Also termed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), physiatry aims to combine diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the brain, nerves, bones, and muscles. Physiatry is marked by its ideals firmly embedded in holism and rehabilitation. Pain management doctors apply physiatric treatment to curb pain and restore physical functioning. Patients suffering from chronic pain or temporary/permanent physical impairment are particularly benefitted from physiatry. It aims to seed independence of movement and improve the person’s quality of life.

A Brief History of Physiatry

Physiatry originated in the early 20th century. The history began with R. Tait. Mckenzie, the first physical therapy physician to hold an academic appointment in the US. His book The Handbook of Physical Therapy was used by the armed forces of the US, Canada, and Great Britain during the first world war. Mckenzie’s student John Stanley Coulter was responsible for establishing physiatry in a rehabilitation facility in France.

Another popular name that often pops up in the history of physiatry is Frank Krusen. Krusen is known for building the first inpatient rehabilitation center in Temple hospital in 1929. Later in the 1930s, Krusen joined Mayo Clinic where he established the department of physical medicine and America’s first PM&R residency program.

During the second world war, under the guidance of Howard Rusk, physiatry was used as rehabilitation medicine for the US military. The ‘Convalescent Training Program’ developed by Rusk addressed both the physical and mental recovery of a soldier. Rusk’s methods became known to have steered countless veterans into a healthy, normal life post-war. During the outbreak of the polio epidemic in the United States, PM&R was used to treat and rehabilitate the affected. Over the years physiatry developed and by the 1980s, physiatrists had gained popularity among the civilian population as well.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plans in Physiatry

A physiatrist will typically diagnose the issue with a thorough examination of the patient’s musculoskeletal system. This is carried out using special ultrasonic equipment. Your physiatrist will also ask about the medical history before arriving at a conclusion. Knowledge of any pre-existing medical conditions is necessary to develop an effective treatment plan.

PM&R physicians can specialize in a number of subcategories like sports medicine, brain and spinal injury, regenerative medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation medicine. The treatment plan sketched leans heavily on exercise therapy. Your pain management doctor will curate an exercise regimen that you are required to follow. You will also be guided into developing a healthy lifestyle, this includes dietary restrictions and cutting down on smoking. Any medication that PM&R uses is non-opioid. Medical intervention is kept to being minimally invasive. The patient is also provided with ample psychosocial support.

What Can a Physiatrist Treat?

Physiatry can be employed to treat a vast range of conditions. We have listed some ailments that physiatrists find themselves dabbling in. Do note that this list is by no means exhaustive. The conditions below are merely a few of the many.

• Back pain

• Brain and spinal injuries

• Sports-related injuries

• Arthritis

• Herniated discs

• Fibromyalgia

• Phantom limb pain in amputees

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Centers in Norman, OK

Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers is dedicated to holistic pain treatment. Our pain management doctors are of the highest mettle and well-trained to eliminate pain from your life. We stand by Norman’s most vulnerable people with our effective and minimally invasive treatments. Visit our clinic in Norman, located at 3101 West Tecumseh Road, Suite 102. We also have clinics in Oklahoma City and Weatherford. Ring our office at (405) 751-7246 for more details.

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