Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as rehabilitation physicians or physiatrists, are medical doctors with expertise in the diagnosis and management of functional loss associated with musculoskeletal and neurologic disorders. Such disorders include all conditions related to nerves, muscles, bones and brain, ranging from sore shoulders and lower back pain to spinal cord injury and stroke. The physiatrist coordinates a team of other doctors and health professionals in developing and carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment plan. Successful rehabilitation occurs when the patient, who is an integral part of the team, maximizes his or her recovery in order to participate in and enjoy life as fully as possible. Physiatrists treat a variety of conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Brain injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
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- Neck pain
- Spasticity
- Spinal cord injury
- Sports injury
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Workplace injury
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