Anyone ever hear of a physiatrist?
By youdontsay
@youdontsay (3497)
United States
January 1, 2008 8:25pm CST
No, it isn't a psychiatrist. It's not even a medical doctor. I've read that they are highly trained, skilled individuals who work with a patient to develop a hands-on physical program to treat medical problems like a physical therapist but they aren't physical therapists.
So how are they different from a physical therapist? Anyone know?
1 person likes this
1 response
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
1 Jun 08
Looking at what I found on them they are medical doctors that are experts at diagnosing and treating pain. They treat the whole body as opposed to only the problem area and they don't deal in surgery. They often lead a team of medical professionals. They also help with the prevention of pain. The laymans term for these doctors are Rehabilitation physicians.
I had never heard of them before. Interesting huh?
1 person likes this
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
2 Jun 08
Sounds like someone the medical profession needs lots more of! I know there are pain clinics in a few cities. That's probably where one might be found. And I imagine a lot of them are in sports medicine and in military rehab facilities.
It would be interesting to know how they deal with fibromyalgia pain. 
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
7 Jun 08
This week I saw a neurologist who specializes in back pain. He had NO personality, but a good reputation. So, hopefully he will be able to address the chronic back pain and find a solution. I think my fibro is pretty well controlled when I'm not terribly fatigued from the back pain. Let's hope!
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