What is Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation?

Physiatry

The term Physiatry derives from the Greek words physikos (physical) and iatreia (art of healing). A Physiatrist is a physician who creatively employs physical agents as well as other medical therapeutics to help in the healing and rehabilitation of a patient. Treatment involves the whole person and addresses the physical, emotional and social needs that must be satisfied to successfully restore the patient's quality of life to its maximum potential.
—The History of Physiatry. Association of Academic Physiatrists Historical Committee. Paul Corcoran, MD, Chairperson. 1994.

Physiatrists are physicians who treat a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to spinal cord injuries. The focus of the specialty is on restoring function to people. Physiatrists treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Physiatrists also treat people with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, amputations, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. All require a long-term rehabilitation process. A physiatrist may treat patients directly, lead an interdisciplinary team, or act as a consultant. Physiatrists offer a broad spectrum of medical services. They do not perform surgery. Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or assistive devices such as a brace or artificial limb. They also use diverse therapies such as heat and cold, electrotherapies, massage, biofeedback, traction and therapeutic exercise. Physiatrists treat diseases, disorders, impairments, disabilities, handicaps, and social limitations.

Physiatrists are board-certified via a two-step process through the American Board of PM&R after successful completion of an accredited residency program. Part I of the boards consists of a written exam which is taken upon graduation from residency training. Part II is an oral examination which is taken after one year of private practice.
—What Is A Physiatrist? A Brochure. American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 1996

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is defined as the development of a person to the fullest physical, psychological, social, vocational, avocational and educational potential consistent with his or her physiological or anatomic impairment and environmental limitations. A team works to obtain optimal function even with residual disability, even if the impairment is caused by a pathologic process that cannot be reversed.

Rehabilitation is a concept that should permeate the entire health care system. It should be comprehensive and include prevention, early recognition, and outpatient, inpatient, and extended care programs. Anticipated patient outcomes of such a comprehensive and integrated rehabilitation program should include increased independence and an improved quality of life.
—Joel DeLisa, MD, et al: Chapter 1 Rehabilitation Medicine: Past, Present and Future in eds. DeLisa J, Gans B: Rehabilitation Medicine—Principles and Practice. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia 1988;3.