Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Doctors, also known as physiatrists, are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with physical impairments or disabilities. Their goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Overview[edit | edit source]
PM&R Doctors focus on the whole patient, not just the problem area. They treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. They treat patients of all ages, focusing on the treatment of pain as a symptom of disease (nociceptive pain) or as the primary disease (neuropathic pain).
Roles and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]
- Diagnosing and Treating Pain: Assessing and managing acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Rehabilitation for Disabilities: Designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans for patients who have experienced severe injuries or complex medical conditions.
- Coordination of Care: Leading a multidisciplinary team to provide patient care, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
- Prosthetics and Orthotics: Prescribing and managing prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (braces, splints).
- Electrodiagnostic Medicine: Conducting tests, such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness, and numbness.
Education and Training[edit | edit source]
- Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field.
- Medical School: Completion of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree.
- Residency Training: A residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Board Certification: Certification by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Subspecialties[edit | edit source]
PM&R Doctors may sub-specialize in fields like:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation: Focusing on the unique needs of children.
- Sports Medicine: Treating injuries related to sports and exercise.
- Spinal Cord Injury Medicine: Specializing in spinal cord injury care.
- Brain Injury Medicine: Treating patients with brain injuries.
Practice Settings[edit | edit source]
PM&R Doctors work in various settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Private practices
Professional Organizations[edit | edit source]
Organizations such as the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) provide support and resources for PM&R Doctors.
Find a rehabilitation doctor (world)[edit | edit source]
Need help finding a Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor in the United States?
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctors are vital in helping patients with disabilities achieve the highest level of physical function. Their comprehensive approach addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
