Why Visit a Rehabilitation Physician?

Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. By taking the whole body into account, they are able to accurately pinpoint problems and enhance performance without surgery. Consider seeing a rehabilitation physician if

• You had an accident or you have an injury or chronic condition that has left you with pain or limited function

• You’re contemplating or recovering from surgery

• You have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily

• You’re recovering from the effects of a stroke or other problems related to nerve damage

• You have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back problems

• Excess weight makes it difficult to exercise or has caused health problems

• You think you’re too old to exercise

• Life changes such as childbirth or menopause have created new challenges to your physical function

Getting started

A rehabilitation physician will thoroughly assess your condition, needs, and expectations and rule out any serious medical illnesses to develop a treatment plan. A clear understanding of your condition and limitations will help you and your rehabilitation physician to develop a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.

Tailoring your plan

You need the right type of exercise to effectively overcome fitness obstacles. A runner may have gained weight after being sidelined by a knee injury. A rehabilitation physician can prescribe tailored, low-impact activities that burn calories without aggravating the injury, simultaneously prescribing physical therapy and use of a brace to strengthen and support the knee. Another patient may be suffering from chronic neck pain. The rehabilitation physician might prescribe medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief, as well as strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is a necessity, rehabilitation physicians work with patients and their surgeons before and after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other health care professionals, a rehabilitation physician is able to specially design a treatment program tailored to you.

Understanding and identifying your goals

Do you want to strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or walk up the stairs without being winded? A rehabilitation physician can work with you to determine realistic short- and long-term goals. Along the way, he or she will help you to find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if necessary.

How can I locate a rehabilitation physician?

There are more than 7,500 rehabilitation physicians practicing in the United States today. As a public service, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) provides listings of its member rehabilitation physicians by state.

Click here for our online "Find a PM&R Physician" searchable database.