About the specialty
What does a physiatrist do?
Physiatry — also called Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions that produce pain, limitation, or disability. The distinctive value is not only to cure an injury but to maximize function, independence, and quality of life.
Difference from physiotherapy
Physiatrist
Medical specialist. Medical diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, study indication, procedures, spasticity management, and clinical coordination.
Physiotherapist
Movement and function professional. Therapeutic exercise, functional re-training, patient education, and progressive loading.
The relationship is not hierarchical — it is complementary. Physiotherapy is often part of the plan the physiatrist orders and coordinates.
How decisions are made
- Clinical triage — rule out emergency first.
- Clinical-functional diagnosis with history and physical exam.
- Studies only when they will change management.
- Multimodal plan: education, exercise, selective pharmacotherapy, procedures.
- Periodic re-assessment with measurable functional goals.
When to see a physiatrist
- Pain or limitation that persists despite prior treatment.
- Post-op care that needs coordination across pain, rehab, and return to life.
- Stroke, spinal cord injury, or other neurological condition with functional impact.
- Suspected nerve involvement that may need EMG/NCS.
- Limiting spasticity or need for targeted interventions.