208100000X Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
- Definition
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as rehabilitation medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with diagnosing, evaluating, and treating patients with physical disabilities. These disabilities may arise from conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as neck and back pain, sports injuries, or other painful conditions affecting the limbs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Alternatively, the disabilities may result from neurological trauma or disease such as spinal cord injury, head injury or stroke. A physician certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation is often called a physiatrist. The primary goal of the physiatrist is to achieve maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social and vocational function through comprehensive rehabilitation. Pain management is often an important part of the role of the physiatrist. For diagnosis and evaluation, a physiatrist may include the techniques of electromyography to supplement the standard history, physical, x-ray and laboratory examinations. The physiatrist has expertise in the appropriate use of therapeutic exercise, prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics and mechanical and electrical devices.
- Grouping
- Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Classification
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Section
- Individual
- Notes
- Source: American Board of Medical Specialties, 2007. www.abms.org [7/1/2007: definition added, source added; 7/1/2011: modified source]<br/>Additional Resources: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2007. http://www.abpmr.org/. American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2007. http://www.osteopathic.org/certification<br/>Board certification for Medical Doctors (MDs) is provided by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Board certification for Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) is provided by the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Specializations
2081P0301X
Brain Injury Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) Physician
A healthcare provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages problems related to brain injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and other conditions that affect thinking, movement, behavior, and emotions. They help patients recover skills like memory, speech, and movement, manage symptoms such as headaches or mood changes, and create personalized rehabilitation plans to improve daily functioning and quality of life.
2081H0002X
Hospice and Palliative Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) Physician
A doctor who specializes in helping people with serious, life-limiting illnesses manage pain, symptoms, and stress to improve quality of life. They work with a team to support patients and their families physically, emotionally, and spiritually, both during illness and at the end of life. Patients can expect help with pain control, symptom relief, care planning, and support for difficult decisions.
2081N0008X
Neuromuscular Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) Physician
A healthcare provider who specializes in neuromuscular medicine within physical medicine and rehabilitation diagnoses and treats conditions that affect nerves and muscles, such as muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, and ALS. Patients can expect thorough evaluations, help managing symptoms like weakness or numbness, and personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medications, or assistive devices to improve movement, strength, and daily functioning.
2081P2900X
Pain Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) Physician
A healthcare provider who specializes in helping people manage and reduce pain caused by injuries, long-term conditions, or cancer. They assess pain, develop treatment plans, and provide therapies such as medications, physical treatments, and injections. Patients can expect care for conditions like back pain, nerve pain, arthritis, muscle pain, and pain after surgery or injury, often working with other specialists to improve quality of life.
2081P0010X
Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician
A healthcare provider who specializes in helping children with physical disabilities or injuries improve their movement, strength, and daily functioning. They work with children who have conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, brain injuries, or muscle and bone problems. Patients can expect personalized plans that may include therapy, medication, equipment recommendations, and support for school or daily activities to help each child reach their best possible independence.
2081P0004X
Spinal Cord Injury Medicine Physician
A healthcare provider who specializes in caring for people with spinal cord injuries or disorders. They help prevent and diagnose spinal cord problems, manage long-term care, and treat complications such as pain, movement difficulties, bladder or bowel issues, and pressure sores. Patients can expect support for physical and emotional needs, rehabilitation, and help with returning to daily activities or work.
2081S0010X
Sports Medicine (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) Physician
A healthcare provider who helps people prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries related to sports, exercise, and physical activity. They manage conditions such as sprains, strains, joint pain, overuse injuries, and concussion. They also guide patients in safe exercise, rehabilitation after injury, and improving physical performance, focusing on both athletes and active individuals of all ages.