Have you ever heard of a `Physiatrist`? Maybe this name is a little new to you. But, at some difficult times in our lives, when we are so ill or disabled that we cannot even do our daily tasks properly, these doctors called `Physiatrist` are a great help to us. Simply put, these specialists are there to help you manage illnesses and injuries that prevent you from working, taking care of your family, or doing the things you love.
Who is this Physiatrist? What is this medical field called Physiatry?
Okay, let's first see who this `Physiatrist` is. A `Physiatrist` is a doctor who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) . Yes, this is also called a `PM&R` doctor, or a `Rehabilitation doctor`. These people mainly focus on helping you overcome the difficulties you have in carrying out your daily life due to diseases and disorders that affect your skeletal system or nervous system.
Imagine, you may have had back pain or knee pain for years. Or you may have been in a car accident, or you may have injured an arm or leg while playing sports, and you are in so much pain that you can't even get out of bed, comb your hair, or even sit still. That's when a `Physiatrist` can help you.
Most importantly, these doctors try to manage your symptoms with non-surgical options, without resorting to surgery, and to get you back to a state where you can function as well and independently as possible.
The field of medicine called `Physiatry` deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect your daily functioning and can sometimes lead to disability.
What exactly does a Physiatrist do?
Let's take a closer look at how a physiatrist can relate to your life.
- Diagnosis and treatment: These people diagnose and treat conditions that interfere with your ability to move, perform daily tasks, and interact with society. For example, this includes difficulty performing `Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)` such as walking, eating, talking, bathing, and dressing.
- Working as a team: A physiatrist does not work alone. They work with your family doctor (Primary Care Provider) and other specialists to coordinate your care as a team.
- Treatment for all ages: People of all ages, from infants to the elderly, can receive treatment from a Physiatrist.
- Long-term care: You may need to work with a physiatrist for a long time, especially if you or someone in your family has a chronic condition. They will provide you with ongoing support.
What conditions does a physiatrist treat?
A `physiatrist` treats a wide variety of medical conditions. Let's take a look at the main ones.
Conditions affecting adults
In adults, a physiatrist can help with conditions like:
- Changes with age (e.g. reduced bone density)
- Cancer and side effects of treatment
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic pain
- Heart conditions that require rehab
- Various Injuries
- Joint diseases (e.g., arthritis, bursitis)
- Parkinson's disease
- Diseases of the nervous system (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS))
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stroke
These are just a few examples. In addition, physiatrists treat many other long-term conditions.
Conditions affecting children
In children, a physiatrist most often treats conditions such as:
- Acute flaccid myelitis
- Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)
- Brachial plexus injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Pediatric stroke
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
- Spina Bifida
- Torticollis (Wry Neck)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
How does a physiatrist make a diagnosis?
When you go to see a physiatrist, he or she will follow several steps to accurately diagnose your condition.
- Physical examination: First, you will be given a thorough physical exam. You may also be given a neurological exam.
- Medical history and symptoms: You will be asked about your past illnesses and current symptoms.
- Specialized tests: If necessary, tests such as these may also be performed:
- Blood tests
- Electromyography (EMG) (see muscle function)
- MRI Scan `(Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI)`
- Nerve conduction study (see Nerve function)
- X-rays
The doctor will explain all of these tests to you, and will also talk to you about them after the results are in.
Most importantly, a physiatrist sees you as a whole person. That means he or she considers not only your body, but also how the condition affects your mind and spirit. When making a diagnosis, he or she also considers questions like:
- How does this situation affect your life?
- What kind of movements or tasks are difficult exactly?
- What can you not do because of this situation?
- What do you like to do?
- How does this situation affect your mental health?
Using all this information, a physiatrist will determine the treatment plan that is best for you.
What treatments does a physiatrist provide?
Physiatrists are the most common non-surgical treatment options. The goal of these treatments is to control symptoms and help the body heal itself. Because many conditions cannot be completely cured, a physiatrist works to help you function as independently as possible, with minimal dependence on others. These treatments primarily address symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness (spasticity), and abnormal sensations (such as numbness - paresthesia).
Here are some examples:
Types of injections
- Trigger point injections (for painful muscle spasms)
- Injections to ease joint pain
- Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) (for back pain)
- Botulinum toxin injections (e.g. for muscle spasms)
Various therapies
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy (help to do everyday tasks more easily)
- Speech therapy
- Hydrotherapy (water exercise)
- Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT)
Specialized medical procedures
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty (for spinal fractures)
- Integrative medicine techniques
Things that help in everyday life
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Assistive devices (e.g. wheelchairs and walkers)
- Changes in your home and work environment `(Changes in your living space)`
- Medications
When should you see a physiatrist?
You may need the help of a Physiatrist in these situations:
- If you have pain due to a long-term illness or injury, or if you have difficulty moving your body while performing daily tasks.
- If you are recovering from a stroke.
- If you are in pain after surgery, or have difficulty moving your body.
- If you are experiencing significant fatigue, pain, or discomfort due to treatment for another medical condition.
- If for any reason you can't move your body as comfortably and easily as before.
At times like this, you can talk to your family doctor and be referred to see a physiatrist.
What is the difference between a Physiatrist and a Physical Therapist?
This is something that many people get confused about. A `physiatrist` and a `physical therapist` are two different things. But they both have the same goal: to help you function well and comfortably in your daily activities.
- Training: A physiatrist is a doctor who has completed a medical school degree, earning either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). A physical therapist completes a physical therapy program and earns a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
- Role:
- A `physiatrist` can diagnose diseases and prescribe medication.
- A physical therapist cannot diagnose or prescribe medication. However, they can make a physical therapy diagnosis (PTD) or functional diagnosis (FD). This means they can tell you what mobility problems you have, how severe they are, how they affect your life, and how treatment can help.
Simply put, your physiatrist will diagnose your condition and its cause. Then, your physical therapist will identify how the condition is affecting your mobility and function.
For example, a physiatrist may diagnose you with osteoarthritis of the knee. A physical therapist (PT) may then examine you and determine that you have limited range of motion in your knee, making it difficult for you to walk at work or even around the house.
A physiatrist and a physical therapist often work together. The physiatrist will diagnose your condition, determine if you are a good candidate for physical therapy, and refer you to a physical therapist (PT). From there, the PT will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. The two of you will often talk about your health.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Physiatrist?
This is another thing that can confuse many people. A psychologist and a physiatrist are two completely different professionals.
- A psychologist is a mental health professional who uses talk therapy (psychotherapy) to treat a variety of mental health disorders. They also help people cope with both temporary and long-term stressors in their lives. A psychologist usually holds a PhD.
- A physiatrist is a doctor who treats your physical conditions, especially those that affect your musculoskeletal and nervous systems. These are conditions that often cause pain and other symptoms that affect your daily life.
A psychologist cannot diagnose or treat physical conditions like these. However, they can help you talk to them about how the condition is affecting your life and how you can cope with it mentally. Many people who suffer from chronic pain or other physical illnesses find it helpful to see a psychologist to help them maintain their mental health.
Finally, things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
Just think, even one diagnosis can affect your entire life. It's like throwing a pebble into water and creating ripples. Physiatrists understand this very well. They understand the complexity of your condition, how it affects not just your arm, leg, and spine, but your entire being, your thoughts, your feelings, your hopes for the future.
If you are going to see a physiatrist, be prepared to be open about how you are feeling and what you expect from the treatment. The doctor will listen carefully to you and create a treatment plan based on your goals and needs.
So, if you or someone you know is experiencing pain, difficulty moving, or difficulty performing daily tasks, consider seeing a physiatrist. They can be a great help in getting your life back on track.
` Physiatrist, Rehabilitation Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PM&R, Physical Therapy, Pain Management, Stroke Rehabilitation, Diseases of the Nervous System
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