What is physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)?
PM&R, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine devoted to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurologic, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and other disorders that may produce temporary or permanent impairment and associated functional disability. PM&R provides care for a broad spectrum of disorders including multiple trauma, brain injury, spinal cord disorders and injuries and stroke. PM&R also focuses on restoring function to people with problems ranging from physical mobility limitations to those with complex cognitive impairments. PM&R physicians may have specialty or fellowship training to treat children, as well as adults. What is a physiatrist? A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and treats patients of all ages, primarily in three areas of medical care: • Musculoskeletal injuries and acute and chronic pain syndromes, which include the diagnosis and treatment of sports and work injuries, back and neck pain
