Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in Florida

What Is a Physiatrist?

A doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist (pronounced fizz ee at' trist). The specialty began in the 1930s to address musculoskeletal and neurological problems. But after World War II, as thousands of veterans returned with serious disabilities, these specialists made it their goal to restore the veterans to productive lives. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation has been an official medical specialty since 1947.

Physiatrists serve all age groups and treat problems that affect all major systems of the body, from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. They treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Patients range from athletes to grandparents with arthritis. Physiatrists treat temporary conditions, such as a sports injury, and serious, chronic disorders, such as post-polio syndrome. They can help rehabilitate someone who has been in a car accident or has had hip-replacement surgery. Physiatrists also treat people who require long-term rehabilitation due to spinal cord injuries, strokes, cancer, amputations or multiple sclerosis.

The physiatrist works with a team of allied health professionals and other specialists to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. Team members may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech and language pathologists, prosthetists, orthotists, social workers, other health-care providers and the patient.

Physiatrists do not do surgery. They may prescribe drugs or devices such as braces or artificial limbs. They also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction and therapeutic exercise.

The physiatrist's goal is to restore patients to maximum function and quality of life.

More information can be found on the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Web site.