Why Choose a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician?


Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians or physiatrists (fizz ee at'trists) are specialists in diagnosing and treating problems of the musculoskeletal system. They take thorough histories and perform physical examinations to find the source of your pain, injury, or disability, even when standard diagnostic tests don't reveal specific problems. If any other services are needed, such as those of a physical therapist or athletic trainer, the PM&R physician supervises, collaborates with, and coordinates them. The result is a specially designed treatment program for you.

Many PM&R physicians also study pain management, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, pediatrics rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and sports medicine.
Diagnosis and Treatment Expertise
Because PM&R physicians offer an aggressive, non-surgical approach to pain and injury, these physicians are the ideal choice to a variety of diseases and conditions. Here's a listing of just some of the areas that PM&R physicians have extensive training in diagnosing and treating:

·          Low Back Pain

·          Neck Pain

·          Fibromyalgia/Myofascial Pain

·          Spinal Cord Injury

·          Work Injuries

·          Acute and Chronic Pain

·          Motor Vehicle Related Injuries

·          Stroke and Neurological Disorders

·          Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

·          Arthritis

·          Musculoskeletal Disorders

·          Osteoporosis

·          Cardiac Disorders

·          Brain Injury

·          Pinched Nerves and Herniated Discs

·          Sciatica

·          Electrodiagnostic Medicine/EMG

·          Edema /Swelling control

·          Injections

·          Hands-on manual therapy


Treatment Philosophy
PM&R physicians believe in treating the whole patient, not just the patient's symptoms. They share their medical knowledge to help patients understand their condition and provide the tools and resources to manage it. They use a variety of treatment methods to reduce or eliminate problems and to decrease the possibility of recurrence. This comprehensive approach produces not only cost-effective results, but also a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Ï PM&R physicians add quality to the lives of millions of patients each year Ð


American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) FAQ's
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