What kinds of differences do physiatrists make?
Because it is the concern of physiatrists to restore patients to maximum function, the difference they make can be dramatic. In the case of the herniated disc, the physiatrist not only takes care of the acute problem, but also treats the patient until he returns to optimal functioning, usually without surgery. The physiatrist also teaches the patient how to prevent the injury in the future. Another example is that of a broken hip in an older adult. Physiatrists can provide aggressive rehabilitation so the person can walk and even exercise again. And because the physiatrist is concerned with all areas of rehabilitation–social, vocational, and medical–the quality of life is significantly increased for patients.
