Physiatry (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Physiatry is a medical specialty that deals with the assessment and treatment of Neurological, Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic conditions and diseases. It is concerned with improving an individual’s function after a major traumatic event such as Stroke, Spinal Cord or Brain Injury, and/or helping to improve quality of life while living with a disability, injury or pain.

Since Physiatry encompasses expertise in Brain, Nerve, Muscle, Bone and Joint function, it is a specialty that looks at the interactions of many body systems when assessing a patient and creating a treatment plan. Treatment is generally focussed on restoring or improving an individual’s function and positively impacting their ability to meaningfully engage in life.