Physiatry is another name for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) - a medical specialty that deals with the evaluation and treatment of patients with a disease, disorder, or injury that impairs normal function.

The physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.

Physiatrists complete four years of medical school, plus an additional four years of residency training. Many physiatrists complete fellowship training in a specialty area. Afterwards, physicians are eligible to take the tests (oral and written) of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPM&R) to become a board-certified physiatrist.

What do physiatrists do?

Physiatrists provide many medical services, but they do not perform surgery. Physiatrists treat various disorders, including:

• Musculoskeletal (muscles and bones)
• Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels)
• Pulmonary (lungs and breathing), and
• Neurological (nervous system), including such conditions as
  • Arthritis
  • Back pain
  • Work- and sports-related injuries, and
  • Brain or spinal cord injuries

Where do physiatrists practice?

Physiatrists may practice in a variety of settings, including the following:

• Hospitals
• Inpatient rehabilitation centers
• Outpatient rehabilitation centers
• Private practice

Physiatry provides for multidisciplinary care aimed at the recovery of the whole person by addressing his/hers physical, emotional, vocational, and social needs.