A physiatrist is a Medical Doctor. They have been trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They are specialized in diagnosing and treating restrictions and deformities of body function. It can be caused by injury or disease. Their objective is to return function, mobility, and movement and not to be the same as orthopedic surgeons. If you have limitations in your mobility and/or impairments, then it’s important to see one of these medical specialists.
What Conditions does a Physiatrist treat?
They can work with patients who have a variety of musculoskeletal, joint, nerve and spine disorders. A physiatrist’s most frequent conditions treated are:
- Back or neck pain
- Joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Injury to a tendon or ligament
- Injury to the spine or brain injury.
- Stroke
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Physiatrists also assist with injuries, surgeries and other medical conditions.
When to see a physiatrist?
A physiatrist should be consulted and managed for the following conditions:
- Long-lasting pain (weeks and longer).
- Limited mobility
- Long-term back and/or neck pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Surgery recovery
- Limited mobility and/or balance
- Avoiding surgery, when possible
Treatment will help prevent future problems.
Physiatrists are trained to offer a variety of treatments
The physiatrist treatment options will be determined by your diagnosis and treatment goals. A physiatrist will offer the following services:
- Physical therapy sessions
- Exercise programs
- Prescriptions
- Injections into the joint(s) or tendon(s).
- Ultrasound guided treatments
- Nerve blocks
- Braces or orthotic devices.
- Lifestyle recommendations
- Pain management
Physiatrists are usually engaged in partnership with physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and primary care physicians.
What to expect on my first appointment?
At your first physiatry appointment you can expect the following:
- Checkup of your medical history
- Re-check, why were you here?
- Physical examination
- Evaluation of your mobility, range of motion and flexibility
- Review of scans
- Development of a treatment plan
If additional tests are needed, you might need to see the physiatrist again.
Physiatrist vs Physical Therapist difference
Physiatrists and physical therapists typically work together. But they have different roles. A physiatrist is a doctor with a medical degree that specializes in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal or nerve conditions. They devise treatment plans for patients. Physiatrists can also order different kinds of medications that decrease pain and inflammation and conduct diagnostic testing. However, a physical therapist is a healthcare professional that assists the patient in achieving their therapy objectives through individual stretching, exercises, and other treatments.
Physiatrist Vs Orthopedic Surgeon
Most orthopedic surgeons perform surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of different musculoskeletal injuries. On the other hand, Physiatrists assist patients in the preparation and recovery from orthopedic surgery. A physiatrist may be consulted prior to orthopedic surgery. Physiatrists may also help with post-operative treatments and rehabilitation to restore function following surgery.
The most common conditions that surgically trained physicians, known as physiatrists, treat are:
The conditions that a physiatrist typically treats the most often include:
- Herniated disks
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff disorders
- Knee or hip pain
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Neck pain
- Work-related injuries
Your physiatrist will be able to determine the underlying cause of your condition and develop an effective treatment plan to get you back to doing the things you love.
Here are some suggestions for your appointment with my physiatrist:
Prior to the appointment with a physiatrist, it is essential you:
- Make a list of your symptoms.
- Note down medicines being taken
- Carry any copies of diagnostic tests available.
- Wear comfortable clothes to allow freedom of movement
This information will be applied by your physiatrist in creating an effective treatment plan.
A physiatrist is a doctor who works to help patients regain movements and functions. They do it by employing less complex and non-surgical methods than surgery. If you suffer from chronic pain or restricted mobility, they can help you create a successful treatment plan. It will help you overcome pain. You can get back to doing the things you love. By working with them, you can return to work and life without pain.