Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty that is focused on helping people with physical impairment, disabilities, or injuries.
Physical medicine is rooted in physical therapy, and the doctors who practice physical medicine are called physiatrists. Physiatrists provide integrated, multidisciplinary care to help patients with disabilities recover. They address a person’s physical, emotional, medical and social, and vocational needs and restore their maximum function lost due to an injury or medical illness.
In this comprehensive guide to physical medicine, let’s explore common conditions treated, assessment and treatment modalities, and signs you should see a physiatrist in Watertown, New York.
Conditions Physical Medicine Treat
Physical medicine doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions in adults and children. Physiatrists commonly treat patients with:
- Amputation
- Musculoskeletal disorders like Achilles tendinitis, ACL injury, ulnar neuropathy, back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and work-related injuries.
- Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, nerve compression, traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis, to name a few.
The above-mentioned list of conditions a physical medicine doctor treats is comprehensive by no means. It is a good idea to consult a physical medicine doctor to know if they can provide treatment for your unique condition.
Assessment and Treatment
A physiatrist performs a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the limitations, functional abilities, and specific impairments of the patient. They do this by taking your medical history, performing physical examinations, ordering diagnostic tests, and assessing your functional capabilities.
After providing a diagnosis, physiatrists employ a variety of techniques to help patients manage their symptoms, regain their function and improve their overall well-being.
Typically, the treatments that physiatrists offer are non-surgical. These treatment modalities include:
- Oral Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription medications to manage pain and inflammation
- Injection Therapy: Administering injections, such as trigger point injections, Botox injections, cortisone shots, and joint injections, among others.
- Physical Therapy: Performing and prescribing active and passive exercises, stretches, and other therapeutic interventions to improve balance, coordination, and strength.
- Assistive Devices: Walker, canes, splints, braces, wheelchair, etc., to improve independence and mobility.
- Counseling for weight loss, nutrition, and psychosocial needs
- Alternate ways to accomplish daily activities, such as eating and dressing
When Should You See a Physiatrist
You should see a physical medicine doctor if you:
- Have sustained an injury that is impeding your physical functioning
- Have an illness or disability
- Have undergone a treatment that left you with limited physical function and pain
- Are recovering from an injury
- Have sustained a stroke or traumatic brain injury that is limiting your physical function
Physical Medicine in Watertown, New York
At North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown, New York, we have highly experienced and skilled physiatrists Dr. Howard Huang,who is committed to providing you with the highest quality care so that you can get back to your life faster.
Our board-certified physiatrist will also consult with other medical professionals like endocrinologists, sports medicine experts, and physical therapists to achieve the best possible outcome.
To schedule your consultation,call us today at (315) 782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form.
