A physiatrist is a doctor who treats medical conditions that can cause pain or limit function. Also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, physiatrists provide a full spectrum of care from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation to restore maximum health and quality of life. Today physiatry is one of the most comprehensive, multifaceted, and fastest growing areas of medicine.

Physiatrists see patients of all ages experiencing a wide range of problems from sore shoulders to major disabling conditions. PM&R physicians are trained to focus on the whole patient and how each of the body's major organ systems impact function. They help patients achieve maximum function and the highest quality of life possible. The practice of PM&R is built on an interdisciplinary team approach that apresses a patients physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being through a combination of non-surgical treatments including medication and injections; physical, occupational, and complementary therapies; and the use of assistive devices.

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