Physical medicine and rehabilitation PM&R also referred to as physiatry, is a medical specialty concerned with diagnosis, evaluation, and management of persons of all ages with physical and/or cognitive impairment and disability.
This specialty involves diagnosis and treatment of patients with painful or functionally limiting conditions, the management of comorbidities and co-impairments, diagnostic and therapeutic injection procedures, electrodiagnostic medicine, and emphasis on prevention of complications of disability from secondary conditions.
Physiatrists are trained in the rehabilitation of neurologic disorders, and in the diagnosis and management of impairments of the musculoskeletal (including sports and occupational aspects) and other organ systems, and the long-term management of patients with disabling conditions.
Physiatrists provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams concerned with maximal restoration or development of physical, psychological, social, occupational and vocational functions in persons whose abilities have been limited by disease, trauma, congenital disorders or pain to enable people to achieve their maximum functional abilities.
How Does PMR Help Treat Your Injuries?
Medications Effectively relieve moderate to moderately severe (chronic, cancer and acute) pain and mental depression. Medications given include:
Common Pain Relievers – Used to eliminate minor pain and headaches. Non-aspirin drugs in combination with other treatments are recommended.
Anti-inflammatory drugs – For immediate pain relief and to reduce swelling and irritation, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, buffered aspirin and aspirin with acetaminophen are prescribed to patients presenting with pain, fever and inflammation. In more serious inflammatory conditions (chronic arthritis), steroidal drugs are recommended.