Frequently Asked Questions
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty that restores function and improves the quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. Specialists, known as physiatrists, lead a team of medical professionals to create comprehensive treatment plans that address physical, emotional, social, and vocational needs. These plans can include physical therapy, medication management, injections, and assistive devices for a wide range of conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and sports injuries.
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who helps people recover from injury, illness, or disability by restoring and improving movement and function. They use treatments like exercise, manual therapy, and education to help patients manage pain, improve strength, and prevent future problems. Physiotherapists work with people of all ages to help them regain independence and improve their overall quality of life.
PMR differs from other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily in its affected joints, symptoms, and treatment. PMR causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips, often with a sudden onset, while RA typically affects the smaller joints of the hands and feet, developing more gradually.
Rehabilitation is needed to help individuals regain function, improve their quality of life, and reintegrate into work and society after illness, injury, or disability. It addresses physical, mental, and vocational needs by reducing pain, preventing future injury, and allowing people to maintain or improve their ability to perform daily activities and return to work. Rehabilitation is crucial for physical and mental well-being, making it an essential health service