Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 What Is A Physiatrist? From Carol & Eustice,www.about.com, Your Guide to Arthritis. Medical doctors treat physical disability. A physiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), certified as a specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Physiatrists (pronounced fizz-ee-at-trists) are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Goals Of A Physiatrist The goal of the physiatrist is to help a patient restore function and overcome physical limitations. Physiatrists focus on patients dealing with: loss of function disability physical impairments which affect daily living What Patients Are Treated By Physiatrists? From private (outpatient) offices, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, physiatrists treat: musculoskeletal conditions other conditions which cause acute or chronic pain Conditions which may be treated by a physiatrist include: arthritis carpal tunnel tendonitis back pain fibromyalgia What Treatments Are Recommended Or Used By Physiatrists? Physiatrists recommend and use non-surgical treatment options including: exercise physical therapy heat or ice electical stimulation medications steroid injections trigger point injections spinal epidurals assistive devices Physiatrists: Work Alone Or As Part Of A Team? Physiatrists can serve as coordinators of a team of health care professionals which may include a: physical therapist occupational therapist orthopedic doctor rheumatologist Working together, the team can help the patient achieve pain relief and make gradual improvements in physical function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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