physiatrist
Americannoun
Usage
What is a physiatrist? A physiatrist is a doctor who practices physical therapy and rehabilitation. Physiatrists specialize in physical care, such as massage, exercises, and other techniques for treating physical disabilities, physical malfunctions, and pain. There are a lot of reasons a person might need physical therapy, such as because they were injured in an accident, they have a disability or medical condition, or they had been hospitalized for a long period of time. Besides physical therapy, physiatrists may also prescribe medicine for pain. While physiatrists are trained in physical therapy, many will not actually perform daily tasks. Instead, they will instead work with patients to create a plan that includes physical therapy, medicine, mechanical solutions, progress tracking, psychological therapy, and additional needs required to rehabilitate the patient. A physical therapist is more likely to work with a patient on their physical therapy, teaching them exercises and monitoring progress. Example: The physiatrist who led my rehabilitation had me walking again in less than a month.
Etymology
Origin of physiatrist
First recorded in 1945–50; physiatr(ics) + -ist
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For many MSK issues, the first line of treatment should be a consultation with an expert like a physical therapist or physiatrist.
From Salon • Nov. 19, 2024
There are physical therapists on hand as well as a visiting physiatrist, a specialist in rehabilitation medicine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2018
His mother, a physiatrist, is chairwoman of the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y.
From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2017
Massachusetts physiatrist Julie Silver, who developed a prehab program for cancer patients, suggests: Inhale through your nose for three seconds, mouth closed.
From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2015
A physiatrist at the clinic told her about RIC.
From Chicago Tribune • Aug. 26, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
