What Are Physiatrists?

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:

musculoskeletal conditions

other conditions which cause acute or chronic pain

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

Exercise For Arthritis

Pain Relief For Arthritis

Assistive Devices For Arthritis Patients

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