What is PM&R?

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as Physiatry, is a medical specialty that involves the process of restoring function for a person who has been disabled as a result of a disease, disorder, or injury.

The word Physiatry comes from the two Greek words:

physikos- meaning physical
iatreia - meaning the art of healing

Physiatry provides integrated, multidisciplinary care aimed at recovery of the whole person - by addressing the individual's physical, emotional, medical, vocational, and social needs. A physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.

What is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible. Rehabilitation does not reverse or undo the damage caused by disease or trauma, but rather helps restore the individual to optimal health, functioning, and well-being. Rehabilitate (from the Latin "habilitas") means to make able.

The Goal of Rehabilitation:

The purpose of rehabilitation is to help the patient reach the highest level of function by preventing complications, reducing disability, and improving independence.

The Rehabilitation Program:

Rehabilitation medicine is designed to meet each person's specific needs; therefore, each program is different. Some general treatment components for rehabilitation programs include the following:

• treating the basic disease and preventing complications
• treating the disability and improving function
• providing adaptive tools and altering the environment
• teaching the patient and family and helping them adapt to lifestyle changes

The success of rehabilitation depends on many variables, including the following:

• the nature and severity of the disease, disorder, or injury
• the type and degree of any resulting impairments and disabilities
• the overall health of the patient
• family support