Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Pocketpedia

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty that promotes a patient-centered approach to improve function and quality of life. Physical medicine and rehabilitation is the medical specialty that focuses on the diagnoses, evaluation, and management of persons of all ages with congenital or acquired physical and/or cognitive impairments, disabilities, and functional limitations. The specialty began in the late 1920s and was recognized by the American Medical Association in 1945. PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, have expertise and knowledge about the biomechanics of the human body and extensive understanding and training in how mobility can impact quality of life. Physiatrists treat persons with a broad range of medical diagnoses related to illness, injury, or physical impairment using non-surgical techniques. As experts in the physical examination, physiatrist can design unique treatment plan tailored to an individual's physical impairments, goals,and needs. Treatment goals can include restoration of function, but also may be supportive, accommodative, or through adaptive means. This chapter introduces the reader to the medical specialty of PM&R and includes information on spectrum of patient cared for, care settings, care collaborators, and medical education training and certification--