Physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect a person's ability to function optimally in their daily life.

What is a
Physiatrist?

Physiatrists can play a vital role in helping your skilled nursing facility residents achieve optimal function and quality of life. Physiatrists take a holistic approach to caring for patients who are injured or suffering from disabilities that affect physical and cognitive function. In partnership with a team of healthcare professionals: such as physical therapists: occupational therapists: and speech therapists: they develop individualized treatment plans for each patient, which may include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational
    therapy
  • Medication management
  • And other modalities
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Physiatrists also work to prevent disability and improve the overall health and well-being of patients.

Physiatry Careers
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How Physiatry Can
Help Patients

Incorporating a physiatrist into your rehabilitation team is one of the most effective ways to promote advanced patient healing and faster recovery. Our extensive specialized training makes us particularly adept at managing and monitoring complex patient health conditions: such as post-orthopedic surgical rehabilitation and cardio/pulmonary management.

  • Restore strength
  • Reduce physical deficits
  • Enhance mobility
  • Live more independently
  • Recover from surgery faster
  • Improve quality of life
  • Experience less chronic pain
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Conditions Physiatrists Treat

Physiatrists specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that may impact your residents' ability to live life to the fullest, including:

  • Musculoskeletal
    disorders
  • Neurological conditions
  • Sports injuries
  • Chronic pain
  • Rehabilitation after surgery
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Training & Education

Physiatrists undergo many years of specialized training to hone their skills in patient rehabilitation team collaboration and acute medical assessment, including:

  • 4 years of medical school
  • 4 additional years of residency training
  • Board certification

Careers in Physiatry

Medrina contracts nationwide with physiatrists who are seeking full or part-time work in a post-acute setting. This includes skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and inpatient rehab facilities (IRFs).

Let’s Talk
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FAQ’s About Physiatrists

How are physiatrists different from physical therapists?

A physiatrist is a trained medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitative care. Able to diagnose, provide medical  interventions: and prescribe medications: they are a fully autonomous provider capable of designing tailor-made patient  care plans for every one of their patients.

Physical therapists use the treatment plans designed by physiatrists and other physicians to provide care to their patients.  They are a valuable member of the team: often working closely with physiatrists to integrate their treatment protocols to  optimize patient health outcomes.