Dr. Rachel Xu
Dr. Rachel Xu is a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine who specializes in helping patients restore function, mobility, and independence despite chronic pain. Her clinical approach is grounded in a whole health philosophy that shifts the focus from simply asking “what’s the matter with you?” to understanding “what matters to you.” By aligning treatment with each patient’s goals, values, and daily activities, she works in partnership with patients to build sustainable paths toward improved quality of life.
Dr. Xu completed her interventional pain management fellowship at UT Health San Antonio, where she was honored as Pain Fellow of the Year, and her PM&R residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. She previously cared for veterans at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, where she focused on helping patients regain independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in life despite complex pain conditions.
Before entering medicine, Dr. Xu earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, training that continues to shape her analytical and problem-solving approach to patient care.
Her clinical philosophy integrates rehabilitation principles, evidence-based pain management, exercise, and lifestyle strategies to support long-term health and resilience. Rather than focusing solely on procedures, Dr. Xu emphasizes empowering patients to stay active, restore function, and return to the activities that give their lives meaning.
Dr. Xu remains academically engaged through research collaborations with UT Health San Antonio and is co-author of the textbooks “Musculoskeletal Sports and Spine Disorders” and “Fluoro-Flip: A Quick Reference Guide to Spinal and Peripheral Pain Procedures.”
Her goal is to help patients move beyond pain and toward a more active, independent, and fulfilling life.
