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

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

• 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

• 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

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

PM&R Doctors work in various settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient clinics
• Private practices

Professional Organizations

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)

country	state	amenity	coordinates	specialties	post code	city	services	local name
Italy	Treviso	Hospitals	45.89553332, 12.28632204	Paediatrics • Neurology • Rehabilitation	31015	Ass. La Nostra Famiglia
Uruguay	Canelones	Clinics	-34.85112338, -56.00716827	Rehabilitation	15000	General Líber Seregni		Alcóholicos Anónimos

WikiMD's Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor finder (USA)

Need help finding a Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor in the United States?

Conclusion

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.

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia