What is a Physiatrist?

A physiatrist is a physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and injury. Musculoskeletal disorders involve the body’s muscles, bones, joints and nerves, all of which can be affected by problems ranging from sports and/or work related injuries to degenerative conditions such as arthritis or low back pain. Physiatrists see a wide variety of patients with work-related, athletic and traumatic injuries. The injuries may be either acute or chronic. Every patient can benefit from a physiatrists’ evaluation to characterize the problem and then to design a rehabilitation plan to restore the him/her to their optimal functional level. Physiatrists’ diagnostic tools are the same as those used by other physicians. They use the history and physical exam together with any imaging studies (x-rays, MRIs, etc) which may be required. Additionally, a physiatrist may perform electrodiagnostic testing to evaluate the nerve integrity. Electrodiagnostic testing primarily focuses on electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. These tests help the physiatrist to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness, and numbness.

Physiatrists offer a broad spectrum of medical services intended to prevent surgery or minimize its impact on the patients life. Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or assistive devices, such as a brace or artificial limb. They also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, acupuncture, trigger point injections, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction, and therapeutic exercise.