Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)—also known as Physiatry—is a medical specialty focused on restoring function and improving quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities. It blends medical expertise with therapeutic techniques to help patients recover from injury, illness, or chronic conditions.

Core Goals of PM&R

• Maximize independence

• Enhance mobility and function

• Reduce pain

• Improve quality of life

• Prevent complications and secondary disabilities

Key Areas of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

1. Neurological Rehabilitation

• Stroke recovery

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Spinal cord injury

• Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease

2. Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

• Back and neck pain

• Joint disorders (e.g., arthritis)

• Sports injuries

• Post-fracture or post-surgical rehab

3. Pediatric Rehabilitation

• Cerebral palsy

• Developmental delays

• Spina bifida

• Muscular dystrophy

4. Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

• Post-heart attack or heart surgery

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Pulmonary fibrosis

5. Pain Management

• Chronic pain syndromes

• Neuropathic pain

• Fibromyalgia

6. Amputee and Prosthetic Training

• Limb loss rehabilitation

• Prosthetic fitting and training

• Gait re-education

7. Cancer Rehabilitation

• Managing fatigue, weakness, and mobility issues during or after cancer treatment

8. Geriatric Rehabilitation

• Falls prevention

• Osteoporosis management

• Mobility and balance training

Tools and Techniques Used

• Physical therapy: exercises, manual therapy, gait training

• Occupational therapy: daily living skills, hand therapy, adaptive equipment

• Speech therapy: communication and swallowing rehabilitation

• Assistive devices: wheelchairs, braces, walkers

• Electrodiagnostics: EMG and nerve conduction studies

• Interventional procedures: joint injections, nerve blocks