What is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor?

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Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical subspecialty that involves the nonsurgical management of injuries and disorders. Physiatrists, or rehabilitation doctors, and PM&R specialists are experts who diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. The physiatric approach to patient care looks at the whole person and not just one symptom or condition.

For people who are managing a wide range of physical disabilities or diseases or who have sustained a serious injury, therapy offered by a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor is often recommended.  A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, also called a physiatrist or PM&R doctor, is not there to “cure” a patient but can help that person in a variety of ways, focusing on the best ways to help them improve function—from prescribing medications to administering pain injections to using other technology, such spinal cord stimulation. These treatments, when delivered by a skilled and knowledgeable physiatrist, often result in less pain and an increased ability to perform daily activities. If a patient requires surgery, the physiatrist will not perform the surgery him- or herself but instead will refer the patient to a specialist or surgeon who can help.

When You Should Visit a PM&R Doctor Near You

Symptoms offer clues to your condition. If you are experiencing any of the following, you should make an appointment with a doctor to have them assessed:

If you are currently experiencing any of these issues, you may be suffering from one of the following injuries or conditions that can be treated by our expertly trained physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors:

What Does a PM&R Physician Do?

PM&R physicians can address physical medical conditions affecting any area of the body.

PM&R physicians design treatment plans for people of any age. They’ll check on your condition, needs, and goals; make sure there isn’t a serious medical reason for the issues you’re having, and design a treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Education and Training

PM&R physicians are medical doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In addition to their medical school degree, many of them have subspecialty certifications. These certifications can be in fields such as:

To become a PM&R physician, the following requirements must be met:

PM&R physicians who pursue a subspecialty also do a fellowship in that specialty. They must take a written and oral exam to become PM&R certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

What Conditions Does a PM&R Physician Treat?

PM&R physicians treat problems that happen because of injury, illness, or chronic conditions. The most common treatments include:

The two major components a PM&R physician specializes in are physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Physical Medicine

PM&R physicians develop a comprehensive program to help their patients physically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally. They manage many types of physical problems and help you stay as active as possible at any age.

If you have had physical trauma, PM&R physicians may prescribe braces or splints to improve your arm or leg position or function, prosthetics for limb loss, or equipment to help you move more safely. This equipment can include tools such as wheelchairs, standers, walkers, bath benches, or lifts.

Rehabilitation

PM&R physicians can prescribe medication for muscle or nerve problems, attention and memory issues, respiratory or gastrointestinal issues, and behavior, sleep, or pain concerns, among many more medical problems. 

Reasons to See a PM&R Physician

If you have had physical trauma, pain, or problems with movement, visiting a PM&R physician might be your next step.

They can diagnose and treat issues medical conditions related to disabilities, including:

You might also consider seeing a PM&R physician if:

A PM&R physician may work with a team of neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and primary care doctors, depending on what you need. 

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**What is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Doctor?**



**Introduction:**

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring physical function ‌and quality of life for individuals with conditions that affect their movement, abilities, and overall well-being. PM&R doctors, often referred to as physiatrists, play a ⁣vital role in ‌the rehabilitation process, helping⁣ patients regain their independence and​ participate fully in‍ society.



**What Does a ‍Physical Medicine ‍& Rehabilitation Doctor Do?**

Physiatrists diagnose and treat a wide range of ⁢conditions that impair movement, function, ‌and ability. These can include:



– Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., arthritis, back ‍pain, sports injuries)

– Neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, brain ⁢injury)

– Congenital abnormalities

– Work-related injuries

– Chronic pain



**Approach⁢ to Treatment:**

PM&R doctors approach ⁢treatment holistically, considering the patient’s⁢ physical, functional, and psychosocial well-being. They ‍work closely with a‌ team of other ⁤healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of ‍each patient.



Treatment may⁣ involve:

– Physical therapy and rehabilitation

– Medications and‍ injections

– Assistive devices and technologies

– Lifestyle modifications

– Pain​ management

– Patient and family⁣ education



**Diagnostic and Procedural ⁤Skills:**

Physiatrists are skilled ‌in performing various diagnostic procedures, ‍such as:

– Physical examinations

– Musculoskeletal ultrasound

– Electromyography (EMG)

– Nerve ⁣conduction studies



They‌ also perform therapeutic procedures, including:

– Joint ⁣injections

– Trigger point injections

– ⁣Electrostimulation

– Botulinum toxin injections



**Education and Training:**

To become a physiatrist, individuals must complete⁢ an accredited medical school program ⁢(MD or ⁤DO) and undergo a three-year Physical⁢ Medicine ‍and Rehabilitation residency. During residency, they develop expertise ‌in⁢ the diagnosis, treatment, ⁣and management of rehabilitation-related conditions.



**Subspecialty Areas:**

Within PM&R, physiatrists may⁢ specialize in ​specific subfields, including:



– Sports Medicine

– Pain Management

– Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

– Stroke Rehabilitation

-⁣ Amputation and Prosthetics



**Conclusion:**

Physical Medicine &‌ Rehabilitation doctors ⁣are essential members of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive care for individuals with movement and⁣ functional​ impairments. They play a vital role in helping patients regain‌ their physical function, improve their quality of life, and participate fully in their communities.