What is physical medicine

James St. Peter Waseca Waterville Wells Zumbrota. Iowa Decorah Lake Mills. View map. Posted By. Recent Posts. Speaking of Health. What does a p hysical medicine and rehabilitation physician do? Where do p hysical medicine and rehabilitation specialists practice? Who can see a p hysical medicine and rehabilitation provider? Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists treat people of all ages, providing procedures and services, including: Ultrasound-guided injections for improvement of pain and symptoms caused by arthritis , tendonitis and bursitis Guided injections of the spine to treat pain related to arthritis, sciatica and other conditions Other common treatments provided or prescribed include: Physical therapy Manual therapy Trigger point injections Complementary and alternative medical treatments, including acupuncture, yoga and massage Can a p hysical medicine and rehabilitation physician prescribe medications?

Why might I see a p hysical medicine and rehabilitation physician? Some of the common diagnoses and populations seen by inpatient physiatrists include spinal cord injury, brain injury traumatic and non-traumatic , stroke, multiple sclerosis, polio, burn care, and musculoskeletal and pediatric rehabilitation.

Inpatient physiatrists are often trained using collaborative team skills and work with social workers and other allied health therapists e. History of the Specialty. A physiatrist is an expert in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation and specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with mobility issues as a result of illness, injury, or surgery. A physiatrist is a trained physician who uses physical methods in the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Examples of treatment methods include physical therapy and medication. Unlike other practitioners of medicine, physiatrists do not use surgery and many minimally-invasive techniques in treatment. A physiatrist makes and readjusts rehabilitation plans to help patients improve function and mobility. What differentiates a physiatrist from a physical therapist is their education and special training. With their expertise in physical medicine, a physiatrist can work with a physical therapist for application and continually monitor your progress as you go through the rehabilitation program.

Most patients are more familiar with physical therapists, who are health care specialists in physical therapy. They are highly trained in physical therapy exercises that target specific musculoskeletal components that improve function for patients, compensating for impaired joints and weakened muscles.

Physical therapists are not doctors, unlike physiatrists. They often work very closely with surgeons, doctors including physiatrists , sports coaches, and other professionals to do their job. A physiatrist is the master planner while the physical therapist executes the plan.