What it is
Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a medical specialty centered on how your muscles, bones, joints, nerves and spine work together in daily life. Doctors in this field are often called physiatrists. Their focus is usually on function: how you move, what you can do, and what gets in the way.
The specialty often includes non-surgical musculoskeletal care for things like chronic joint pain, back and neck pain, sports and work injuries, and recovery after an injury or illness. Some physiatrists also perform electrodiagnostic testing, such as nerve conduction studies and EMG, which looks at how nerves and muscles are working.
Physiatry is related to orthopedics but is not the same thing. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to operate on bones and joints, while physiatrists generally focus on non-surgical approaches and coordinating rehabilitation. Many people see both over time, and some orthopedic practices include non-surgical sports medicine or rehab physicians.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, non-surgical care has often been where people begin when a musculoskeletal problem appears. This can include education about the condition, activity changes, physical or occupational therapy, bracing or assistive devices, and medications that a licensed clinician selects.
Rehabilitation has long been approached as a team effort. A physiatrist may work alongside physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, primary care doctors and pain specialists. The aim is typically to help a person function as well as possible given their situation.
Procedures such as image-guided injections are sometimes part of non-surgical care, and nerve testing is traditionally used to help clinicians understand symptoms like numbness, tingling or weakness. What is appropriate varies widely from person to person, and only a licensed clinician can decide after an evaluation.
How the right orthopedic doctor may help
The right physical medicine and rehab doctor may help you understand what is going on, look at the full picture of how you move, and talk through a range of options, including ones that don't involve surgery. They may also help coordinate therapy and other specialists. Nothing is promised or guaranteed, and results vary.
A first visit generally includes a conversation about your history, symptoms, daily activities and goals, followed by a physical exam. The doctor may suggest imaging or nerve testing if they think it would be useful. Bring past records, imaging reports, a medication list and notes on what makes things better or worse.
Good questions to ask include: What do you think may be contributing to my symptoms? What are my options, including non-surgical ones? What would the goals of care be, and how will we know if it's working? How long might recovery generally take, knowing it varies? If surgery is ever suggested, ask about a second opinion. If a provider offers biologic or 'regenerative' injections, ask about FDA status and insurance coverage.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Long-lasting pain can bring worry, poor sleep and low mood, and stress can make the body feel tenser and pain feel more intense. Looking at the whole person, not just the sore joint, is a common part of thoughtful rehabilitation.
Some people find it helpful to add support alongside medical care. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for how stress is held in the body, and Therapists.plus offers talk therapy for coping with pain, injury and life changes. These are optional additions that can sit beside the care your doctor provides, not replacements for it.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- This page is educational only and does not diagnose, recommend treatment or replace advice from a licensed professional.
- Only a licensed clinician can decide what care is appropriate for you after an evaluation, and recovery times vary from person to person.
- Many biologic or 'regenerative' injections (such as PRP, stem cell, amniotic, umbilical or exosome products) are not FDA-approved for orthopedic uses, and insurance often does not cover them. Ask your provider about this.
- For sudden severe pain, loss of function, or other emergencies, call 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988. Consider a second opinion before any major surgery.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a physical medicine and rehab doctor do?
A physical medicine and rehab doctor, or physiatrist, evaluates and helps manage conditions that affect movement and function, often without surgery. They may also perform nerve testing and coordinate rehabilitation with therapists and other specialists. What they offer depends on your situation and their training.
Is a physiatrist the same as an orthopedic doctor near me?
Not exactly. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to perform surgery on bones and joints, while physiatrists generally focus on non-surgical care and rehabilitation. When you search for an orthopedic doctor near me, you may find practices that include both, and many people see more than one type of provider.
Can physical medicine and rehab help me avoid surgery?
It may for some people, but there are no guarantees. Non-surgical care is often explored first, and a licensed clinician can explain which options may fit your situation. If surgery is ever suggested, getting a second opinion is a reasonable step.
What is nerve testing, and why might it be done?
Nerve testing, such as nerve conduction studies and EMG, measures how nerves and muscles respond to electrical signals. Doctors may use it to help understand symptoms like numbness, tingling or weakness. Whether it is useful for you is a decision for your clinician.
Are PRP and stem cell injections approved for joint pain?
Many biologic or 'regenerative' injections, including PRP, stem cell, amniotic, umbilical and exosome products, are not FDA-approved for orthopedic uses. Insurance also often does not cover them. Ask any provider who offers them about the regulatory status, the costs and the reasons they are recommended.
How do I prepare for my first visit?
Bring your medical records, imaging reports, a list of medications and notes about your symptoms and goals. Write down your questions ahead of time, such as what options exist and what recovery might generally look like. Having this information can make the visit more useful.
Educational resource. Best Orthopedic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent orthopedic doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.