Authors
S Hariharan, Former Professor and HOD1; V K Sreekala, Professor and HOD1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
Abstract
Physiatry is the medical specialty dealing with Physical Medicine and rehabilitation. Broadly speaking, the specialty deals with all pains and paralyzing syndromes –neck and back pains, joint pains, Arthritis, Paralyzing conditions, Amputations, musculoskeletal deformities, genetic disorders-Hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, myopathy etc, development delays in children including cerebral palsies, spinal deforming conditions, postural and balance disorders, obesity related conditions, sports injuries ,post fracture cases etc. In fact almost all diseases, irrespective of the specialties, will benefit a lot from physiatric PMR interventions, rather than at-tending to a minuscule therapy situation like physio or occupational therapy. Ability–Disability evaluation and certification is of prime importance to all the people with disabilities and this is done by the Physiatrists (PMR specialists)
Keywords: Physiatry, Rehabilitation, Occupational therapy.