What is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation?

About Physiatrists / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Physiatrists are medical doctors who practice Physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). The main focus of Physiatrists is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic pain and to assist those patients in achieving optimal functionalities at any stage of their lives.

Medical conditions such as brain injuries, spinal injuries, and strokes are just three examples of the wide range of conditions where Physiatrists may be called upon to be part of a patient's rehab team. Physiatrists also work with patients whose disabilities are caused by physical traumas such as damage to the muscles, nerves, or tendons.

On top of the medical advice provided to patients in their care, Physiatrists are also armed with a wealth of practical knowledge on how to improve the quality of a patient's everyday life. They can generally recommend the most suitable support equipment for the patients, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and prosthetics, or what kind of home environment would best accommodate them.

Physiatrists often work closely with other healthcare providers such as Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Psychologists in both in-patient and out-patient settings to determine the specific needs of individual patients.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia