Overview
Physiatrists focus on functional recovery after injury illness or surgery using rehabilitation medicine, assistive technologies and multidisciplinary care. The specialty treats stroke spinal cord injury traumatic brain injury musculoskeletal pain and amputation rehabilitation. Goals emphasize independence, participation and return to work or daily activities.
Clinical Practice
Care includes comprehensive functional assessment, prescription of therapy programs, spasticity management and coordination of prosthetics and orthotics. Physiatrists lead interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams including therapists social workers and case managers. Longitudinal follow up optimizes community reintegration.
Procedures and Tools
Procedures include electrodiagnostic testing, botulinum toxin injections, ultrasound guided injections and spasticity interventions and use of assistive devices and adaptive technologies. Outcome measurement and goal setting guide therapy progression. Rehabilitation programs may be inpatient outpatient or home based.
Training and Roles
Physiatrists complete residency in PM&R and may subspecialize in pain medicine spinal cord injury or pediatric rehabilitation. Certification and competency in functional assessment and procedural skills are required. Rehabilitation therapists and prosthetists are key collaborators in restoring function.