Physiatrists

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (or physiatry) is a specialty within the medical field. It involves a five year residency program after the completion of medical school. Physiatrists treat acute and chronic pain, neurological problems, musculoskeletal disorders and sport injuries. They may see a person who lifts a heavy object at work and experiences back pain, a basketball player who sprains an ankle and needs rehabilitation to play again, or a knitter who has carpal tunnel syndrome and needs nerve conduction studies. Physiatrists also co-ordinate the long-term medical and rehabilitation process for patients and athletes with complex injuries.