What is a Physiatrist?
Physiatrists, or
rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat
injuries or illnesses that affect how you move
Rehabilitation physicians are medical
doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical
medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Specifically, rehabilitation
physicians:
v
Diagnose and treat pain
v
Restore maximum function lost through
injury, illness or disabling conditions
v
Treat the whole person, not just the
problem area
v
Lead a team of medical professionals
v
Provide non-surgical treatments
v
Explain your medical problems and
treatment/prevention plan
The job of a
rehabilitation physician is to treat any disability resulting from disease or
injury, from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. The focus is on the
development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person's
life back together after injury or disease – without surgery.
Rehabilitation
physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an
ailment. They then design a treatment plan that can be carried out by the
patients themselves or with the help of the rehabilitation physician’s medical
team. This medical team might include other physicians and health
professionals, such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical
therapists. By providing an appropriate treatment plan, rehabilitation
physicians help patients stay as active as possible at any age. Their broad
medical expertise allows them to treat disabling conditions throughout a
person’s lifetime.
Why
Visit A Rehabilitation Physician?
Rehabilitation
physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses
that affect how you move. By taking the whole body into account, they are able
to accurately pinpoint problems and enhance performance - without surgery.
Consider seeing a
rehabilitation physician if:
v You
had an accident or you have an injury or chronic condition that has left you
with pain or limited function
v You’re
contemplating or recovering from surgery
v You
have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or
ability to move easily
v You’re
recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve
damage
v You
have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems
v Excess
weight makes it difficult to exercise or has caused health problems
v You
think you’re too old to exercise
v Life
changes such as childbirth or menopause have created new challenges to your
physical function
Getting started
A rehabilitation
physician will thoroughly assess your condition, needs, and expectations and
rule out any serious medical illnesses to develop a treatment plan. A clear
understanding of your condition and limitations will help you and your
rehabilitation physician to develop a treatment plan suited to your unique
needs.
Tailoring your plan
You need the right
type of exercise to effectively overcome fitness obstacles. A runner may have
gained weight after being sidelined by a knee injury. A rehabilitation
physician can prescribe tailored, low-impact activities that burn calories
without aggravating the injury, simultaneously prescribing physical therapy and
use of a brace to strengthen and support the knee. Another patient may be
suffering from chronic neck pain. The rehabilitation physician might prescribe
medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief, as well as
strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is a necessity,
rehabilitation physicians work with patients and their surgeons before and
after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other
health care professionals, a rehabilitation physician is able to specially
design a treatment program tailored to you.
Understanding and identifying
your goals
Do you want to
strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or walk up the
stairs without being winded? A rehabilitation physician can work with you to
determine realistic short- and long-term goals. Along the way, he or she will
help you to find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or
exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if
necessary.
