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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Parineet Bambrah, M.D.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a specialized branch of medicine which, in addition to the broad practice of medicine, uses physical agents such as heat, light, water, electricity, therapeutic exercise and mechanical agents in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and other disorders which produce temporary or permanent disability.
Physicians specializing in this field are called Physiatrists (not to be confused with Psychiatrists), and the specialty is referred to a physiatry (pronounced fiz-ia-tree).
Physiatrist - A doctor of medicine (M.D.) or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), who is specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (P.M. & R.). The Physiatrists assists the patient in reaching his/her potential, not only physically, but also vocationally. The field includes the comprehensive management of patients of all ages and encompasses all organ systems.
Physiatrists also specialize in the diagnosis of certain conditions causing neck and back pain, weakness and a variety of other nerve and muscle problems. Through their specialized knowledge of electromyography and electrodiagnosis (Electrodiagnosis Medicine), physiatrists are able to diagnose conditions causing pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.
Rehabilitation medicine involves specialized medical care and training of patients, both adults and children who have loss of function; enabling patients to obtain their potential - physically, psychologically, socially and vocationally. The Physiatrists directs these rehabilitation programs for patients by prescribing and supervising physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation nursing and other allied health personnel contributing to the multidisciplinary team.
The physiatrist evaluates the patient, prescribes the medical management and orders the physical restoration program. The allied health personnel carry out the therapy program under the direction of the physiatrist.
Whereas many of these physicians work in hospitals where they may be known as "Physical Therapy Physicians," many others are associated with industrial programs, sports medicine and private office practice.
Education and Training
College:
Medical School:
Specialized In-House Training:
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4 years
4 years
4-5 years
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Who Refers Patients to Physiatrists:
Family physicians, medical specialists in nearly all fields, vocational counselors (State Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation), insurance companies, rehabilitation nurses and social workers.
Patients with the following conditions may benefit from management by the Physiatrist:
- Low back disorders
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis (rheumatoid, degenerative)
- Strokes
- Brain injury (memory loss, decreased attention span, lack of though organization)
- Post myocardial infarctions
- Multiple musculoskeletal trauma (automobile accidents, industrial and recreational accidents)
- Sports injuries
- Neuropathies (diabetes, toxic, hereditary)
- Spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- Degenerative neurologic disorders (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Myopathies (muscular dystrophy, polymyositis)
- Amputees
- Congenital defects (cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy)
- Pulmonary diseases
- Physical disabilities associated with tumors, burns and collagen diseases
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