Physical medicine doctors, also known as physiatrists, specialize in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of a patient’s physical function – whether the issue is due to disease or injury. These physicians help to restore movement and capability using a whole-body approach to treat patients.
Physiatry is often called “physical medicine and rehabilitation” (PM&R). Conditions that are treated by physiatrists include issues involving the nerves, muscles, and bones, including the brain and the musculoskeletal system.
Physical medicine is an extensive field, including pediatrics, sports medicine, pain medicine, neurology, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. These doctors also have a deep understanding of how disabilities influence the patient’s overall quality of life, and precisely how to get some or all of the patient’s abilities back to normal – or, if that is not possible, how the patient can perform workarounds in order to accomplish the same tasks.
Let’s talk about how a physical medicine doctor can help you to regain your capabilities, and where you can go here in Watertown and in the North Country for outstanding physiatric care.
Who Do Physical Medicine Doctors Treat?
Physiatrists can treat:
- Athletes who are suffering from injuries
- Children and adults with chronic health conditions
- People who have constant or piercing back pain
- Those who have joint pain due to arthritis
- Pregnant women who are experiencing pregnancy-related back pain
A physical medicine doctor especially treats people who have the following types of health issues and ailments:
- Arthritis
- Brain injury, whether due to disease or TBI (traumatic brain injury)
- Osteoporosis
- Physical trauma
- Stroke
How Physical Medicine Doctors Treat You
A physical medicine doctor begins by identifying the source of your pain or disability using comprehensive diagnostic tests in order to detect bone, muscle, and nerve impairments. These diagnostic tests may include X-rays, MRIs, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies.
The doctor will evaluate as many factors as possible that could cause your condition because some diseases must be diagnosed via a process of elimination.
Once you have a firm diagnosis, the physiatrist can help you to attain some semblance of control over the condition so that you can begin to regain your function again. You will be given a personalized treatment plan that will work for you.
Your physiatrist can then assemble a treatment team for your optimized care and recovery. Members of this medical team may consist of one or more of the following:
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Primary care physician
- Neurologist
- Orthopedic doctor
Types of Treatments by a Physiatrist
Your physical medicine doctor may suggest a treatment plan that includes one or more of the following:
- Ultrasound therapy
- Ultrasound-guided injections for pain relief (administered by the physician)
- Manual therapy and massage
- Therapeutic exercise and physical therapy
- Counseling and support groups
Physical Medicine Services in Watertown, New York
Here at North Country Orthopaedic Group, your physical therapy and treatment program will be based on your preferences, your lifestyle, and your specific issue being remedied. Our physiatrists will create a treatment plan to help you increase your mobility, strengthen your muscles, regain your range of motion, and improve your circulation.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (315) 782-1650 or by completing our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
