What is physiatry?

Introduction

Physiatry – also called physical medicine and rehabilitation – is a branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosis, treatment and management of disease primarily using "physical" means (such as physical therapy and medications). Essentially, physiatrists specialize in a wide variety of conservative treatments for the musculoskeletal system (the muscles and bones) and do not perform surgery.

The specialty of physiatry is approximately 50 years old. Today, there are over 6,000 physicians practicing physical medicine and rehabilitation. Because the back is the locus of most of our musculoskeletal system, many physiatrists are essentially specialists in treating back pain.

To become a physiatrist, one must complete four years of medical school as well as four years of residency training. The first year of residency training focuses on internal medicine (general practice). The following three years of residency emphasize specialty training. Fellowships for additional specialization are available in sports medicine, brain injury (e.g. stroke), spinal cord injury, pain management and pediatric medicine.

By: Rick Staehler, MD
December 15, 1999