Who are physiatrists?
Physiatrists are medical specialists in the field of physiatry. They are also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians (PM&R physicians). These specialists work with patients suffering from short—or long-term impairments, whether physical or cognitive. They evaluate patients and develop treatment plans to reduce pain and discomfort and restore functionality through methods other than surgical procedures. They practice in various settings, such as private clinics, hospitals, and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers.Â
Training and qualifications of a physiatrist near you
To become a licensed physiatrist in the US, aspirants must complete:
- An undergraduate degree: It may take up to four years. This bachelor's degree has to be in a scientific field to gain admission to a medical college.Â
- Medical school and training: General medical training is where students learn about human anatomy and physiology basics. This also takes up to four years to complete and involves clinical rotations.Â
- Residency or postgraduate training in physical medicine and rehabilitation: Residency training in physiatry is a four-year program that focuses on internal medicine training in the first year and specialty training during the next three years.Â
- One to two years of fellowship training in physiatry subspecialties (optional): Doctors can pursue subspecialties in pain management, spine and brain injury, spinal cord injury, sports medicine, and pediatric medicine.Â
- Board certification: Physiatrists can become board-certified by clearing the written test conducted by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) or the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AOBPMR).
Conditions treated by a physiatrist near you
Physiatry specialists can treat numerous disorders affecting the bones, muscles, brains, nerves, etc. However, their areas of focus include:
- Neurorehabilitation: Spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis are all conditions causing physical limitations that physiatrists can treat. Â
- Musculoskeletal care: Conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, inflammatory myopathies, fibromyalgia, etc., lead to severe long-term pain.
- Post-operative care: After joint replacement surgery, organ transplantation, amputations, etc., patients usually require assistance and rehabilitation.Â
- Pediatric functional and developmental disorders: Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and Down's syndrome are all disorders that may lead to cognition and gait disorders, requiring a psychiatrist's assistance.
What procedures do physiatrists perform?
Physiatrists perform various non-surgical procedures to diagnose and treat conditions that cause chronic pain in patients. The different procedures are:
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Trigger point injections
- Peripheral joint injections
- Skeletal system ultrasound
- Treatment for managing muscle spasms
Nerve conduction studies measure how fast and with how much force the electrical impulses travel in a nerve. This is an essential diagnostic tool for physiatrists to analyze any nerve-related pain or problem. Another diagnostic test that assesses the coordination between nerves and muscles is electromyography (EMG). An EMG helps diagnose neuromuscular disorders by measuring muscular activity in response to nerve signals.
Trigger point injections relieve myofascial muscle pain and are for muscular conditions that cause chronic pain, like trigeminal neuralgia.
Peripheral joint injections are steroid medications injected into the peripheral joints. They mainly treat swollen and painful joints in conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis.
Brain and spinal cord ailments, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, often lead to irreversible nerve damage. This nerve damage causes muscle spasticity, wherein the muscles remain contracted and do not relax. In such conditions, physiatrists use antispasticity agents to treat this and allow the muscles to relax.
What is the difference between physiatrists and physical therapists?
Even though both physiatrists and physical therapists are involved in managing pain and disability and form a core part of the rehabilitation team, there are some critical differences between the two specialties. Physiatrists are medical doctors who go through medical school and train in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They are licensed to design exercise programs and prescribe medications.
Physical therapists, on the other hand, do not attend medical school. They are healthcare experts who have completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a three-year bachelor's degree program. Physical therapists also are not licensed to prescribe medications. They diagnose and treat patients using exercise regimens tailored to their individual needs.
When should one see a physiatrist?
You must see a physiatrist near you if you have suffered an injury that restricts or affects your physical functioning or causes pain. You can also visit them if you are recovering from surgery or are considering surgery to reduce chronic pain. Physiatrists can help if you are in pain or have limited physical functioning due to a disability, illness, or some treatment. A disease or treatment can cause fatigue, making it difficult to move easily or to exercise; a physiatrist can help in such instances.
Women can see a physiatrist if they are experiencing life changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Even aging can cause difficulty in movement, and a physiatrist can help manage it.
Further, if you have suffered a stroke or some nerve damage that is causing you pain or limiting physical functioning, a physiatrist can help you. They can also relieve chronic pain from arthritis, repetitive stress injury, and neck and back pain.
What should one expect during the first visit to a physiatrist?
During the first visit to a physiatrist near you, they will want to know about you and your family's medical history. So, carry all the necessary documents, including scans, reports, tests, and a list of your medication and supplements. They will ask you about the location of the pain and whether it is dull, sharp, or throbbing. The physiatrist may ask you to describe your pain on a scale of one to ten.
The treatment will depend on the problem. The doctor may prescribe medication or advise physical therapy or other treatment suited to the issue. They may inform you how to avoid future injury. If you have any doubts regarding the treatment and how long it will take, you should clarify with the physiatrist.
The doctor will ask for further tests like nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or X-rays if necessary. You must visit the physiatrist for the results so they can build a diagnosis and recommend treatment.
What are the differences and similarities between a physiatrist and an orthopedist?
Our musculoskeletal system is a complex network of joints, bones, and connective tissues that allows the body to move. When injuries or medical conditions disrupt this system, causing pain or limiting mobility, it’s essential to know which healthcare professionals can help.
Two key specialists in musculoskeletal care are physiatrists and orthopedic surgeons. While both focus on treating issues related to the musculoskeletal system, they approach these conditions in distinct ways. Â
Physiatrists and orthopedists specialize in musculoskeletal care, but their training, focus, and roles differ significantly. After medical school, physiatrists complete a four-year physical medicine and rehabilitation residency, specializing in nonsurgical treatments like therapeutic injections. On the other hand, orthopedists undergo a five-year residency with extensive training in orthopedic surgery.
Both treat conditions like fractures, arthritis, and sports injuries. Still, physiatrists often focus on managing chronic pain, neurological disorders, and postoperative recovery, while orthopedists handle structural issues that may require surgical intervention. Physiatrists typically lead rehabilitation efforts, creating and managing comprehensive treatment plans in collaboration with other healthcare providers. When non-surgical treatments are insufficient, orthopedic surgeons may evaluate and perform surgery if needed.
Both specialists aim to improve a patient's function and quality of life. Physiatrists excel at coordinating interdisciplinary care, often working with orthopedists, physical therapists, and others to address complex conditions from multiple perspectives. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient's needs.
Tips to maintain good physical health
Maintaining good physical health is paramount for overall well-being and longevity. Here are some tips to help you achieve and sustain optimal physical well-being:
- Regular exercise: Perform aerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Experts recommend around 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week for adults. Activities like playing, working, carrying out household chores, engaging in recreational pursuits, and traveling also help.
- Balanced diet: Fuel your body with healthy, nutrient-rich foods like proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed food items and excessive sodium and saturated fats.
- Hydration: Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration levels. The water needed varies based on age, weight, climate, and activity level.
- Sufficient sleep: Prioritize sleep and aim for 8 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a healthy sleep schedule and optimize your sleep environment for complete rest. Good sleep helps in keeping your immune system strong.
- Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Engage in activities you enjoy and make time for hobbies and leisure activities.
- Regular health check-ups: Schedule routine appointments with your healthcare provider for preventive screenings, vaccinations, and health assessments. Address any health concerns promptly and follow medical advice for optimal management of chronic conditions.
- Avoid intake of harmful substances: Minimize or eliminate tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use, as they can adversely affect your physical health. If you need support to quit, seek assistance from healthcare professionals or support groups.
- Sun protection: When outdoors, wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses to protect your skin from deadly UV rays. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Social connection: Cultivate supportive relationships with friends, family, and community members. Social connections are key to mental and emotional well-being and contribute to overall physical health.
For more personalized advice, visiting an expert like a physiatrist can help.
Finding the best physiatrist near you in Edison, New Jersey
Failure to receive timely treatment for chronic pain can highly impact the quality of life and increase the risk of other medical conditions, such as heart and respiratory illnesses. Hence, finding a specialist who can understand your condition and devise a perfect plan for your needs is vital. This is where the meticulously designed Zocdoc database can help.
Zocdoc is a platform that allows you to filter physiatrists near you based on your medical condition, current residence, zip code, preferred date and time for a consult, and even your medical insurance policy. Log into the Zocdoc website and enter your details in the search box. The algorithm will immediately present you with a curated list of licensed physiatrists near you in Edison, NJ.
All experts listed on Zocdoc have a separate profile summary detailing all the information regarding their background and practice. The profile lists the doctors' training and qualifications, accreditation and affiliations, licenses and certifications, and awards and recognitions received in the past. It also details the areas they specialize in and their years of experience in the field. Zocdoc also includes detailed and verified reviews and ratings from past patients to aid your choice.
Treatment for chronic pain is often long-term and requires plenty of follow-up appointments. Having optimal insurance coverage makes the treatment economical and more accessible. Zocdoc helps you know if the physiatrist of your choice accepts your insurance plan. Select your insurance from the drop-down menu on Zocdoc, and you will immediately know if your chosen specialist is in-network. You can add your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account.
You must search and book using one insurance plan at a time when booking an appointment. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include your secondary carrier and plan in the provider notes during the final step of booking.
If your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can add your secondary insurance details when completing the forms online. For more insurance information, check out Zocdoc's insurance page.
Booking appointments with the desired physiatrist near you on Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure!
Physiatry statistics in New Jersey
According to the "New Jersey, Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Plan" for 2013 to 2018, published by the New Jersey Department of Health, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes were collectively responsible for nearly 59% of deaths in New Jersey in 2009. Out of these, 5% of deaths were caused by stroke, making it the third leading cause of death in New Jersey. Between 2009 and 2010, among adults who had limitations in the performance of daily routine due to chronic conditions, 8.5% of them had strokes.
The Division of Aging Services published an article titled "Arthritis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment," which pointed out the disease-related statistics in the state. According to this article, arthritis was the leading cause of disability in New Jersey, with around 1.5 million people affected by the condition. Among these, the rates were higher among women (28%) than men (20%).Â
The rate of arthritis was also connected to age, as the rates of arthritis increased with the increasing age of patients, with the highest rates among patients over 65 years old (53%) and lowest among patients 18 to 44 years old (9%). Chronic pain conditions like those mentioned above can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, inviting more diseases. Proper treatment with a physiatrist goes a long way in avoiding such situations.Â
According to America's Health Rankings in 2022, 10.8% of adults in New Jersey reported being told by a medical professional that they had diabetes (excluding prediabetes and gestational diabetes). Nearly 2.0% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 reportedly had diabetes.
Sources
Penn Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
Western Washington Medical Group
New Jersey Department of Health
Division of Aging Services
Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
World Health Organization
UCSF Health
America’s Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
Medrina
