Have you ever heard of a physiatrist? Most people haven’t. The specialty has been around since the 1930s and its first patients were victims of polio and the First World War. The video gives insight into pain management physiatry jobs and how these specialists help people.
Physiatrists differ from physical therapists in that they must have a medical degree and four years of training before they are allowed to practice. When you see a physiatrist, the first thing you will notice is that you are being listened to.
All you need to do is explain your problem in plain words. The physiatrist will ask clarifying questions so that they can find out which tissue is at risk and what they may need to do to address it. The focus of a physiatrist is on tissue and limb function, which means they will provide you with an integrative and broad view of your problem.
You can go to this medical specialist for simple problems such as a sprained ankle or more complex problems such as chronic back pain. The first thing the physiatrist will do is review your medical history, which may include tests you’ve already had and images you’ve taken. They will then have you walk, bend, and go from sitting to standing. They will also check your sensations, muscle strength, and reflexes. They will then do special maneuvers on the affected joint. These are just some of the things you can expect to undergo when you visit a physiatrist.
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