Physiatry: Empowering Recovery Through Non-Surgical Care

Physiatrists, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists, are medical doctors who focus on non-surgical treatment for conditions that cause pain and limit daily function. These conditions include neurological and musculoskeletal disorders that affect nerves, muscles, joints and bones.

What Does a Physiatrist Treat?

Physiatrists not only have a keen understanding of how the body works and the medical issues at play, but also understand how these medical issues can affect a patient’s mobility, self-care and quality of life. Their goal is not just to treat symptoms, but to help patients regain function and return to the activities they love.

A physiatrist performs comprehensive assessment of how your impairments and functional limitations impact daily activities, using objective measurements to track improvements, routinely reassessing and modifying care plan so that each patient receives the most appropriate treatment to achieve his goals.

When Should You See a Physiatrist?

You may benefit from a physiatrist consultation if you experience:

• Joint pain
• Back and neck pain
• Peripheral nerve conditions (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Congenital conditions / Pediatric rehabilitation
• Foot and ankle pain or sprains
• Hip, wrist, elbow, pelvic and any skeletal affection for post fractures rehabilitations
• Knee sprains, strains, or other injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Post-surgical procedures
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction
• Shoulder impingement syndrome, recurrent shoulder dislocation and post operative shoulder interventions 
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis
• After Total joint replacements

From minor back pain to recovery after major orthopedic surgery, a physiatrist is dedicated to helping you get back to doing the things you love.

Specialized Pediatric Rehabilitation

Physiatrists are also trained to support children with temporary or lifelong physical challenges, including:

• Delayed motor milestones
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy (various forms)
• Congenital disabilities

By providing personalized therapy across all stages of development, they help children reach their maximum potential for growth, independence, and success.

What Does a Physiatrist Do?

A physiatrist may:

• Take full history, perform thorough medical examination and assess functional abilities of each patient. 
• Construct a customized rehabilitation program according to each case, including therapeutic exercise and appropriate physical modalities.
• Explain the benefits and role of exercise therapy, instructing patients about proper posture and exercise techniques. 
• Prescribe and manage a medication regimen.
• Administer minimally invasive injections to the joints, nerves, or other painful structures to treat pain and restore function.
• Prescribe braces, splints, and prosthetics to improve mobility and restore function.
• Prescribe assistive devices including wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

The Physiatrist’s Goal: More Than Just Pain Relief

Physiatry goes beyond simply treating pain, the therapeutic approach of a physiatrist works to facilitate pain-free living with a goal of empowering each patient to overcome physical limitations and lead a healthy active life.