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

More About Physiatrist

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.

Where does physiatrist come from?

The first records of the term physiatrist come from around the 1940s. It combines physiatrics, meaning “physical medicine,” and the suffix -ist, which denotes a person who practices something. Physiatrist means “a person who practices physical medicine.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with physiatrist? 

• physiatrics
• physiatric
• physiatrical

What are some words that often get used in discussing physiatrist?

• exercise
• treatment
• pain
• physical therapy

How is physiatrist used in real life?

Physiatrist is used to describe a physician who specializes in physical therapy.

Dr. Joseph Feinberg, #Physiatrist: "There's two parts to #EMG testing: a nerve conduction study & a needle exam." #HSSTips

— Hosp Special Surgery (@HSpecialSurgery) April 22, 2014

Tomorrow I talk to my physiatrist about what to do since I'm still in pain. Then I have breakfast and have to head over for x-rays. Next I come home to have a late lunch and then I have therapy. Today I booked that physiatrist appt and booked an in person appt w/ my primary care

— Kelly ƒ (@wastedwings) February 17, 2021

My anxiety or whatever undiagnosed condition I have has been very hard to deal with lately. I was excited to finally get my evaluation in 2 days however after speaking with the clinic they put me down as a primary care visit not the physiatrist.

Now I have to wait until July 6th

— 🦋Dedo🥀 (@Dedo) May 4, 2021

 

Try using physiatrist!

True or False?

A physiatrist treats mental illness.