Q: What is a physiatrist?

A physiatrist (fizz ee at' trist) is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. They see patients in all age groups and treat problems that touch upon all the major systems in the body. These specialists focus on restoring function to people. Physiatrist's are responsible for the diagnosing and developing a treatment program that will assist individuals to regain full function and ability.

Q: Do physiatrist's perform surgery?

A: No, physiatrist's are not trained to perform surgery: however, they can do joint and muscle injections for pain relief.
If Surgery is ultimately needed appropriate referrals can be made by our staff.

Q: What are common injuries that send people to see a physiatrist?

A:

Work Accidents
Sports Accidents
Slip & Fall Accidents
Car Accidents
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis flare ups
Post Joint Repair/Replacements
Strokes
Fibromyalgia/Myofascial Pain

Q: How does a physiatrist differ from my primary care physician?

A: All physicians specialize in a field of medicine. Primary Care and
physiatrist are 2 types of specialties. A primary care physician will treat other body
systems including immune, pulmonary, cardiac, etc. A physiatrist will treat
the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. Physiatry began in the
1930's and has been a recognized medical specialty since 1947. All physicians
complete 4 years of medical school, internship and residency programs.

Q: What kind of treatments do physiatrist's prescribe?

A: The primary goal of treatment is to get you back to your job, and back to your recreational activities.
During the first visit with the physician, a medical history will be taken. The physician then reviews the history, and collects more specific information during the patient exam. In the exam, the physician may move certain joints and limbs in ways that reveal diagnostic information about the back or neck problem. Be sure to answer all the physician's questions honestly because certain movements are intended to produce, or not produce, discomfort. What you feel helps the physician diagnose your problem correctly. Consequently, it is crucial to answer questions honestly.

After a diagnosis is made or confirmed the Treatment prescribed may be comprised of any or all of the following: a structured Physical therapy or home exercise program, Medical Massage therapy, Aquatic therapy, Activity or Lifestyle adjustments, Patient Education, Orthotic or Prosthetic braces, Assistive or Adaptive Equipment, Prescription Medications, and injections, as necessary. The focus of the treatment program is to prevent severe physical limitations resulting from injury/illness, reduce or control pain and restore maximum function.
Physiatrist's dramatically increase the quality of life for their patients.

Q: Who should go to a physiatrist?

A: Conditions that require diagnosis, treatment and management of a
debilitating injury or illness by a specialist whose mission is to
non-surgically restore maximum function are all treated by a physiatrist.

Anyone (pediatric through geriatric) suffering from a disability affecting
their musculoskeletal and/or neuromuscular systems. Examples of the
conditions treated by physiatrist's are:

Pain, acute or chronic, any body part (back, neck, joint)
Arthritis
Tendonitis
Amputations
Nerve injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Strokes
ETC.