When experiencing pain or struggling with a health concern, it can be difficult to determine what specialist to consult. In medicine, there are numerous different specialties and disciplines. Although recommendations could help you discover the correct physician to treat your symptoms, they might also delay your recovery. Venice physical medicine & rehabilitation is the medical specialty that addresses numerous disorders, ranging from the musculoskeletal system and spinal cord to the brain and many more. Unfortunately, because this specialist deals with so many concerns, it could be confusing when pursuing healthcare. The following commonly asked questions could give insight into Physical medicine and rehabilitation.
What Is the Role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, also known as physiatrists, focus on preventing, identifying, caring for, and rehabilitating persons disabled by injury or illness.
The objectives of a physiatrist include:
- Optimize independence throughout daily life activities
- Reduce pain
- Improve functionality or performance to enhance life quality without invasive procedures
Physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals treat the full person, not just the area experiencing the concern. This specialist is dubbed the ‘life quality’ profession since it aims to improve the body’s functionality.
Where Do Physiatrists Practice?
Physiatrists work in several therapeutic settings, including inpatient and outpatient clinics. These professionals have extensive knowledge of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and rheumatic conditions. Moreover, some psychiatrists also have extra training in pediatrics, sports medicine, pain medicine, and brain injury care.
Who Should Consult a Physiatrist?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation experts treat persons of all ages, offering services and procedures such as:
- Ultrasound-guided injections to alleviate pain and symptoms of arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis
- Guided injections to the spine to relieve pain caused by sciatica and other spinal disorders.
Other common procedures prescribed or provided include:
- rigger point injections
- Physical therapy
- Manual therapy
- Alternative and complementary medical procedures, including massage, acupuncture, and yoga
Can A Physiatrist Administer Medication?
Like general practitioners, physiatrists also administer prescription medications for various conditions, including pain, nerve and muscular disorders, and memory and attention deficits. Additionally, these professionals recommend splints and braces to enhance functionality, as well as medical aids like walkers and canes to enhance safety.
Physiatrists employ advanced laboratory tests and imaging technologies like CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Other tools in this subspecialty include psychiatric evaluations, electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies.
When To Visit a physiatrist?
Outpatient physiatrists treat nonsurgical or orthopedic conditions like bursitis, sprains, tears, or sprains, as well as tendonitis of the hip, elbow, shoulder, ankle, foot, or knee. Other often-treated illnesses include overuse injuries, arthritis, low back or neck discomfort, and nerve problems such as tarsal or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nonetheless, physiatrists recognize that they cannot be experts in all health concerns. Therefore, they partner with other specialists such as primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and physical therapists to assist you in enjoying improved overall wellness.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation have numerous benefits to your general health. If you’d like to know if you’re the right candidate for physiatry care, contact Paul H. Lento, MD, and the expert staff at 360 Orthopedics. Your doctor will individually assess your concerns and develop a bespoke care plan. Call the office near you or request an appointment online today.
