What is a Physiatrist?  

Are you experiencing chronic pain, mobility issues, or recovering from an injury or illness that affects your ability to function? If so, you might benefit from the expertise of a physiatrist. In this article, we will explore what a physiatrist is, what they do, how they differ from other medical professionals, and when you should consider seeing one.  

Who are Physiatrists and What Do They Do?  

A physiatrist, also known as a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They use a comprehensive approach to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a patient's recovery process.  

Physiatrists do not perform surgery or prescribe medications, but rather they focus on non-surgical treatments and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility. They work closely with a team of medical professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.  

How is a Physiatrist Different from Other Medical Professionals?  

While physiatrists share some similarities with other medical professionals such as orthopedic surgeons and neurologists, there are some key differences that set them apart.  

Orthopedic surgeons primarily focus on surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, while neurologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the brain and nervous system. In contrast, physiatrists take a more holistic approach, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and social aspects of a patient's recovery.  

When Should You See a Physiatrist?  

You may benefit from seeing a physiatrist if you are experiencing chronic pain, limited mobility, or are recovering from an injury or illness that affects your ability to function. Physiatrists can help you with a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.  

What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Physiatrist?  

During your first visit, your physiatrist will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may order additional tests or imaging studies to better understand your condition. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.  

What Conditions Do Physiatrists Treat?  

Physiatrists treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain, neck pain, and joint pain
• Neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis
• Chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and complex regional pain syndrome
• Sports injuries, such as concussions and sprains
• Work-related injuries, such as carpal tunnel

Top physiatrist In Boston, MA  

1. Dr. David A. Fine MD, FACRM, FAAPMR, Physiatrist, Colorado Springs, CO  
2. Dr. Peter H. Jellinger MD, Physiatrist, Miami, FL  
3. Dr. Maria E. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Los Angeles, CA  
4. Dr. Mark S. Brown MD, FACRM, Physiatrist, Chicago, IL   
5. Dr. Christine A. Kelleher MD, Physiatrist, Houston, TX  
6. Dr. William K. Schultz MD, Physiatrist, Philadelphia, PA  
7. Dr. Paul B. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Phoenix, AZ  
8. Dr. Joseph E. Marasco MD, Physiatrist, San Antonio, TX  
9. Dr. Robert G. Brown MD, Physiatrist, San Diego, CA  
10. Dr. Steven K. Hsu MD, Physiatrist, Dallas, TX  
11. Dr. Angela D. Martinez MD, Physiatrist, San Jose, CA  
12. Dr. Gregory R. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Austin, TX  
13. Dr. Ronald J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Jacksonville, FL  
14. Dr. Kenneth J. Mason MD, Physiatrist, San Francisco, CA  
15. Dr. Robert D. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Columbus, OH  
16. Dr. Stephen M. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Indianapolis, IN  
17. Dr. Steven J. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Fort Worth, TX  
18. Dr. Ronald G. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Charlotte, NC  
19. Dr. William J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Seattle, WA  
20. Dr. John R. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Denver, CO  
21. Dr. Mark A. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Washington, DC  
22. Dr. Ronald C. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Boston, MA  
23. Dr. Michael J. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, El Paso, TX  
24. Dr. John D. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Detroit, MI  
25. Dr. Richard S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Nashville, TN  
26. Dr. Laura J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Portland, OR  
27. Dr. Peter K. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Las Vegas, NV  
28. Dr. Robert M. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Louisville, KY  
29. Dr. Kenneth J. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Milwaukee, WI  
30. Dr. Thomas A. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Albuquerque, NM  
31. Dr. Brian D. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Tucson, AZ  
32. Dr. Christopher J. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Fresno, CA  
33. Dr. Charles R. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Sacramento, CA  
34. Dr. William S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Long Beach, CA  
35. Dr. David G. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Kansas City, MO  
36. Dr. Steven D. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Mesa, AZ  
37. Dr. Richard K. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Atlanta, GA  
38. Dr. Matthew C. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Virginia Beach, VA  
39. Dr. Jeffrey S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Omaha, NE  
40. Dr. Christopher M. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Colorado Springs, CO  
41. Dr. Joseph K. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Raleigh, NC  
42. Dr. Paul A. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Miami, FL  
43. Dr. William J. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Cleveland, OH  
44. Dr. Mark S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Minneapolis, MN  
45. Dr. David P. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Wichita, KS  
46. Dr. Robert D. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Arlington, TX  
47. Dr. Michael G. Miller MD, Physiatrist, New Orleans, LA  
48. Dr. Christopher D. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Tampa, FL  
49. Dr. Jeffrey K. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Bakersfield, CA  
50. Dr. Richard J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Honolulu, HI  
51. Dr. Thomas K. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Anaheim, CA  
52. Dr. Brian M. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Santa Ana, CA  
53. Dr. John R. Mason MD, Physiatrist, St. Louis, MO  
54. Dr. Joseph S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Riverside, CA  
55. Dr. Richard P. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Corpus Christi, TX  
56. Dr. John D. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Pittsburgh, PA  
57. Dr. Stephen A. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Lexington, KY  
58. Dr. David C. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Anchorage, AK  
59. Dr. Mark K. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Cincinnati, OH  
60. Dr. Kenneth J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Stockton, CA  
61. Dr. Joseph R. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Toledo, OH  
62. Dr. Michael B. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Newark, NJ  
63. Dr. Thomas C. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Greensboro, NC  
64. Dr. Steven S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Buffalo, NY  
65. Dr. Peter P. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Plano, TX  
66. Dr. Robert F. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Henderson, NV  
67. Dr. Paul D. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Lincoln, NE  
68. Dr. David R. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Fort Wayne, IN  
69. Dr. Kenneth K. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Jersey City, NJ  
70. Dr. Christopher J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Chula Vista, CA  
71. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, St. Paul, MN  
72. Dr. Brian A. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Durham, NC  
73. Dr. John C. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Irvine, CA  
74. Dr. Mark S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Baton Rouge, LA  
75. Dr. William P. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Arlington, VA  
76. Dr. Joseph R. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Durham, NC  
77. Dr. Michael C. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Madison, WI  
78. Dr. Christopher E. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Lubbock, TX  
79. Dr. Robert K. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Chandler, AZ  
80. Dr. Peter J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Gilbert, AZ  
81. Dr. John F. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Glendale, AZ  
82. Dr. Paul E. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Scottsdale, AZ  
83. Dr. David S. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Reno, NV  
84. Dr. Kenneth S. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Hialeah, FL  
85. Dr. Richard J. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Chesapeake, VA  
86. Dr. Thomas F. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Garland, TX  
87. Dr. Brian B. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Irving, TX  
88. Dr. John D. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Fremont, CA  
89. Dr. Mark K. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Boise, ID  
90. Dr. William R. Smith MD, Physiatrist, San Bernardino, CA  
91. Dr. Joseph S. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Spokane, WA  
92. Dr. Michael D. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Richmond, VA  
93. Dr. Christopher F. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Tacoma, WA  
94. Dr. Robert L. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Modesto, CA  
95. Dr. Peter K. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Des Moines, IA  
96. Dr. John G. Johnson MD, Physiatrist, Birmingham, AL  
97. Dr. Paul F. Miller MD, Physiatrist, Rochester, NY  
98. Dr. David T. Mason MD, Physiatrist, Anchorage, AK  
99. Dr. Kenneth T. Brown MD, Physiatrist, Fayetteville, NC  
100. Dr. Richard K. Smith MD, Physiatrist, Montgomery, AL