Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Minnesota

The Rehabilitation Team

A person during an occupational therapy treatment session to help improve movement in his hand

Mayo Clinic emphasizes teamwork, recognizing that high-quality health care depends upon a variety of experts sharing their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the patient.

Mayo Clinic's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is committed to teamwork in rehabilitation, with the goal of a speedy and effective recovery.

Members of the health care team include:

• Patients and their families — Your goals and ideas are critically important for determining your ideal model of care.
• Physiatrists (rehabilitation doctors) direct therapies and services provided by the rehabilitation team and coordinate care provided by other specialists.
• Rehabilitation psychologists provide psychological testing and individualized and family counseling, if needed.
• Rehabilitation care coordinators are registered nurses with special training who coordinate your care from admission to discharge.
• Rehabilitation nurses encourage you and help you practice the skills learned in therapy sessions
• Physical therapists develop treatment programs to help you improve mobility through exercise and training.
• Occupational therapists help you develop the skills needed for the activities of day-to-day life.
• Recreational therapists assess your leisure needs and interests and develop treatments to help you return to a satisfying lifestyle.
• Speech-language pathologists work to improve speech and language, conversation skills and the thinking skills necessary for communication.
• Registered dietitians advise you about healthy diet choices and special dietary needs.
• Repiratory therapists help people with breathing disorders, including training in use of ventilators.
• Medical social workers provide emotional support, identify economic resources and community agencies and help you make arrangements to leave the hospital and find follow-up care.
• Vocational case coordinators help you develop a plan to return to work in your community.
• Child life specialists help children and their families prepare for, adjust to, and benefit from hospital experiences.
• Chaplains support the spiritual, religious and emotional needs of you and your family.