What Are Physiatrists?

Physiatrists are medical doctors that treat physical disability.

What Are Physiatrists?

A physiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), certified as a specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Physiatrists (pronounced fizz-ee-at-trists) are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Goals Of A Physiatrist

The goal of the physiatrist is to help a patient restore function and overcome physical limitations. Physiatrists focus on patients dealing with:

• loss of function
• disability
• physical impairments which affect daily living

What Patients Are Treated By Physiatrists?

From private (outpatient) offices, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, physiatrists treat:

Conditions which may be treated by a physiatrist include:

• arthritis
• carpal tunnel
• tendonitis
• back pain
• fibromyalgia

What Treatments Are Recommended Or Used By Physiatrists?

Physiatrists recommend and use non-surgical treatment options including:

• exercise
• physical therapy
• heat or ice
• electical stimulation
• medications
• steroid injections
• trigger point injections
• spinal epidurals
• assistive devices

Physiatrists: Work Alone Or As Part Of A Team?

Physiatrists can serve as coordinators of a team of health care professionals which may include a:

• physical therapist
• occupational therapist
• orthopedic doctor
• rheumatologist

Working together, the team can help the patient achieve pain relief and make gradual improvements in physical function.

Related Resources

_{References: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, aapmr.org; Physiatry 101, Arthritis Today, Nov-Dec 2005; Factsheet 11: Physiatrist, spinalcord.org}