Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, evaluate and treat injuries, illnesses, and disability, and are experts in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans. Their goal is to decrease pain and enhance performance without surgery.
PM&R physicians treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Physiatrists utilize cutting-edge as well as time-tested treatments to maximize function and quality of life.
PM&R physicians (or physiatrists) evaluate and treat patients with short- or long-term physical and/or cognitive impairments and disabilities that result from musculoskeletal conditions (neck or back pain, or sports or work injuries), neurological conditions (stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury) or medical other conditions.
Especially in the inpatient setting, physiatrists provide general medical treatment similar to internal medicine to maintain medical stability and provide secondary prevention of disability. Physiatrists do not perform surgery, yet have many procedural opportunities for diagnosis and treatment. Many of these procedures may require fellowship or advanced training to perform.