and explained his process as he did the testing. My anxiety anticipating the test was the only concern. The test itself was not painful and I very much appreciate Dr. Metzler’s manner and expertise. Thank you Dr. Metzler.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Oct-2022

Dr Metzler was awesome. Put me at ease and did great job explaining what needs to be done and why. The office staff in Mokena is so much nicer and professional and helpful than Palos Hills. I dread going to Palos hills office.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Oct-2022

Dr Metzler is one of the best! He ensures that you understand what is going on, he’s very informative, he explains in great detail, and he cares about his patients. Even in surgery, he makes you feel comfortable, and is with you every step of the way.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Sep-2022

I really, really like Dr. Metzler! He’s very knowledgeable, explained things very clearly, showed me what was going on in my MRI, explained what was likely causing my pain. He recommended starting out with conservative measures, then if I need to increase the pain control, he described other options that were available. He gave me hope. I was very pleased with him, and I highly recommend him to those seeking pain management for orthopedic issues.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2022

This was my first visit with Dr Metzler. Very good doctor who is patience with his patients and explains everything in detail. Make sure you understand exactly what is happening with you and also explains options for treating or correcting the problem. He cares and takes pride in his profession. He comes highly recommended by me.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Mar-2022

Dr. Metzler was very courteous and great at putting me at ease. I was scheduled for an EMG and he made it really stress free. Wonderful bedside manner. He explained everything in detail about the test and the results.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Mar-2022

In my experience, Dr. Metzler has been extremely attentive, understanding, and knowledgeable. I have no questions left unanswered and never feel rushed. I trust him fully with pain management and out patient procedures. I highly recommend him.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Dec-2021

Dr Metzler is outstanding at what he does. He listens, is very compassionate and takes his time when doing a procedure. This is my 3rd Epidural with him over the past year. I've walked out almost pain free each time and stayed that way for several month. Another provider never hit the "spot" and I never had relief, He had 3 chances. I highly recommend Dr. Robert Metzler for pain management. I don't think there is anyone better. He is also just a great person as well.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Dec-2021

Dr. Metzler is professional yet kind. He takes the time to explain your plan of treatment and answer every question. I am so glad he is my back doctor. He didn’t minimize my pain; he showed me my ex-rays and pointed to the exact area that’s making me miserable. He gave me hope that I will get relief.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Oct-2021

Dr. Metzler is very knowledgeable and compassionate. He found the source of my pain and provided an injection for pain relief. He explained the procedure thoroughly both before and during the injection. The steroid injection worked beautifully and I am feeling much better. I highly recommend this doctor.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Sep-2021

Dr Metzler Not only has a great bedside manner but definitely got very thorough on what was going on with my body and gave me four different options of what we can do moving forward… He was amazing! I would highly recommend Dr. Metzler to anyone. Thank you Kathy Below Mueller
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Sep-2021

Dr. Metzler has a fantastic demeaner. His recommendations and analysis are concise and absent of jargon. He took all the time that my wife and I needed. I recommend him without reservation at the highest level.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Aug-2021

Great experience as a first timer. I barely waited to be helped after I checked in. The nurse Ismael and Dr. Metzler were very friendly and helpful. I especially loved how Dr. Metzler took his time to explain everything to me.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Aug-2021

Had a minor procedure on my back and Doctor metzler is a miracle worker he very professional he walk me through the whole process. And made me feel so comfortable I would recommend him to everyone I know that have back problems. I don't have anymore back pain.He the best.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Jun-2021

What can I say. I went in thinking I was okay from a work place injury. Dr. Metzler saw the concern and worry in my face when I found out that it was worse than I thought. He was so empathetic and compassionate, he brought an ease over me. Knowing that a Dr. Cares about your care and gonna get through this and get you better. Well, it's a breathe of fresh air.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

May-2021

Dr Metzler was a real pleasure. He was efficient, thorough, pleasant, and clearly engaged in his work. He asked a lot of questions and answered a lot of questions. He walked me through the whole process, took his time, and was patient with me ( no pun intended). I was impressed with his caring approach.
rater8 Verified Patient

rater8 Verified Patient

Apr-2021

Dr. Metzler takes the time to really listen to his patient’s concerns and explains treatment options. He answers all questions. He has a great expertise in his area of pain management and cares about his patients.
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Mar-2021

Excellent experience with this Dr. He was very friendly and personable yet very thorough. He explained my symptoms in medical and non-medical terms. He also answered all the questions I had and gave me several options. I highly recommend Dr. Metzler
Patient Submitted Review

Patient Submitted Review

Feb-2021

Dr. Metzler was outstanding!! He took time to explain every part of my testing, answered all of my questions and kept checking to make sure everything was okay. I really was very happy and would recommend him to anyone.
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