Patient Education
What Is Physiatry?
Physiatry is a medical specialty founded after World War II by Dr. Howard Rusk. This unique specialty deals with a multitude of medical, neurological and orthopedic problems and injuries to the head, neck, back, knees, joints and spine. A physiatrist is trained in internal medicine, general surgery, neurology, orthopedics, physical therapy, exercise physiology and kinesiology (study of movement). It is the most comprehensive and holistic of all the medical specialties and is rapidly gaining popularity. There are only about 8,000 board certified physiatrists in this country. Physiatrists rehabilitate patients with injuries caused by strokes, heart attacks, lung problems, birth defects, sports injuries and car accidents. Surgery and medications are avoided unless absolutely indicated. Physiatrists receive referrals from other specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologist, cardiologist, internist and chiropractors. However, since a physiatrist is an M.D. a referral is not needed. Also physiatrists treat people as a whole, i.e. they deal with all medical, social, psychological and family problems.
