Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Definition:

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) is called Physiatry also, and involves restoring the functions for a person who is disabled due to disease, injury or disorder.

Physiatry provides an integrated multi-disciplinary care which is aimed at the recovery of the person by addressing physical, medical, emotional, vocational, as well as social needs.
A doctor who is a specialist in Physical medicine and Rehabilitation is known as a physiatrist who attends to adults and children

Why is it needed?

PM &R is needed to Help people achieve the highest level of Independence function and quality of life
PM & R does not undo a reverse damage caused by disease or by injury but helps to restore the person to optimal health well-being and functioning
Helps family and patient to adapt to the lifestyle changes and to cope with every as etc, of life including workplace role
Helps to avoid surgery by combining physical therapy as well as pain treatment

Medical problems treated by PM & R

Common medical conditions and disorders which are treated by physiatrists are:

Neck Pain
Back Pain
Strokes
Neuromuscular Disorders
Spinal Cord Injuries
Arthritis
Sports Injuries
Carpal Tunnel
Herniated Disc
Pinched Nerve In The Back Or Neck

Sciatica
Brain Injuries
Work Injuries
Fibromyalgia
Amputees
Parkinson’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Cancer Rehabilitation
Pelvic Floor Disorders
Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Difference between Physiatrists and Physical Therapists

Physiatrists

They are doctors who have completed medical school and have done their training in the specialty field of PM & R
Physiatrists can diagnose, analyze, and design the treatment protocols as well as prescribe medications
They design the exercise programs which are tailored to individual needs of patients and prescribe the treatment regimen that are utilized by physical therapists

Physical Therapists

Physical therapist are not medical doctors and they cannot prescribe medications
They supervise an institute exercise programs which are aimed at relieving symptoms and improving function
Physical therapist conducts the treatment protocols which are prescribed by physiatrists or other physicians

When should you see a physiatrist?

You should visit a physiatrist if:

You have experienced an injury that causes a lot of pain or impedes physical functioning
You experience chronic back pain or neck pain or pain from repetitive stress injury or chronic pain from arthritis
You have a disability illness or have experience treatment for illness that has left you with pain and very limited physical functioning
You have experienced nerve damage or stroke which limits your physical functioning
You are recovering from some type of surgery
You are thinking about undergoing surgery as a means to reduce chronic pain

What are the areas covered in rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation programs and medicine are designed to meet the person’s specific needs. Some areas covered in the rehabilitation programs are:

Activities of daily living ADLS and self-care skills
Mobility skills
Physical care
Respiratory care
Cognitive skills
Communication skills
Socialization skills
Vocational training
Work-related skills
Pain Management
Psychological counseling

Treatments/procedures done by a physiatrist

Pain medications
Therapeutic exercise
EMG (electromyography)
Prosthetics/orthotics
NCS (nerve conduction studies)
Soft tissue injections
Spine injections
Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Interventional spinal therapeutics
Spasticity management

Pre Procedure Preparation

Physical examination
Diagnostic tests as prescribed by physiatrist
Get list of medicines if any
Inform surgeon about alcohol or smoking habits
Nutritional counselling
Medical tourists should select a hotel near the hospital/clinic

Post procedure care

Follow the Do’s, Don’ts, and Precautions advised by the doctor
Take physiatrist prescribed medicines
Do follow the diet regime prescribed
Continue the various coping strategies taught by physiatrist