Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, bone, and brain experts who treat injuries or illnesses non-surgically to decrease pain and restore function. 

Also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians or physiatrists, rehabilitation physicians keep people as active as possible for as long as possible.  Their broad experience and training enable them to treat a range of illness or injuries - from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation through out a persons lifetime.

MAKING A DIAGNOSIS

Rehabilitation physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an ailment.   As specialists, rehabilitation physicians obtain a detailed medical history and perform physical exams, reviewing imaging studies (such as MRI's and X-rays) and perform nerve conduction studies (if necessary) to diagnose a multitude of medical conditions. 

COORDINATING CARE

Rehabilitation physicians listen to their patients and work with them to develop a customized course of treatment.  A treatment plan is then carried out with the help of the physician’s medical team. This medical team might include other physicians and health professionals such as physical therapists, chiropracters, massage therapists, and specialists skilled in accupuncture.  Rehabilitation physicians help patients stay as active as possible at any age.