What is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)?
PM&R, also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty focused on restoring function and improving quality of life for patients with physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments caused by injury, illness, or chronic conditions.
What conditions do physiatrists treat?
Physiatrists manage a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, stroke, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological issues affecting movement, strength, and independence.
How does PM&R improve patient quality of life?
PM&R helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance independence through personalized treatment plans that may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications.
What treatments and techniques are used in PM&R?
Common PM&R treatments include prescribing medications, recommending assistive devices like prosthetics or braces, performing therapeutic injections for pain or spasticity, and coordinating rehabilitation therapies with a multidisciplinary team.
Who is involved in a PM&R rehabilitation team?
A physiatrist leads a multidisciplinary team that may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and social workers, all working together to address the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs.
