Overview of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty focused on restoring function, reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping people return to the activities that matter most after injury, overuse, illness, surgery, or disability.
What is a physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R). Unlike many specialists who focus on a specific organ or disease, physiatrists focus on improving function and helping patients achieve their personal goals.
"Our goal is to help people regain as much function and independence as possible so they can get back to the activities that matter most to them," says Grace Park DO, a PIH Health physiatrist.
- Diagnose musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions
- Treat pain and functional limitations
- Coordinate rehabilitation plans
- Prescribe therapy and adaptive equipment
- Perform injections and other procedures when appropriate
- Lead interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams
What does a PM&R Specialist treat?
- Back and neck pain
- Arthritis
- Joint injuries
- Sports injuries
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson disease
- Amputation
- Cancer rehabilitation needs
- Chronic pain
- Spasticity
- Mobility problems
- Balance disorders
- Post-surgical recovery
How does PM&R differ from other specialties?
| Specialist |
Focus |
| Physiatrist (PM&R) |
Function, mobility, independence, rehabilitation |
| Physical therapist |
Exercise and rehabilitation treatments |
| Orthopedic surgeon |
Surgical treatment of bones and joints |
| Neurologist |
Diagnosis of nervous system disorders |
| Pain specialist |
Pain interventions and medication management
|
When you should see a physiatrist
You may benefit from seeing a physiatrist if:
- Pain is limiting your daily activities
- You want to avoid surgery when possible
- You are recovering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or surgery
- You have weakness, mobility, or balance problems
- You need a comprehensive plan involving therapy, medications, and procedures
- You have a chronic condition affecting function
Call 562.967.2701 to make an appointment with Dr. Park. If your insurance coverage requires pre-approval, talk to your primary care provider to ask for a referral. Visit PIHHealth.org to find a primary care provider near you.
