What is a Physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. As the population of America ages, as people survive conditions that once would have been fatal, and as quality of life is an increasing concern, the field of physiatry is moving to the forefront of medicine. The specialty services all age groups and treats problems that touch upon all the major systems in the body.
How did the specialty develop?
The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) began in the 1930s to address musculoskeletal and neurological problems, but broadened its scope considerably after World War II. As thousands of veterans came back to the United States with serious disabilities, the task of helping to restore them to productive lives became a new direction for the field. The Advisory Board of Medical Specialties granted PM&R approval as a specialty of medicine in 1947.
What types of conditions does a physiatrist treat?
Physiatrists are physicians who treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. The focus of the specialty is on restoring function to people. They may see a person who lifts a heavy object at work and experiences back pain, a basketball player who sprains an ankle and needs rehabilitation to play again, or a knitter who has carpal tunnel syndrome. Physiatrists’ patients also include people with arthritis, tendonitis, any kind of back pain, and work- and sports-related injuries.
What is the physiatrist's role in treatment?
The physiatrist may treat patients directly, lead an interdisciplinary team or act as a consultant.
How do physiatrists diagnose?
Physiatrists’ diagnostic tools are the same as those used by other physicians, with the addition of special techniques in electrodiagnostic medicine like electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and somatosensory evoked potentials. These techniques help the physiatrist to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness and numbness.
What kinds of treatments do physiatrists offer?
Physiatrists offer a broad spectrum of medical services. They do not perform surgery. Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or assistive devices such as a brace or artificial limb. They also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction and therapeutic exercises.
Where do physiatrists practice?
Physiatrists practice in rehabilitation centers, hospitals and in private offices. They often have broad practices, but some concentrate on one area such as pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatric medicine, brain injury, and many other special interests.
What kind of differences do physiatrists make?
Since it is the concern of physiatrists to restore patients to maximum function, the difference they make can be dramatic. Because the physiatrist is concerned with all areas of rehabilitation - social, vocational, and medical - the quality of life is significantly increased for patients.