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 may focus on diseases or injuries, physical medicine and rehabilitation focuses primarily on the functional abilities of the patient. Individuals who are treated with physiatry usually include children and adults with disabilities such as a loss of a body part, 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. In addition to conventional medications, team members have expertise in many areas. Unlike acute hospitalization where care is placed into the hands of a physician, rehabilitation and recovery is a shared responsibility. Although your physician still maintains a productive role in your recovery during rehabilitation, you must follow the guidelines of your team and program. Also, the involvement of your family can be a key ingredient to reaching a full recovery as soon as possible. Your own motivation and drive are also critical factors in the final outcome.
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