The goal of physical medicine and rehabilitation, or physiatry (fizz-ee-AT-tree), is to assist disabled patients in achieving their maximum physical, psychosocial, and vocational potential. Unlike many other specialties that focus on diseases or injuries, physical medicine and rehabilitation focuses on the functional abilities of the patient. Individuals who are treated with physiatry usually include children and adults with disabilities, arthritis, fractures, paralysis, and pulmonary, vascular, and neuromuscular diseases. A medical team may consist of physiatrists ( fizz-ee-AT-trihsts), psychologists, rehabilitation nurses, occupational, physical and recreational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, registered dietitians, and chaplains. The team works together to provide comprehensive evaluation, management and advisory services in every aspect of musculoskeletal and neurologic rehabilitation. Of course, your own motivation and drive are critical factors in the final outcome. Also, the involvement of your family can be a key ingredient to reaching a full recovery as soon as possible.
