Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) Questions Physical Therapy

What's the difference between a physiatrist and physical therapist?

After suffering from a back injury during a car accident, my doctor referred me to a physiatrist for rehabilitation. However, I thought a physiatrist was a physical therapist, now I'm beginning to understand that they are two different things. What are the main differences between the two?

4 Answers

The main difference between a physiatrist and a physical therapist is their role in the rehabilitation process. A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and coordinate comprehensive treatment plans. On the other hand, a physical therapist is a healthcare professional who focuses on providing hands-on therapy and exercises to improve physical function and mobility. While both work together in rehabilitation, a physiatrist oversees the overall management, while a physical therapist carries out the specific exercises and therapies.

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A physciatrist is a medical doctor. You have to also complete a further 4 year residency after one's medical degree. It’s an Intensive study .

Physical therapists or physiotherapist are not medical drs. They work alongside medical drs also. Many are in private practice. I always suggest you get examined by a physciatrist first to establish proper diagnosis and then appropriate treatment plan. Physciatrists also can do much more re pain relief nerve blocks injections. I hope this helps. They are the experts in rehabilitation of the whole body. I was always taught by an old professor of medicine. The body will heel itself if you give it the right environment. Also with the help of the right Practitioner.
A Physiatrist is a physician. They go through 4 years of college, then 4 years of medical school, then 4 years of residency. A physical therapist goes through 6 years of training after high school.
Physical therapists are trained in the clinical aspects of common musculoskeletal pathology, musculoskeletal examination, developing a treatment plan and exercise regimen, and physical modalities. PTs have a clinical doctorate degree and are experts at assessing your condition and help you regain maximal functional mobility and independence.

Physiatrists, on the other hand, make and manage medical diagnoses and prescribe the therapies that physical therapists will subsequently perform. The role of the physiatrist is to manage a patient’s medical issues as they participate through the rehabilitation process. A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine.