What is physical medicine and rehabilitation?

By Mayo Clinic Health System staff

Physical medicine and rehabilitation refers to the medical specialty that treats a variety of conditions, including impairments/disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles. With so many different conditions treated, it can become confusing when you're seeking care. Here are a few frequently asked questions that can help shed some light on this growing medical specialty.

What does a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician do?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians — also known as physiatrists — emphasize prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people disabled by disease, disorder or injury.

Goals of a physiatrist include:

• Maximize independence with daily living activities
• Decrease pain
• Enhance performance/functionality to improve quality of life without surgical intervention

Physical medicine and rehabilitation providers treat the whole person, not just the problem area. Physical medicine and rehabilitation often is called the quality of life profession because its goal is to enhance the body's performance.

Where do physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists practice?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians practice in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient clinics and inpatient facilities. They have a broad range of knowledge, including musculoskeletal (bones, muscles), neurology (nerves, nervous system) and rheumatology (joints, muscles, ligaments). Some physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians complete additional training in sports medicine, pediatrics, brain injury and pain medicine.

Who can see a physical medicine and rehabilitation provider?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists treat people of all ages, providing procedures and services, including:

• Ultrasound-guided injections for improvement of pain and symptoms caused by arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis
• Guided injections of the spine to treat pain related to arthritis, sciatica and other conditions

Other common treatments provided or prescribed include:

• Physical therapy
• Manual therapy
• Trigger point injections
• Complementary and alternative medical treatments, including acupuncture, yoga and massage

Can a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician prescribe medications?

Like other physicians, physical medicine and rehabilitation providers also prescribe medications for many issues, including muscle and nerve problems, attention and memory problems, and pain. Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians also prescribe braces or splints to improve functionality along with other medical aids, including canes and walkers to enhance safety. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists are trained to utilize laboratory testing, X-rays, MRI or CT scans, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies and psychological testing.

Why might I see a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician?

Outpatient physiatrists manage nonsurgical or nonoperative conditions, such as orthopedic/musculoskeletal injuries, including muscle strains/tears/sprains, and bursitis and tendonitis related to the shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, hip, knee and foot or ankle. Other common conditions treated include arthritis, overuse injuries, neck or low back pain and nerve disorders, including carpal or tarsal tunnel.

Physiatrists work with other medical providers, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, primary care providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists to help you get back to living your best life.