What Does Physiatry Involve?
As veterans returned home from the battlefields of World War II, medical professionals saw a serious need to recognize those who specialized in musculoskeletal disabilities. Injuries of the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, nerves, bones, brain and spinal cord were all too common and often severe.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation was officially recognized by the Advisory Board of Medical Specialties as a specialty practice in 1947, and physiatry in Las Vegas was thus born. Physiatrists’ role in medicine is to restore or provide function and mobility to patients who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries or were born with disabilities. Many are also intra-disciplined physicians who also specialize in areas that relate to physical medicine and rehabilitation, giving patients the very best shot at a bright and mobile future. Here is what the practice of physiatry involves.
Who Do Physiatrists Treat?
Though physiatry was brought to light due to the injuries of war veterans, it is not useful for only those who have served in the military. Physiatrists treat patients of all ages, and they work to both diagnose and treat pain that is being caused by an injury, disability or illness. Some examples of their patients include children who were born with musculoskeletal disabilities or people who received a chronic, debilitating injury due to a car accident. A physiatrist is the medical professional who will map out and lead a course of action to treat the patient once a diagnosis has been given.
The Focus of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The goals of physical medicine and rehabilitation are unique in that they focus on extending function and mobility rather than simply “healing” the injury. This practice recognizes that many musculoskeletal conditions cannot be reversed, and that the best quality of life should be the key provision for patients. Physiatrists normally are proficient in a wide variety of medical specialties which allow them to diagnose and treat multiple conditions that their patients might face throughout their lives. They also communicate and work with their patients’ other doctors, which often includes their primary care physician or orthopedic surgeons.
Treating the Whole Person
Physiatry focuses on treating the entirety of the individual and not just their medical condition. Multiple studies are often conducted on patients in physiatry so that the future of the medicine can be even more successful. Some common procedures that are performed include:
- Ultrasounds and guided procedures
- Procedures guided by fluoroscopy
- Spinal injections
- Joint injections
- Nerve stimulators
- Prolotherapy
- Osteopathic treatment
- Spasticity treatment
- Discography
This is only a small list of procedures and treatments that one might see in physiatry since it focuses on non-surgical and less invasive methods.
Physiatry in Las Vegas
Physiatry can be very beneficial for a multitude of patients who suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder. If you believe that physiatry could benefit you or someone you know, make an appointment and have a consultation with a Physiatrist. If you would like more information on physiatry in Las Vegas, contact a representative with Complete Injury Management or visit our services page.
