Physiatrist: The Primary Care Doctor for Recovery
When you’re sick, you probably visit your primary-care doctor who may refer you to a specialist, like an internist or pathologist. When you’re hurt, in pain, injured or physically limited, you should see a physiatrist.
You Probably Have a Primary Care Doctor. You Should Have a Physiatrist, Too.
When you’re sick, you probably visit your primary-care doctor who may refer you to a specialist, like an internist or pathologist. When you’re hurt, in pain, injured or physically limited, you should see a physiatrist. Your physiatrist is like a primary care physician for physical/external wellness. Based on your condition, a physiatrist might similarly refer you to a specialist, like an orthopedic surgeon, assuming you’d need that type of care.
Like a Primary Care Doctor, Your Physiatrist Looks at More Than One Part of the Body
That pain you’re feeling in your leg might be related to alignment of your spine. Or a limited range of motion in your arm could be the result of nerves in your neck. Whatever the cause or the level of pain, a physiatrist will help you properly diagnose, treat and rehabilitate you to a better quality of life.
Your Physiatrist Takes a Team Approach
A physiatrist brings together a team of the best practitioners to help you restore your quality of life, including physical therapists, speech pathologists and vocational counselors. Your team might require seeing other medical specialists, including neurologists, orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologist, for example. Together, under the direction of your physiatrist, they coordinate a personalized recovery plan.
