What is a Physiatrist?
A doctor who focuses on physical medicine and rehabilitation is referred to as a "physiatrist." A physiatrist is a highly skilled medical specialist who specializes in treating the musculoskeletal system as a whole and its pain-causing illnesses. A physiatrist is a healthcare professional who primarily uses physical methods of healing, such as physical therapy and medication, to diagnose, manage, and cure pain caused by injuries, illnesses, or medical problems. A psychiatrist's main objective is to assist patients in regaining their functional wellness and leading normal, healthy lives.
When you are hurt, your first instinct might be to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, or sports medicine doctor. However, these are not your only alternatives; there is a relatively new field of study that benefits a wide spectrum of individuals, including those with musculoskeletal pain, disease, or injury.
Before undergoing surgery, talking to a physiatrist can be a wise choice. In order to help patients grasp their whole range of therapy options, physiatrists provide a broad perspective.
A physiatrist will customize your treatment to meet your needs because their focus is on functional wellness. Your treatment plan can differ from that of an injured Olympic athlete seeking to return to professional competition if all you want to do is walk down the stairs or play on the floor with your kids. A physiatrist can help you with whatever you need.
Cases
Subspecialties
Brain Injury Medicine
This specialist addresses a range of injury-related disorders that have psychosocial, educational, and vocational consequences, as well as related injuries of the central nervous system.
Neuromuscular Medicine
A physiatrist who specializes in neuromuscular medicine focuses on the evaluation and treatment of disorders of nerve, muscle, or neuromuscular junction, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral neuropathies (e.g., diabetic), various muscular dystrophies, congenital and acquired myopathies, inflammatory myopathies (e.g., polymyositis), and neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis).
Pain Medicine
A physiatrist who specializes in pain medicine diagnoses and treats patients experiencing problems with acute or chronic pain, or pain related to cancer, in both hospital and outpatient settings and coordinates patient care needs with other specialists.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
A physiatrist who specializes in pediatric rehabilitation medicine diagnoses and manages congenital and childhood-onset impairments and disability such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, acquired brain or spinal cord injury, amputation, sports injuries, and muscle and nerve diseases. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary team to improve a child’s mobility and daily function at home, in the community, and at school by prescribing equipment and therapies and managing medical conditions such as spasticity, pain, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and nutrition.
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
A physiatrist who specializes in spinal cord injury medicine evaluates and manages patients with spinal cord injuries caused by trauma or from medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barré syndrome, arthritis, infection, transverse myelitis, cancer, and spina bifida.
Sports Medicine
A physiatrist who specializes in sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries related to participating in sports and exercise. This specialist also treats illnesses and diseases that might have effects on health and physical performance.
Centers & Institutes
Healthcare Delivery by Physiatrists in the US
Physiatrists focus on the overall picture. Their extensive training enables them to consider the entire body rather than simply one organ. Physiatrists can assist in identifying pain that is difficult to diagnose by looking at other sections of the body and the connections between all the moving elements of the body. Restoring functionality to patients with injuries, illnesses, and disorders is the aim of physiatrists.
In order to optimize a patient's care, physiatrists frequently serve as consultants to other doctors, including neurologists and general practitioners. They may also organize a team of medical specialists. When a physiatrist plays a key role in your recovery, they will handle everything, from developing your step-by-step recovery plan to managing your entire recovery team, enlisting the assistance of several specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, care managers, and other doctors and professionals.
Are you looking for a Physiatrist who will care for you? Our medical professionals at KellySearch create personalized strategies for each patient and/or their family. We have over 700k doctor listings on the website because our doctors want to give each client their undivided attention. They are also trustworthy and compassionate. Additionally, they are always available for conversation with anyone!
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The material presented above is only meant to be informative and is not intended to take the place of advice from your doctor or another health care practitioner. We advise you to talk to your provider about any questions or issues you may have.
