Dr. Nelson Allen Hager, MD, MS

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Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Nelson Allen Hager, who serves patients in Bellevue, Washington.

A seasoned physiatrist, Dr. Hager works with patients at his private practice – Northwest Spine & Sports Physicians, PC – in Bellevue, Washington. He is also a military veteran, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring.

Throughout his career, he received his undergraduate degree at the United States Military Academy and his initial service in the military was as an infantry officer culminating in service as a Company Commander for two light infantry companies and as aide-de-camp for two consecutive Commanding Generals, 7th Infantry Division. He completed his Masters of Science degree (MS) at Indiana University prior to returning as a faculty and research officer in the Department of Physical Education at the United States Military Academy. Subsequently, he received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

In pursuit of clinical excellence, the doctor is board-certified in physical medicine & rehabilitation, and sports medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is RMSK certified for musculoskeletal ultrasound from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

As a military medical corps officer, Dr. Hager served in various capacities including: Deputy Commander for Clinical Services at Hawley Army Community Hospital, Assistant Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Madigan Army Medical Center, Chief of the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Tripler Army Medical Center, and Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center during 9/11.

Since military retirement, he has served in private practice and academic medicine positions, including being an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at University of Washington and Medical Director of the Bone and Joint Clinic, Medical Director of the Sports, Orthopedics and Spine Health Center, Franciscan Health System and attending faculty at VA Puget Sound Health Care in Tacoma, Washington.

Furthermore, Dr. Hager is the Principal Investigator for the Collaboratory for Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research (CMIRR), Vice Chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and faculty member at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

A keen researcher, he has a particular clinical and research interest in diagnostic and interventional ultrasound as well as regenerative medicine. He has established himself as a national leader in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound education and investigation over the past 15 years – directing & presenting numerous educational seminars, various book chapters, with additional editorial credits in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and ultrasound.

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.

Recognized with various military and academic awards, Dr. Hager has been the recipient of the Outstanding PMR Resident and Resident Research Reward, the Order of Military Medical Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Ranger Tab, Airborne Parachutist Badge, and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.

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