I. What is a physiatrist?
A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation refers to function and ability.
Physiatrist's are responsible for the diagnosing and development of a
non-surgical treatment program that will assist individuals to regain full function
and ability.
II. Who should go to a physiatrist?
Anyone (pediatric through geriatric) suffering from a disability affecting
their musculoskeletal and/or neuromuscular systems. Examples of the
conditions treated by physiatrist's are:
Pain, acute or chronic, any body part (back, neck, joint)
Arthritis
Tendonitis
Amputations
Nerve injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Strokes
ETC.
Conditions that require diagnosis, treatment and long term management of a
debilitating injury or illness by a specialist whose mission is to
non-surgically restore maximum function are all treated by a physiatrist.
III. How do physiatrist's diagnose?
Physiatrist's use Electromyography, Nerve Conduction's Studies,
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to diagnose conditions.
IV. What kind of treatments do physiatrist's prescribe?
Treatment is comprised of exercise, both structured and physical therapy and
home programs: medications: and injections, as necessary. The focus of the
treatment program is to prevent severe physical limitations resulting from
injury/illness and restore maximum function. Physiatrist's dramatically
increase the quality of life for their patients.
V. How does a physiatrist differ from my primary care physician?
All physicians specialize in a field of medicine. Primary Care and
physiatry are 2 types of specialties. A primary care physician will treat other body
systems including immune, pulmonary, cardiac, etc. A physiatrist will treat
the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. Physiatry began in the
1930's and has been a recognized medical specialty since 1947. All physicians
complete 4 years of medical school, internship and residency programs.
VI. What are common causes of injury that send people to a physiatrist?
Car Accidents
Work Accidents
Sports Accidents
Slip & Fall Accidents
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis
Joint Repair/Replacements
Strokes
Fibromyalgia/Myofascial Pain
VII. Do physiatrist's perform surgery?
No, physiatrist's are not trained to perform surgery: however, they can
perform surgical procedures, otherwise known as injections.
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