physiatrist

[fiz-ee-a-trist, fi-zahy-uh-trist]

noun

1. a physician specializing in physical medicine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiatrist¹

First recorded in 1945–50; physiatr(ics) + -ist

Example Sentences

For many MSK issues, the first line of treatment should be a consultation with an expert like a physical therapist or physiatrist.

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“No one recognized that concussions were dangerous. We just sent people back onto the field, or into a war zone,” said Mary Alexis Iaccarino, a physiatrist specializing in concussion recovery at the Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Sport Concussion Clinic.

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Dr. Paul Winston, a physiatrist in British Columbia, said on one hand that leads to some tension because hospitals don't have a choice on whether to instate a mask policy or not.

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“Well, that’s what this is, all right. No one can figure out what’s going on. We’ve been to an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a neurologist, an osteopath, a Reiki practitioner, an energy healer, a physical therapist and a physiatrist, because they”—I paused meaningfully—“specialize in chronic pain management.”

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Good news: While many of the medications that are used for pain relief aren’t recommended for regular use by older adults, a number of lifestyle and other nondrug treatments can help ease symptoms — and prevent OA from progressing, says Heidi Prather, a physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

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When To Use

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.