What is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a medical practice with the goal of helping to improve or possibly restoring movement and function to those with impaired physical abilities. Rehabilitation specialists, or physiatrists, specialize in the non-surgical treatment of injury or illness affecting the nerves, muscles, bones, and brain. Rehabilitation specialists practice in rehabilitation centers, hospitals and in private offices. They typically coordinate patient care with neurologists, psychiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, and other health professionals including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, vocational counselors, psychologists and social workers.