What is the difference between physical therapy and physiatry?
A physiatrist is a board-certified physician who diagnoses and treats neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions after medical school and four more years of specialty training. Physiatrists manage injuries, perform interventional procedures and coordinate care. Physical therapy is often one part of that plan, with the physiatrist acting as the conductor of physical, occupational and speech therapy.
In a previous blog, we discussed the role of a Physiatrist and how these Physicians specialize in working with patients to decrease pain, maximize non-surgical options, and improve function. At the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we’re extremely passionate about leveraging our knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to help people reduce pain and improve their function and enjoy an active lifestyle.
One question that we’re often asked is what’s the difference between physical therapy and Physiatry? While the two may sound similar, they occupy different roles of care in medicine. In this blog, we will discuss the different roles of these 2 very different fields.
Physiatrists are board certified physicians specializing in function.
Physiatrists are board certified physicians who are highly specialized in the diagnosis and treatments of neuromuscular conditions. To become a Physiatrist, individuals must complete 4 years of undergraduate degree followed by 4 years of medical school and another four additional years of specialty training. During this training period, Physiatrists receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. This means that they are experts in sports medicine, pain management, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputee care, and everything related to function. Physiatrists specialize in not just the medical management of injury and dysfunction, they also utilize interventional procedures and modalities to achieve these goals.
During more complicated cases where a comprehensive rehabilitation plan is needed; a referral to physical therapy may be a part of the treatment plan. The Physiatrist acts as the conductor in the medical orchestra that includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, among others.
Physiatrists and physical therapists are experts in musculoskeletal medicine
At the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we individualize our treatments to tailor to you, our patients. We utilize the most advanced techniques in regenerative medicine to repair anatomical structures. A big part of this comprehensive plan is a referral to physical therapists in the area to optimize your recovery and rehabilitation. The goal of rehabilitation is to correct poor mechanics brought on by the injury and to prevent further injuries in the future. In MCRC, we believe working with physical therapists in the area is an integral part in the healing process.
Should you have any questions about the intersection between physiatry and physical therapy, feel free to reach out to the team at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. We’ll be happy to sit down with you to discuss your condition and determine whether a combined approach of physiatry in conjunction with physical therapy could be beneficial for you. Give us a call today at (248) 216-1008 to setup an appointment.
Physiatrists Are Pain Management Specialists
Physiatrists are often referred to as pain management doctors or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians. They work with each patient to understand what’s causing their pain at the root. Then, they create a personalized treatment plan that takes into account their physical, emotional, and long-term health needs. The goal is to provide a better quality of life for people experiencing chronic or unexplained pain.
What Do Physiatrists Treat?
Physiatrists treat a wide range of conditions using a combination of techniques. This may include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), intraosseous injections, nerve pain stimulation, regenerative medicine, interventional orthopedics, and other treatment paths. The physiatrists at Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine offer the following
- Joint Pain Treatment
- Arthritis Treatment
- Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Pain Treatment
- Degenerative Disc and Lumbar Disc Herniation Treatment
- Knee, Back, Spine, and Shoulder Pain Treatment
- Hip Pain Treatment
- Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment
- Nerve Pain Treatment
- Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment
- Bone Pain Treatment
- SI Joint and Sciatica Pain Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Treatment
- And Many Other Physical Medicine Services
A physiatrist can evaluate the type of pain you’re experiencing to find the best way to address it at the root. Most treatment paths are non-surgical or minimally invasive. If you’re on an existing pain management plan that relies on medication, you may be able to transition to a nonpharmacological plan. The best way to find out what your options are is to schedule a consultation with a physiatrist near you.
Function is a Key Component to Physiatry
The goal of any Physiatrist should be to maximize a patient’s function. This can most often be done by taking a look at an individuals current pain condition, or disability and determining what barriers are present that are preventing someone from reaching their functional goals. Once those barriers have been identified, a Physiatrist can help an individual to develop a rehabilitation plan to begin to reach those goals that may have once seemed unattainable.
How Does Physiatry and Regenerative Medicine Go Hand in Hand?
As a Physiatrist, Dr. Nabity and his team are trained to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions through physical examinations, but we are not a team of surgeons, which is a key distinction. Because of this, we don’t have a bias towards surgery and instead work to use other means to resolve health conditions through exercise programs, or stem cell injections. Thanks to stem cell treatment options through regenerative medicine, we’re able to precisely place a needle and inject stem cells, which may help support tissue repair, improve function and reduce pain. This distinction is key compared to a doctor who may immediately recommend surgery or simply advise receiving a Cortisone shot which does little other than block the pain for a short time as opposed to getting to the root of the problem.
Interested in Learning More About How Dr. Nabity And His Team Can Help You Reach Your Health Goals?
More Questions Patients Ask
What kind of doctor is a physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM R) physician, often called a pain management doctor, who diagnoses and treats pain throughout the body. They look for the root cause of pain and build a personalized plan. Most treatment paths are non-surgical or minimally invasive, such as PRP, stem cell therapy and nerve pain stimulation.
What should you know about working with a physiatrist?
A physiatrist, like Dr. Nabity, practices physical medicine and rehabilitation, treating musculoskeletal pain such as neck, knee and shoulder problems and helping people recover after events like strokes. The main goal is improving function. Physiatrists are not surgeons, so they have no bias toward surgery and use options like exercise programs or stem cell injections.
By Board-certified Doctor Thomas Nabity, MD
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