REHABILITATION SERVICES - What is a Physiatrist?

A physiatrist is a physician who specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The main concern of the physiatrist is to improve or restore function in people who have experience an illness or birth defect which has caused physician limitations.

Physiatrists treat people with acute or chronic pain and muscles disorders. patients with arthritis, tendonitis, any kind of back pain, and work-and sports-related injuries are treated by physiatrists. Physiatrists also treat people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, amputations, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

Patients may be treated by the physiatrist directly or by an interdisciplinary team lead by the physiatrist. Special techniques, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conditions studies, help the physiatrist diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness and numbness. Treatments may include medication, assistive d3evices, and therapist such as heat and cold, electro-therapies, massage, biofeedback, traction and therapeutic exercise.

The physiatrist is concerned with all areas of rehabilitation including social, vocational and medical. not only does the physiatrist treat the acute problem, but also teaches the patient how to prevent further injury. The goal of rehabilitative medicine is to improve a person's functioning, mobility and independence, thereby increasing the quality of life.

Last Modified: May 9, 2007 11:20 AM

InPatient Rehabilitation Services