What Is Physiatry?

Physiatrists help people with functional difficulties improve their quality of life. These medical doctors help prevent, diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain, nerves and musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments).

“Physiatry focuses on quality of life and guiding people in their journey to regain function,” said Abhishek Reddy, DO, a physiatrist with Franciscan Physician Network Neuroscience Specialists in Indianapolis. “It’s a very diverse specialty, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

To become a physiatrist, you must complete four years of medical school, a one-year physiatry internship and a three-year general physiatry residency. Physiatrists can choose to do another year of training (fellowship) in a particular focus, such as anesthesia (pain management), brain injury, neuromuscular medicine (nerve and muscle), sports medicine, spine medicine or pediatric rehabilitation.

What Conditions Do Physiatrists Treat?

“We often treat people who have brain and spinal cord injuries and other neuromuscular conditions that reduce their functionality and affect their quality of life,” Dr. Reddy said. “We also treat chronic knee, back and joint pain. Physiatry is diverse, and there’s an overlap with a lot of other specialties.”

Physiatrists also work as part of a team with therapists (physical, occupational and speech-language), rehabilitation nurses and doctors in various medical specialties.

“We work closely with neurology (brain injuries and stroke), sports medicine, orthopedics and neurosurgery as part of the comprehensive treatment program we provide,” Dr. Reddy said. “We also collaborate with neurosurgery to assess people in the hospital and follow up after their surgery.”

Physiatrists often coordinate care with anesthesiologists to manage pain and neuropsychologists to assess the behavioral and cognitive changes associated with neuromuscular conditions.

What Types Of Treatment Do Physiatrists Offer?

“Before we talk about specific therapies, we take the time to understand someone’s needs – what’s their living situation, what are their goals – and treat them with respect and empathy,” Dr. Reddy said. “This is how we earn their trust and get them involved in their program. By looking at the whole picture, we can give them the best care and resources.”

The treatments physiatrists offer focus on rehabilitation and improving quality of life.

“We customize rehab programs to incorporate patient specific home exercise programs so that each individual has the tools to treat themselves.” Dr. Reddy said. “We supplement a patient-enabled, therapy-focused program with non-narcotic medications typically and procedures if need be. Our primary aim is a patient-centered model of care that gives patients the power to care of themselves and maintain independence.”

Physiatrists perform a variety of procedures, but they don’t perform surgery.

“We do a variety of procedures, including injections to treat joint and spine pain, electrodiagnostic testing pain with EMGs, and Botox injections to treat spasticity (increased muscle stiffness that causes pain and movement difficulties,” Dr. Reddy said.

What Are The Benefits Of Seeing A Physiatrist?

Physiatrists can contribute to all levels of care. They treat people in the hospital, rehabilitation unit and outpatient settings. No matter your situation, physiatrists can guide you throughout your healthcare journey as you regain function.

“The unique aspect of physiatry is that we get to see patients in all levels of care and improve their quality of life by working with their care team,” Dr. Reddy said. “We have strong relationships with a variety of therapists and specialists that ensures our patients get complete care.”

Anyone with a functional concern can see a physiatrist – they don’t have to wait for severe complications.

“We can help prevent chronic issues from developing by providing education early on,” Dr. Reddy said. “I think this helps people understand the importance of being involved in their care and committed to rehabilitation.”

Complete Care

Physiatrists’ training overlaps with several medical specialties, which allows them to provide comprehensive care for conditions like brain injuries, pain management and neuromuscular disorders.

“If a doctor refers someone to me for pain, but they also have a history of stroke or Parkinson’s, I can treat the whole person,” Dr. Reddy said. “Pain is sometimes a secondary problem from another condition. They may have pain, but I can look at everything rather than just one symptom. If they have a history of stroke and are experiencing spasticity in their hands, I can offer Botox treatment to relieve that symptom and restore function in their hands. Our core focus is quality-of-life improvement, including pain management.”

A Healing Environment

Dr. Reddy believes patients benefit from the environment at Franciscan Health. Open communication between doctors and therapists creates a positive, healing setting that enhances the patient experience.

“Patients notice the interconnectivity among therapists,” he said. “They see a team that believes in them and what they can accomplish. Franciscan Health is unique because our physiatrists and anesthesiologists work together to offer complete care for neuromuscular and neuroskeletal conditions. We coordinate and cater to nearly all our patients’ needs in one place.”

Supporting Patients And Families

After a stroke or neurological injury, patients and families often feel anxious and worried. Dr. Reddy and his team offer support.

“We’re there for patients, families and caregivers,” Dr. Reddy said. “We have support groups, a stroke camp, a lot of resources – medical equipment, transportation – anything we can do to help.”