What Does a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor Do?

For complex medical issues, if the problem is related to the kidney, you see a nephrologist, for the lungs, a pulmonologist, and the heart, a cardiologist. These referrals are typically clear and straightforward. However, if you have a complex medical issue related to function such as difficulty walking, pain, or deconditioning, who do you see? Options include an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, neurosurgeon, physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, rheumatologist, personal trainer, and many more.

Each specialty has expertise in treating different aspects of function, from optimizing movement to bone repair to pain management strategies. However, each specialist’s ability to triage and identify the services needed by other specialists may be limited.

Using the analogy of building a house, neurosurgery might be the electrician, orthopedics the carpenter, and physical therapy the plumber. If you know the home’s problem is related to the piping, calling a plumber is the most efficient and cost-effective method to resolve the problem and accomplish your goal. However, in more complex situations, it is helpful to have a building contractor oversee, triage, and manage the work of each service provider.

That’s where physical medicine and rehabilitation, or PM&R, physicians come in. PM&R doctors are the building contractors; they specialize in optimizing function and can treat a wide variety of medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. PM&R physicians receive a minimum of four years in additional training after medical school where they collaborate with all function-related specialties.

PM&R physicians can help treat individuals non-surgically who have conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Spinal cord injuries
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Brain injuries
    • Amputations
    • Chronic neuromuscular conditions
    • Sports injuries
    • Chronic pain

While capable of treating many conditions related to function, PM&R doctors’ skills lie in utilizing an interdisciplinary team-based approach. PM&R physicians can prescribe therapy, medications, and radiology in addition to performing injections and referring to other providers. Through functional evaluation and collaborative goal setting, we aim to holistically optimize well-being and quality of life. This may include just one or two visits to diagnose, refer, and follow therapy progress, or may include more long-term medical management in collaboration with other medical specialties.

If you or a loved one have a condition that could benefit from working with a PM&R physician, contact us to see how Sheltering Arms Institute may be able to help.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.