What Is a Physiatrist? Looking for a Physiatrist? Find a Physiatrist in Spine-health's growing Doctor Directory. A physiatrist practices in the field of physiatry - also called physical medicine and rehabilitation - which is a branch of medicine that specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease primarily using "physical" means, such as physical therapy and medications. Essentially, physiatrists specialize in a wide variety of treatments for the musculoskeletal system - the muscles, bones, and associated nerves, ligaments, tendons, and other structures - and the musculoskeletal disorders that cause pain and/or difficulty with functioning. Physiatrists do not perform surgery. Physiatry for Back Pain Video A physiatrist's treatment focuses on helping the patient become as functional and pain-free as possible in order to participate in and enjoy life as fully as possible. A physiatrist can be either a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). A physiatrist may be referred to as a: Physiatrist Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician PM&R physician Article continues below Physiatry Training and Specialization A physiatrist's training includes four years of medical school as well as four years of residency training. The first year of residency training focuses on internal medicine (general practice), and the following three years of residency emphasize specialty training. After residency, further specialization and training is available through Fellowships in a particular field. A Fellowship is typically one to two years of training in a particular specialty. In This Article: What Is a Physiatrist? Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Approach Physiatry for Back Pain Video Physiatrists may complete one of the following Fellowships that provide additional focus and training in particular forms of treatment: Spine - for treatment of back pain, sciatica, and any form of pain or dysfunction that originates in the spine Pain management - for treatment of many types of chronic pain (e.g. chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis). Physiatrists who specialize in pain medicine have additional specialty training in injections used to treat pain. Sports medicine - for sports injuries Brain injury (e.g. stroke) - for rehabilitation Spinal cord injury - for rehabilitation Pediatric medicine - for patients under age 18Article continues below Physiatry and the Spine Physiatrists treat a wide range of problems that affect the musculoskeletal system. The following is a list of back conditions commonly treated by physiatrists: Back pain, sciatica Muscle and ligament injuries Work injuries Myofacial pain Fibromyalgia Spinal cord injury Osteoarthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Osteoporosis Because the spine is the locus of most of the body's musculoskeletal system, many physiatrists focus on treating back pain. For those who specialize who treating spinal problems, their focus may be more on rehabilitation or on injections (pain management), depending on their training and personal preference. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialty When to See a Doctor for Back Pain Video The specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or physiatry, is approximately 60 years old. Today, there are over 8,000 physicians practicing physical medicine and rehabilitation. 1Many PM&R physicians who treat back pain are part of a Spine Center or Spine Hospital, treating patients within a practice that includes other specialists, such as physical therapists, spine surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and more. Whether or not they work in a multispecialty spine practice, many physiatrists also serve to coordinate the patient's care with a multidisciplinary team of other doctors and specialists - for example, physical therapists, spine surgeons, psychologists, chiropractors, and more. References:"Information for Patients and Family," American Academy of Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation, accessed August 2011. Next Page: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Approach Pages:1 2 3 
Orthopedic Physical Therapy By Prodyut Das Orthopedic Physical Therapy Orthopedic physical therapy includes treatment of the musculoskeletal system (which is made up of the muscles and bones of the body) that has been subject to injury or trauma. This includes sprains, strains, post fracture, post surgery and repetitive injuries. The areas of the body include the neck and back as well the extremities. SOME RELATED TOPICS DISCUSSED HERE:-Cervical Rib Scoliosis Exercises Kyphosis Treatment Genu Valgum Genu Varum Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation Hip Replacement Rehabilitation Frozen Shoulder Exercises Lumbar Spondylosis Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Calcaneal Spur Cervical Spondylosis Osteoarthritis Exercises Spondylolisthesis Treatment Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Headde Quervain Tenosynovitis Pinched Nerve In Shoulder PIVDMyositis Ossificans Exercise for sciatica Ganglion Cyst Treatment SI Joint Dysfunction Osteoporosis Exercises Bicep Tendon Tear Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Boutonniere Deformity Burn Rehabilitation Rotator Cuff exs Flat Foot Claw Foot Meralgia Paresthetica Managing Fibromyalgia Upper Cross Syndrome Lower Crossed Syndrome Femoral Neck Fracture Physiotherapy Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on the muscular and skeletal systems. Various types of disorders and injuries affecting our muscles, bones, and joints while discovering the important role physical therapy plays in managing orthopedic conditions. The musculoskeletal system is composed of bone, cartilage, ligaments, muscle, tendons, synovium, bursae and fascia. This system is derived embryologically from the mesenchyme and is composed of soft and hard connective tissues. These tissues have evolved to serve two basic functions: structural integrity and stable mobility. The tissues are composite materials made up of cells lying within the extracellular matrix they produce. Orthopedic physical therapist Orthopedic physical therapists diagnose, manage, and treat disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system as well as rehabilitate patients post orthopedic surgery. This specialty of physical therapy is most often found in the out-patient clinical setting. Orthopedic therapists are trained in the treatment of post operative joints, acute sports injuries , arthritis, and amputations just to name a few. Joint mobilizations, strength training, hot/cold packs, and electrical stimulation are modalities often used to expedite recovery in the orthopedic setting. Those who have suffered injury or disease affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, or tendons of the body will benefit from assessment by a physical therapist specialized in orthopedics. History Of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Specialization for Orthopedic physical therapy in the U. S. occurred in 1974, with the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA being formed for those physical therapists specializing in Orthopaedics. In the same year, the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy was formed, which has played an important role in advancing manual therapy worldwide ever since. Orthopedic physical therapy practice, it takes the through a sequential thought process of diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, and, ultimately, treatment. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Pre and Post Surgical Care of all Orthopedic Conditions Balance/Vertigo Rehabilitation Postural Training Arthritis Management Back/Neck Rehabilitation Joint Pain Management Headache Management Manual Therapy/Mc Kenzie Treatment Spinal Stabilization Muscle and Ligament Strains and Sprains Myofascial Release Auto Accident Injuries Work Injuries Basic Orthopedic Physical Therapy Assessment Patient history Observation Examination of movement Special tests Reflexes and cutaneous distribution Joint play movements Palpation Diagnostic imaging In Orthopedic Physical Therapy examining of the musculoskeletal system it is important to keep the concept of function in mind. Note any gross abnormalities of mechanical function beginning with the initial introduction to the patient. Continue to observe for such problems throughout the interview and the examination. On Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination of a patient who has no musculoskeletal complaints and in whom no gross abnormalities have been noted in the interview and general physical examination, it is adequate to inspect the extremities and trunk for observable abnormalities and to ask the patient to perform a complete active range of motion with each joint or set of joints. If the patient presents complaints in the musculoskeletal system or if any abnormality has been observed, it is important to do a thorough Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination, not only to delineate the extent of gross abnormalities but also to look closely for subtle anomalies. To perform an Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination of the muscles, bones, and joints, use the classic techniques of inspection, palpation, and manipulation. Start by dividing the musculoskeletal system into functional parts. With practice the examiner will establish an order of approach, but for the beginner it is perhaps better to begin distally with the upper extremity, working proximally through the shoulder. Then, beginning with the temporomandibular joint, pass on to the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, the lumbar and sacral spine, and the sacroiliac joints. Finally, in the lower extremity, again begin distally with the foot and proceed proximally through the hip. Use the opposite side for comparisons: it is easier to spot subtle differences as well as identify symmetrical problems. If there is any question, use your own anatomy as a control. Glean the maximum information from observation. Concentrating on one area at a time, inspect the area for discoloration (e.g., ecchymoses, redness), soft tissue swelling, bony enlargement, wasting, and deformity (abnormal angulation, subluxation). While noting these changes, attempt to determine whether they are limited to the joint or whether they involve the surrounding structures (e.g., tendons, muscles, bursae). Observe the patient's eyes while palpating the joints and the surrounding structures in Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination. A patient's expression of pain depends on many factors. For this reason the verbalization of pain often does not correlate directly with the magnitude of the pain. The most objective indicator of the magnitude of tenderness produced by presence on palpation is involuntary muscle movements about the eyes. Therefore, the examiner should observe the patient's eyes while palpating the joints and surrounding structures. With practice the examiner will become skilled in evaluating the magnitude of pain produced by the examination and will be able to do a skillful evaluation without producing excessive discomfort to the patient. Note areas of tenderness to pressure, and if possible identify the anatomic structures over which the tenderness is localized. On Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination One should also note areas of enlargement while palpating the joints and surrounding structures. By noting carefully the consistency of the enlargement and its boundaries, one can decide whether this is due to bony widening, thickening of the synovial lining of the joint, soft tissue swelling of the structure surrounding the joint, an effusion into the joint capsule, or nodule formation, which might be located in a tendon sheath, subcutaneous tissue, or other structures about the joint. While palpating the joints, note areas of increased warmth (heat). A method for doing this that will help even the most inexperienced to perceive subtle increases in heat is to choose the most heat-sensitive portion of the hand (usually the dorsum of the fingers) and, beginning proximally, lightly pass this part of your hand over all portions of the patient's extremity several times. As you proceed from proximal to distal, the skin temperature gradually cools. If you find an area becoming slightly warmer, this represents increased heat. Have the patient perform active movements through an entire range of motion for each joint in Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination. Defects in function can be most rapidly perceived by having the patient perform active functions with each region of the musculoskeletal system. This reduces Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination time and helps the examiner to identify areas in which there is poor function for more careful evaluation. Manipulate the joint through a passive range of motion only if the patient is unable actively to perform a full range of motion, or if there is obvious pain on active motion. In passively manipulating a joint, note whether there is a reduction in the range of motion, whether there is a pain on motion, and whether crepitus is produced when the joint is moved. Note also whether the joint is stable or whether abnormal movements may be produced in Orthopedic Physical Therapy examination. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Neck1. Observe the patient as a whole.2. Observe the neck and shoulders from in front and behind.3. Palpate the front and back of the neck with the patient seated and the examiner behind.4. Assess neck flexion by asking the patient to touch their chest with their chin.5. Assess extension by asking the patient to look up and as far back as possible.6. Assess lateral flexion to both sides by asking the patient to touch their shoulder with their ear.7. Assess rotation by asking the patient to look over their shoulder, to the left and right.8. Begin the neurological assessment of the upper limb by examining the motor system. This involves asking the patient to assume a certain position and not let you overcome it. Begin with shoulder abduction.9. Shoulder adduction.10. Elbow extension.11. Elbow flexion.12. Wrist extension.13. Wrist flexion.14. Finger extension.15. Finger flexion.16. Thumb abduction.17. Finger abduction18. Elicit the reflexes of the upper limb beginning with the biceps jerk.19. Triceps jerk.20. Brachioradialis jerk.21. Assess co-ordination of the upper limb.22. Test sensation of the upper limb and determine the distribution of any loss. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Shoulder1. Observe the whole patient, front and back.2. Observe the shoulder.3. Observe the axilla.4. Palpate for tenderness over the sterno-clavicular joint, clavicle, acromioclavicular joint, acromion process, supraspinatus tendon and the tendon of the long head of biceps.5. Observe shoulder abduction from in front and behind, through the entire range of movement. Note the presence of difficulty in initiation or a painful arc.6. Secure the scapula to assess gleno-humeral movement.7. Assess flexion and extension.8. Assess external rotation with elbows in to the sides and flexed to 90º .9. Assess internal rotation by asking the patient to place both hands behind the head.10. Assess internal rotation by asking the patient to reach over their opposite shoulder, behind the neck and behind the back.11. Test biceps function by asking the patient to flex the elbow against resistance.12. Test serratus anterior function by asking the patient to push against a wall, looking for winging of the scapula.13. Test for pain with palpation of subacromial Bursa - indicates impingement of the rotator cuff.14. The apprehension test standing. Abduct, externally rotate and extend the patient's shoulder while pushing on the head of the humerus with the opposite hand to test for anterior subluxation or dislocation.15. Apprehension test lying down.16. Assess any marked instability in the shoulder. Anterior - instability (moves too far forward);Posterior - instability (moves too far back). Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Elbow1. Observe the whole patient, front and back, looking especially for deformity.2. Feel for tenderness. Accentuate the pain of tennis elbow.4. Tennis elbow: point tenderness.5. Tennis elbow: pain on resisted extension.6. Tennis elbow: pain on passive stretch.7. Examine extension.8. Examine flexion.9. Examine supination.10. Examine pronation.11. Pivot shift of elbow (instability).12. Provocative test for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (puts tension on ulnar nerve at elbow).13. Palpate the ulnar nerve. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Wrist and Hand1. Observe the hand positioned on a pillow or a table. Ensure you have adequate exposure.2. Observe the palm of the hand.3. Observe the dorsum of the hand.4. Review the anatomy of the hand noting the tip of the styloid process, the anatomical snuffbox bordered by extensor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis longus tendons and the abductor pollicis longus.5. Feel for tenderness.6. Test active movements of the wrist.7. A useful method for screening of flexion and extension of the wrists.8. Test passive movements of the wrist beginning with extension.9. Flexion.10. Radial deviation.11. Ulnar deviation.12. Pronation.13. Supination.14. Test thumb extension.15. Test thumb abduction.16. Test thumb adduction.17. Test opposition.18. Observe movement of fingers from extension to flexion.19. Test flexor digitorum profundus function by holding the proximal interphalangeal joint extended and asking the patient to flex the finger. Successful finger flexion indicates the tendon is intact.20. Test flexor digitorum superficialis function by holding the other fingers extended while asking the patient to flex the finger being tested. Successful flexion indicates the tendon is intact.21. Assess joint hyperextension.22. Axial compression test.23. Asses ulnar nerve function with Froment's test.24. Asses ulnar nerve/interosseus muscle function by asking the patient to abduct their fingers while slowly pushing the hands together until the weaker one collapses.24. Asses ulnar nerve/interosseus muscle function by asking the patient to abduct their fingers while slowly pushing the hands together until the weaker one collapses.25. Assess median nerve function.26. Assess the function of the hand with the fine pinch grip (paperclip).27. Flat pinch grip (key).28. Tripod grip (pen).29. Wide grip (mug).30. Power grip. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Back1. Observe the patient as a whole, front and back.2. Ask the patient to walk on their toes.3. Ask the patient to walk on their heels.4. Back extension.5. Back flexion.6. Bony Excursion: measure the distance between two bony points when standing.7 Ask the patient to flex forward, the bony points should move at least 5 cm.8. Lateral flexion9. Rotation (make sure to anchor pelvis)10. FABER test in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination: Flexion Abduction External Rotation. Press firmly on the knee. Pain in the groin suggests a hip problem and pain in the back refers to the sacroiliac joint.11 Straight leg raising, dorsiflexion increases the sciatic stretch. Watch for pain and limitation.12. Femoral stretch test: Hip extension and passive flexion of the knee. Watch for pain and limitation. A Neurological examination including:13. Knee extension.14. Knee flexion15. Knee jerk reflex16. Ankle jerk reflex.17. Sensation18. Pain on compression of the head can often be attributed to non-organic pathology. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Hip1. Observe the whole patient.2. Trendelenburg test (normal).3. Positive Trendelenburg Test.4. Ask the patient to walk and observe their gait.5. Test iliopsoas function by asking the patient to lift their thigh off the seat against resistance6. Ensure the Anterior Superior Iliac Spines are horizontal.7. Check the position of the medial malleoli.8. Measure from the ASIS to the medial malleoli.9. Measure the distance from the xiphisternum to the medial malleoli.10. Feel for the femoral head. It is deep to the femoral pulse.11. Thomas Test in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination: Flex both hips to eliminate the lumbar lordosis. Extend the hip you are examining and if it is normal it should return to the bed. A fixed flexion deformity of the hip will not allow it to extend to the neutral position.12. Check the patient is not compensating with a lumbar lordosis.13. Check the ASIS are horizontal again. Anchor leg over the edge of the bed and abduct the other hip.14. Assess adduction.14. Assess adduction.15. Internal rotation. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Knee1. Observe the patient as a whole.2. Observe the knee joint front and back. Note any genu valgum (a slight degree of which is normal) or genu varum.3. Observe knee from side. Note any genu recurvatum.4. Ask the patient to squat.5. Assess patellae tracking from extension to flexion. Note quadriceps action.6. Patellar apprehension test. Apply lateral pressure to patellar as the patient flexes the knee. Observe facial expressions for fear of impending dislocation.7. Observe the knee with the patient lying on the bed.8. Pick a bony landmark on the knee and measure a fixed distance from it to the approximate centre of the quadriceps.9. Measure the circumference of the of the knee and leg.10. Feel the temperature of the knee and leg.11. Soloman's test. Lift the patella away from the femur. In synovial thickening it will be hard to grasp.12. Effusion: Tap Test. Push sharply on the patella and with an effusion it will strike the femur and bounce back.13. Effusion: Feel for fluid fluctuance.14. Effusion: Bulge Test. Empty the suprapatellar pouch with pressure above the patella. Wipe hand along the medial side to displace fluid laterally. Compress the lateral side and watch for a bulge medially.15. Feel the superficial and posterior surface of the patella by pushing it medially.16. To test for patello-femoral tenderness press patella against the femur and ask the patient to tighten their thigh muscles.17. Palpate for tenderness with the knee flexed to 90°. Feel along the joint line, the ligaments and the tibial tubercle.18. Assess extension of the knee.19. Flexion.20. Internal and external rotation of the knee is limited.21. Test collateral ligaments by applying medial and lateral pressure to the lower leg which is tucked away under the examiners arm.22. Look for posterior sag of the femur signifying posterior cruciate dysfunction.23. Anterior drawer test. Femur should not move forward significantly unless the anterior cruciate ligament is torn.24. Posterior drawer test. (Posterior cruciate)25. Lachmans test.26. MC test - lift leg off the bed and if tibia drops there is cruciate dysfunction.27. Mac Murrays test: Place the thumb and finger on the joint line. Watching the patients face for pain, flex the leg, externally rotate the foot, abduct and extend leg to test for medial meniscal "clicks". Flex the leg, internally rotate and adduct for lateral meniscal "clicks".28. Ask the patient to lie prone and examine the back of the knee. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Examination of the Ankle and Foot Read more on Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Observe patient as a whole from front and back.1. From behind check hind-foot alignment and "too many toes" sign (tib. post dysfunction).2. & 3. Check for inversion (tibialis function) and eversion (peroneal function).4. Single stance heel raise test.5. Windlass test.6. Coin test.7. Dorsi flexion.8. Plantar flexion.9. Mid foot abduction/adduction.10. Extension fore foot.11. Flexion fore foot.12. Tib. anterior test.13. Tib. posterior test.14. Peroneal tendons test.15. Ankle instability - inversion test.16. Ankle instability - Anterior draw test.17. Ankle instability - Posterior draw test.18. Simmond's test for TA.19. Examine the sole.20. Check pulses, sensation, reflexes. Do you think you can contribute to this topic ? Share your Story, Tips or Reviews!Enter Your Title Ex., " Case Discussion"Click here to see the rest of the form and complete your submission. What Other Visitors Have Said Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page... Sign of the Buttock Not rated yet The Sign of the Buttock is a collection of signs that indicate a serious pathological problem with severe pain in the gluteal region and occasionally …Isometric Contraction Not rated yet Isometric Exercise (Static Exercise) In isometric contraction, muscle fiber length is constant, so muscle contraction occurs without joint movement. …femoral anteversion Not rated yet A pathological increase in angle of torsion is called femoral anteversion, and a pathological decrease in the angle or reversal of torsion is known as …Coxa Valga Not rated yet A pathological increase in the medial angulation between the neck and the shaft is called coxa valga , and a pathological decrease is called coxa vara …Coxa Vara Not rated yet If the angle of inclination of the femoral neck to the shaft in the frontal plane exceeds 130 degrees then it is known as coxa valga ; an angle less …Click here to write your own. Return from Orthopedic Physical Therapy to Home page Recent Articles Pes Anserine Bursitis May 26, 17 11:36 AMPes anserine bursitis (tendinitis) involves inflammation of the bursa at the insertion of the pes anserine tendons on the medial proximal tibia.williams flexion exercises May 22, 17 12:02 PMWilliams flexion exercises focus on placing the lumbar spine in a flexed position to reduce excessive lumbar lordotic stresses. Tendinosis vs Tendinitis May 07, 17 09:09 AMTendinosis is intratendinous atrophy and degeneration with a relative absence of inflammation; a palpable nodule may be present over tendon Author's Pick SCI Rehabilitation Walking Crutches Pain Gate Theory Scapulothoracic Joint Physiotherapy in Delhi Medicine Ball Exs Sternoclavicular Joint Q angle Valsalva Maneuver Pain Rating Scale Trendelenburg Gait Indoor Rowing Machines Physiotherapy Exercises Physiotherapy History Thera Band Workouts Neurobic exercises Extracorporeal Shock Waves Biomechanics of Throwing Wobble Board Exercises Tendinosis vs Tendinitis Williams Flexion Exercises Rating: 4.4Votes: 252  Physical Therapist Career Physical Therapist Career What is a physical therapist? Is this the right career choice for me? A physical therapist, also referred to as PT, is a health care professional that rehabilitates people with physical disabilities or injuries. Their patients have difficulty with movement, pain, and functioning in their daily lives. Physical therapists work with them to restore the ability to move, to reduce pain and discomfort, and in some instances to prevent disability and loss of mobility. Most work in hospitals or in other health care offices, but they can also work in nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or in private practices. They work with patients of all ages. Their patients could be recovering from sprains, strains, head or neck injuries, or conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spinal bifida, or cerebral palsy, just to name some examples. They could also be recovering from strokes, surgery, or amputations. Become a Physical Therapist... How to Become a Physical Therapist Related Physical Therapist Resources... Physical Therapist Licensure Duties and Statistics: Physical Therapist Related Patient Care Careers What do they do on a daily basis? The physical therapist evaluates their patients’ movement dysfunction, and devises a treatment plan to help them. Their work primarily makes use of therapeutic training and exercise, and sometimes uses special equipment. They work with a team of PTs or physical therapist assistants, and often worth with other professionals, like nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physicians, or other specialists that the particular patient may need. This type of job does require physical stamina, as they are physically helping their patients perform the exercises, and may move heavy equipment as well. They are often on their feet all day. Job outlook and salary potential The average salary for PTs in 2008 was $72,790. Like many health care professions, physical therapist jobs are expected to grow at a rapid pace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 30% growth rate from 2008 to 2018. Many factors will contribute to the demand, including advances in technology, the aging of the large baby boomer population, as well as increased coverage by insurance companies. Education and Training Requirements Education for a physical therapist is important. In fact, even once you have earned your degrees from an accredited institution, continuing education and keeping current with field developments and advances in technology is expected of physical therapists. Physical therapists in today’s job market will likely need a master’s degree. As an undergraduate, you will to complete a course load heavy in science, including anatomy, chemistry, physics, biology, as well as statistics and mathematics. Completing these courses will be necessary in order to be accepted to a master’s program. As a graduate student in physical therapy, you will study more anatomy and biology, neuroscience, biomechanics, exercise physiology, pharmacology, as well as behavioral science courses. Clinic-based classes will also be integral, including medical screening, therapeutic interventions, and diagnostic process. Most masters programs will be two years in length, and doctoral programs in physical therapy are usually three years. Licensure Be sure that the undergraduate or graduate educational program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This commission is affiliated with the American Physical Therapy Association. They accredit both entry-level academic programs as well as some graduate programs. Once you graduate from an accredited program, you will also have to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and become licensed in your state. State requirements will vary for licensure. Most require a degree and passing the exam, and some will also require continuing education in order to keep your license. This job can be demanding both physically and mentally, and requires a lot of education in order to be qualified. However, it is one that will enjoy growth and security, and could be emotionally rewarding. It is perfect for those seeking a rewarding health care job that requires advanced education, stamina, and working with motivated people. To learn more about becoming an physical therapist, you can contact schools that offer PT programs. If you are still trying to determine the right career choice, take some time to explore additional careers in health care. Back to the top  Medical physics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedianavigation search This article is about the discipline. For the journal, see Medical Physics (journal). Medical physics (also called biomedical physics, medical biophysics or applied physics in medicine) is, generally speaking, the application of physics concepts, theories and methods to medicine or healthcare. Medical physics departments may be found in hospitals or universities. In the case of hospital work, the term medical physicist is the title of a specific healthcare profession, usually working within a hospital. Medical physicists are often found in the following healthcare specialties: diagnostic and interventional radiology (also known as medical imaging), nuclear medicine, radiation protection and radiation oncology. University departments are of two types. The first type are mainly concerned with preparing students for a career as a hospital medical physicist and research focuses on improving the practice of the profession. A second type (increasingly called 'biomedical physics') has a much wider scope and may include research in any applications of physics to medicine from the study of biomolecular structure to microscopy and nanomedicine. For example, physicist Richard Feynman theorized about the future of nanomedicine. He wrote about the idea of a medical use for biological machines (see nanobiotechnology ). Feynman and Albert Hibbs suggested that certain repair machines might one day be reduced in size to the point that it would be possible to (as Feynman put it) " swallow the doctor ". The idea was discussed in Feynman's 1959 essay There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom. [1]Contents [ hide ]1 Mission statement of medical physicists2 Medical biophysics and biomedical physics3 Areas of specialty3.1 Medical imaging physics3.2 Radiation therapeutic physics3.3 Nuclear medicine physics3.4 Health physics3.5 Non-ionizing Medical Radiation Physics3.6 Physiological measurement3.7 Healthcare informatics and computational physics3.8 Areas of research and academic development4 Legislative and advisory bodies5 References6 External links Mission statement of medical physicists [ edit]In the case of hospital medical physics departments, the mission statement for medical physicists as adopted by the European Federation of Medical Physicists is the following: [2] [3]"Medical Physicists will contribute to maintaining and improving the quality, safety and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services through patient-oriented activities requiring expert action, involvement or advice regarding the specification, selection, acceptance testing, commissioning, quality assurance/control and optimised clinical use of medical devices and regarding patient risks and protection from associated physical agents (e.g., x-rays, electromagnetic fields, laser light, radionuclides) including the prevention of unintended or accidental exposures; all activities will be based on current best evidence or own scientific research when the available evidence is not sufficient. The scope includes risks to volunteers in biomedical research, carers and comforters. The scope often includes risks to workers and public particularly when these impact patient risk"The term "physical agents" refers to ionising and non-ionising electromagnetic radiations, static electric and magnetic fields, ultrasound, laser light and any other Physical Agent associated with medical e.g., x-rays in computerised tomography (CT), gamma rays /radionuclides in nuclear medicine, magnetic fields and radio-frequencies in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound in ultrasound imaging and Doppler measurements. This mission includes the following 11 key activities: Scientific problem solving service: Comprehensive problem solving service involving recognition of less than optimal performance or optimised use of medical devices, identification and elimination of possible causes or misuse, and confirmation that proposed solutions have restored device performance and use to acceptable status. All activities are to be based on current best scientific evidence or own research when the available evidence is not sufficient. Dosimetry measurements: Measurement of doses suffered by patients, volunteers in biomedical research, carers, comforters and persons subjected to non-medical imaging exposures (e.g., for legal or employment purposes); selection, calibration and maintenance of dosimetry related instrumentation; independent checking of dose related quantities provided by dose reporting devices (including software devices); measurement of dose related quantities required as inputs to dose reporting or estimating devices (including software). Measurements to be based on current recommended techniques and protocols. Includes dosimetry of all physical agents. Patient safety/risk management (including volunteers in biomedical research, carers, comforters and persons subjected to non-medical imaging exposures. Surveillance of medical devices and evaluation of clinical protocols to ensure the ongoing protection of patients, volunteers in biomedical research, carers, comforters and persons subjected to non-medical imaging exposures from the deleterious effects of physical agents in accordance with the latest published evidence or own research when the available evidence is not sufficient. Includes the development of risk assessment protocols. Occupational and public safety/risk management (when there is an impact on medical exposure or own safety). Surveillance of medical devices and evaluation of clinical protocols with respect to protection of workers and public when impacting the exposure of patients, volunteers in biomedical research, carers, comforters and persons subjected to non-medical imaging exposures or responsibility with respect to own safety. Includes the development of risk assessment protocols in conjunction with other experts involved in occupational / public risks. Clinical medical device management: Specification, selection, acceptance testing, commissioning and quality assurance/ control of medical devices in accordance with the latest published European or International recommendations and the management and supervision of associated programmes. Testing to be based on current recommended techniques and protocols. Clinical involvement: Carrying out, participating in and supervising everyday radiation protection and quality control procedures to ensure ongoing effective and optimised use of medical radiological devices and including patient specific optimization. Development of service quality and cost-effectiveness: Leading the introduction of new medical radiological devices into clinical service, the introduction of new medical physics services and participating in the introduction/development of clinical protocols/techniques whilst giving due attention to economic issues. Expert consultancy: Provision of expert advice to outside clients (e.g., clinics with no in-house medical physics expertise). Education of healthcare professionals (including medical physics trainees: Contributing to quality healthcare professional education through knowledge transfer activities concerning the technical-scientific knowledge, skills and competences supporting the clinically effective, safe, evidence-based and economical use of medical radiological devices. Participation in the education of medical physics students and organisation of medical physics residency programmes. Health technology assessment (HTA): Taking responsibility for the physics component of health technology assessments related to medical radiological devices and /or the medical uses of radioactive substances/sources. Innovation: Developing new or modifying existing devices (including software) and protocols for the solution of hitherto unresolved clinical problems. Medical biophysics and biomedical physics [ edit]Some education institutions house departments or programs bearing the title "medical biophysics" or "biomedical physics" or "applied physics in medicine". Generally, these fall into one of two categories: interdisciplinary departments that house biophysics, radiobiology, and medical physics under a single umbrella; [4] [5] [6] and undergraduate programs that prepare students for further study in medical physics, biophysics, or medicine. [7] [8]Areas of specialty [ edit]The International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) recognizes main areas of medical physics employment and focus. [9] [10] These are: Medical imaging physics [ edit]Para-sagittal MRI of the head in a patient with benign familial macrocephaly. Medical imaging physics is also known as diagnostic and interventional radiology physics. Clinical (both "in-house" and "consulting") physicists [11] typically deal with areas of testing, optimization, and quality assurance of diagnostic radiology physics areas such as radiographic X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, angiography, and computed tomography, as well as non-ionizing radiation modalities such as ultrasound, and MRI. They may also be engaged with radiation protection issues such as dosimetry (for staff and patients). In addition, many imaging physicists are often also involved with nuclear medicine systems, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Sometimes, imaging physicists may be engaged in clinical areas, but for research and teaching purposes, [12] such as quantifying intravascular ultrasound as a possible method of imaging a particular vascular object. Radiation therapeutic physics [ edit]Radiation therapeutic physics is also known as radiotherapy physics or radiation oncology physics. The majority of medical physicists currently working in the US, Canada, and some western countries are of this group. A radiation therapy physicist typically deals with linear accelerator (Linac) systems and kilovoltage x-ray treatment units on a daily basis, as well as other modalities such as Tomo Therapy, gamma knife, cyberknife, proton therapy, and brachytherapy. [13] [14] [15] The academic and research side of therapeutic physics may encompass fields such as boron neutron capture therapy, sealed source radiotherapy, terahertz radiation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (including lithotripsy ), optical radiation lasers, ultraviolet etc. including photodynamic therapy, as well as nuclear medicine including unsealed source radiotherapy, and photomedicine, which is the use of light to treat and diagnose disease. Nuclear medicine physics [ edit]Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine that uses radiation to provide information about the functioning of a person's specific organs or to treat disease. The thyroid, bones, heart, liver and many other organs can be easily imaged, and disorders in their function revealed. In some cases radiation sources can be used to treat diseased organs, or tumours. Five Nobel laureates have been intimately involved with the use of radioactive tracers in medicine. Over 10,000 hospitals worldwide use radioisotopes in medicine, and about 90% of the procedures are for diagnosis. The most common radioisotope used in diagnosis is technetium-99m, with some 30 million procedures per year, accounting for 80% of all nuclear medicine procedures worldwide. [16]Health physics [ edit]Health physics is also known as radiation safety or radiation protection. Health physics is the applied physics of radiation protection for health and health care purposes. It is the science concerned with the recognition, evaluation, and control of health hazards to permit the safe use and application of ionizing radiation. Health physics professionals promote excellence in the science and practice of radiation protection and safety. Background radiation Radiation protection Dosimetry Health physics Radiological protection of patients Non-ionizing Medical Radiation Physics [ edit]Some aspects of non-ionising radiation physics may be considered under radiation protection or diagnostic imaging physics. Imaging modalities include MRI, optical imaging and ultrasound. Safety considerations include these areas and lasers Lasers and applications in medicine Physiological measurement [ edit]Physiological measurements have also been used to monitor and measure various physiological parameters. Many physiological measurement techniques are non-invasive and can be used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, other invasive methods. Measurement methods include electrocardiography Many of these areas may be covered by other specialities, for example medical engineering or vascular science. [17]Healthcare informatics and computational physics [ edit]Other closely related fields to medical physics include fields which deal with medical data, information technology and computer science for medicine. Information and communication in medicine Medical informatics Image processing, display and visualization Computer-aided diagnosis Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS)Standards: DICOM, ISO, IHEHospital information systemse-Health Telemedicine Digital operating room Workflow, patient-specific modeling Medicine on the Internet of Things Distant monitoring and telehomecare Areas of research and academic development [ edit]ECG trace Non-clinical physicists may or may not focus on the above areas from an academic and research point of view, but their scope of specialization may also encompass lasers and ultraviolet systems (such as photodynamic therapy ), f MRI and other methods for functional imaging as well as molecular imaging, electrical impedance tomography, diffuse optical imaging, optical coherence tomography, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Legislative and advisory bodies [ edit]ICRU: International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements ICRP: International Commission on Radiological Protection NCRP: National Council on Radiation Protection & Measurements NRC: Nuclear Regulatory Commission FDA: Food and Drug Administration IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency References [ edit]^ Richard P. Feynman (December 1959). "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom". Retrieved March 2010. Check date values in: |access-date= ( help)^ Guibelalde E., Christofides S., Caruana C. J., Evans S. van der Putten W. (2012). Guidelines on the Medical Physics Expert' a project funded by the European Commission^ Caruana C. J., Christofides S., Hartmann G. H. (2014) European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) Policy Statement 12.1: Recommendations on Medical Physics Education and Training in Europe 2014 Physica Medica - European Journal of Medical Physics, 30:6, p598-603^ "Department of Medical Biophysics". utoronto.ca.^ "Medical Biophysics - Western University". uwo.ca. Archived from the original on 2013-07-03.^ UCLA Biomedical Physics Graduate Program^ "Welcome". wayne.edu.^ "Medical Physics". fresnostate.edu.^ "Medical Physics". International Organization for Medical Physics. Retrieved 21 October 2017.^ "AAPM Position Statements, Policies and Procedures - Details". aapm.org.^ "AAPM - What do Medical Physicists Do?". aapm.org.^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-11-13. Retrieved 2013-11-13.^ Hill R, Healy B, Holloway L, Kuncic Z, Thwaites D, Baldock C (2014). "Advances in kilovoltage x-ray beam dosimetry". Physics in Medicine and Biology. 59 (6): R183–231. Bibcode: 2014PMB....59R.183H. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/59/6/R183. PMID 24584183.^ Thwaites DI, Tuohy JB (2006). "Back to the future: the history and development of the clinical linear accelerator". Physics in Medicine and Biology. 51 (13): R343–62. Bibcode: 2006PMB....51R.343T. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/51/13/R20. PMID 16790912.^ Mackie, T R (2006). "The history of tomotherapy". Physics in Medicine and Biology. 51 (13): R427–53. Bibcode: 2006PMB....51R.427M. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/51/13/R24. PMID 16790916.^ "Radioisotopes in Medicine". World Nuclear Association. October 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.^ "Vascular science". NHS Health Careers. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2017. External links [ edit]Wikimedia Commons has media related to Medical physics. Human Health Campus, The official website of the International Atomic Energy Agency dedicated to Professionals in Radiation Medicine. This site is managed by the Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications Canadian Organization of Medical Physicist - Organisation canadienne des physiciens médicaux The American Association of Physicists in Medicine Romanian College of Medical Physicistsmedicalphysicsweb.org from the Institute of Physics AIP Medical Physics portal Institute of Physics & Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) - UKEuropean Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (EFOMP)International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) [ hide]v t e Branches of physics Divisions Applied Experimental Theoretical Energy Motion Thermodynamics Mechanics Classical Ballistics Lagrangian Hamiltonian Continuum Celestial Statistical Solid Fluid Quantum Waves Fields Gravitation Electromagnetism Optics Geometrical Physical Nonlinear Quantum Quantum field theory Relativity Special General By speciality Accelerator Acoustics Astrophysics Nuclear Stellar Heliophysics Solar Space Astroparticle Atomic–molecular–optical (AMO) Communication Computational Condensed matter Mesoscopic Solid-state Soft Digital Engineering Material Mathematical Molecular Nuclear Particle Phenomenology Plasma Polymer Statistical Physics in life science Biophysics Virophysics Biomechanics Medical physics Cardiophysics Health physics Laser medicine Medical imaging Nuclear medicine Neurophysics Psychophysics Physics with other sciences Agrophysics Soil Atmospheric Cloud Chemical Econophysics Geophysics Physical chemistry Authority control GND: 4130758-6Categories: Applied and interdisciplinary physics Medical physics Radiation therapy  Fibromyalgia and Physical Therapy Fibromyalgia and Physical Therapy In this Article What Is Physical Therapy? How Can a Physical Therapist Help my Fibromyalgia? How Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain? Why Does a Physical Therapist Use Hydrotherapy? What Other Tools Does a Physical Therapist Use for Fibromyalgia? How Can I Find a Licensed Physical Therapist? According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists teach self-management skills to people with all types of conditions, including fibromyalgia. Physical therapists can show people with fibromyalgia how to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness in everyday life. These health care professionals teach people with fibromyalgia how to build strength and improve their range of motion. They show them ways to get relief from deep muscle pain. And they can help people with fibromyalgia learn how to make sensible decisions about daily activities that will help prevent painful flare-ups. What Is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy focuses on the treatment, healing, and prevention of injuries or disabilities. Regular physical therapy programs may help you regain control of your fibromyalgia as you focus on lifestyle changes rather than on the chronic problems of pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Proper posture, which your physical therapist will help you with, allows efficient muscle function. That results in your being able to avoid undue fatigue and pain. In addition, the therapist may use slow stretching exercises to help you improve muscle flexibility. Relaxation exercises that the therapist will show you can help reduce muscle tension. Continue Reading Belowyou might like How Can a Physical Therapist Help my Fibromyalgia? A licensed physical therapist has a background in anatomy and kinesiology -- the study of movement. If you have fibromyalgia, this allows the therapist to develop specific stretching and strengthening programs to meet your individual needs. Physical therapists work with all types of patients -- from infants to adults. They provide health services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Working one-on-one with people, physical therapists help restore overall fitness and health. How Can Physical Therapy Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain? While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, physical therapy may help ease the symptoms of pain. It can also help reduce stiffness and fatigue. In addition to exercise, physical therapists use a wide range of resources -- from deep tissue massage to ice and heat packs for hydrotherapy. With these tools, physical therapists can help people with fibromyalgia use their muscles, stretch for flexibility, and move their joints through range-of-motion exercises.1 2 3 View All Next Article Finding the Right Doctor Fibromyalgia Guide Overview & Facts Symptoms & Signs Treatment & Care Living With Fibromyalgia  What is physiatrist and what do they do? Dr. Steven Reidbord Psychiatry2 doctors agree In brief: Medical rehab expert Physiatry is a lesser-known specialty of medicine that focuses onphysical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in this area. See this website for more info: http://www. Aapmr. Org/patients/aboutpmr/pages/physiatrist. Aspx. Thank  Physical Therapists Orthopedics Physical Therapy Physical Therapists By Laura Inverarity, DOUpdated January 15, 2018Share Pin Email Print Fuse/Getty Images Physical therapists are licensed professionals who work with people that have sustained disabilities, impairments, or limitations in their overall physical function and mobility. These deviations can be the result of disease, injury, or illness. Physical therapists may also work with people to help them prevent injuries. How Do Physical Therapists Help People Regain Mobility? Physical therapists examine, evaluate, diagnose, develop treatment plans, and provide a prognosis for each patient on an individual basis. They use therapeutic modalities such as exercise, joint mobilizations, hot packs, ice packs, and electrical stimulation to help restore your mobility and decrease pain with the goal of helping you return to your prior functional level. Physical therapists evaluate and assess various impairments that occur after injury or illness. These impairments may include: Strength Balance Range of motion (ROM)Coordination Posture Endurance From the initial examination, your physical therapist then develops a treatment plan specific to correcting the pertinent physical findings. Your individual treatment plan is geared toward reaching specific rehabilitation goals that are set by you and your physical therapist. Rehabilitation strategies often involve specific exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles as well as to improve posture, balance, and endurance. Physical modalities including heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation are also incorporated into most treatment sessions. Traction machines and massage are two other valuable techniques for functional improvement and pain reduction. Assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers are often used to increase patient independence with walking. Over the course of your rehabilitation program, physical therapists document progress, re-evaluate physical findings, and modify treatment strategies as appropriate. They often work as a team with a variety of other professionals including physicians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and recreational therapists all with the same goal of reaching maximal patient functional independence. Where do Physical Therapists Work? Physical therapists work in a variety of different settings. These may include: Hospitals Schools Nursing homes Sports medicine and athletic facilities Outpatient clinics In your home Rehabilitation facilities Whenever you have a physical limitation that deviates from your normal function, you may benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist to help you regain your independence. Physical Therapist Education In the United States, your physical therapists are educated at colleges and universities accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). In the past, your physical therapist was required to have a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Currently, a master's degree is necessary to become a physical therapist, and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is currently encouraging all physical therapists to achieve a clinical doctorate degree in physical therapy, called a DPT. Therefore, many schools offer the DPT degree for their physical therapy students. Even if your PT does not have a doctorate level degree, he or she is still qualified to provide your rehab services. The APTA allows therapists who received their degree prior to the new requirements to continue to practice. And remember, physical therapists are required to further their professional education through ongoing learning in continuing education classes. Treatment Across the Life Span Many people wonder if they are able to benefit from the services of a physical therapist. Who do PTs normally treat? Physical therapists are qualified to evaluate and treat all people across the lifespan. Specific populations that physical therapists work with include: Pediatrics from birth through age 12Teenagers Adults Athletes Geriatric and older adults If you have any condition that prevents you from enjoying full, pain-free mobility, you should find a physical therapist who can assess your situation and determine if you will benefit from PT. Your physical therapist is a healthcare specialist who is trained to help you move better and feel better after an injury or illness or as part of an injury prevention program. If you are having difficulty with functional mobility, visit your PT to learn how you can return to optimal activity quickly and safely. Edited by Brett Sears, PT.  . What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon? Sports Medicine physicians specialize in the complete health care of athletes. Orthopedic Surgeons specialize in the operative treatment of injuries. Both are trained in the care of musculoskeletal problems. Approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. When surgery is necessary, the Sports Medicine physician can expedite referral to the Orthopedic Surgeon. More patients are referred to Dr. Silberman by orthopedic surgeons, than Dr. Silberman refers to orthopedic surgeons. Sports Medicine physicians are additionally trained in the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports health. Common examples include: concussions, exercise-induced asthma, overtraining and fatigue, return to play issues after being sick or injured, nutrition, training and conditioning. To become a Sports Medicine Physician, one must complete a residency in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, or Pediatrics and then a Fellowship of 1 to 2 years of training specifically focused on Sports Medicine - the comprehensive care of the athlete's orthopedic, medical, nutritional, and psychosocial needs. The Sports Medicine physician's training is spent primarily in the office, in the training room, on the field, at mass participation events, and in human performance labs. The Orthopedic Surgeon's training is primarily spent in the operating room, emergency room, and hospital. An Orthopedic Surgeon may do a surgical sports medicine fellowship focused on gaining additional surgical skills in shoulder and knee arthroscopic surgery. Most orthopedic surgeons are not trained in MSK Ultrasound, an invaluable tool for the sports medicine physician, enabling sports medicine physicians rapid in office diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and ensuring accurate needle placement for injections. Sports Medicine Physicians are also ideal doctors for the non-athlete as well - for those who wish to begin an exercise program, for the "weekend warrior", for the "industrial athlete", for workman's comp, for motor vehicle accidents, for the older wise individual, for any individual who has sustained an injury, experiences musculoskeletal pain, or is looking to improve their overall health. You may come across physicians called Physiatrists who claim to practice sports medicine. Physiatrists are a cross between psychiatry, orthopedics, and neurology. They are rehabilitation medicine physicians. They are specialists in caring for stroke victims, those with spinal cord injuries, disabilities, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries. They sometime specialize in pain medicine and perform epidurals. They sometimes specialize in performing EMGs or nerve conduction tests. A physiatrist or physician trained in rehabilitative medicine can not sit for the board examination in sports medicine. The sports medicine board certification program is jointly developed by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). To ensure you are receiving the highest standard of care make sure the sports medicine physician you are seeing: 1. Completed a minimum of one year in an ACGME accredited Sports Medicine fellowship program, associated with an ACGME accredited residency in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatrics, and 2. Are board certified and passed the Sports Medicine Board certification examination.  Specialty Care Physicians and Pain Management Skip to: Spine Surgeons—Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons Physiatrist (MD or DO)Anesthesiologist (MD or DO)Neurologist (MD or DO)Rheumatologist (MD or DO)Watch Back Surgery Videos Spine Surgeons - Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons perform the overwhelming majority of spine surgery and frequently extend their general Orthopedic or Neurosurgical training by participating in a spine fellowship. These spine fellowships accept a select group of physicians who have completed four to seven years of a surgical residency and are either board certified or board eligible in their respective specialties and provide additional training in performing spine surgery. Orthopedic Surgeon (MD or DO) - Orthopedic surgeons are either Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who have completed a five-year residency focused on the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders, arthritis, sports injuries, trauma, and fractures. Neurosurgeon (MD or DO) - Neurosurgeons are Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine who complete a five or six-year residency that focuses on the surgical treatment of patients with neurological conditions. Neurosurgeons are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, intracranial and intraspinal vasculature. Article continues below In This Article: Specialists Who Treat Back Pain Primary Care Providers Specialty Care Physicians and Pain Management Therapists Both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons complete training to do most types of spine surgery. There are only a few instances in which one specialty tends to be better trained for specific conditions: e.g. orthopedic surgeons do spine deformity surgery (e.g. scoliosis) and neurosurgeons do surgery for intradural (inside the thecal sac) tumors. Article continues below In recent years, spine surgery has become increasingly specialized within the orthopedic and neurosurgical professions, and often a surgeon will focus a majority of his or her practice on spinal surgery. It is thought that the increasing level of specialization and focus on the spine has contributed to enhancements in surgical technique, which in turn has led to overall improved success rates and reduced morbidity (e.g. reduced post-operative discomfort, faster healing time). See Orthopedic Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon for Spine Surgery Physiatrist (MD or DO) - A physiatrist is a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (also called PM&R physicians). Essentially, physiatrists specialize in a wide variety of conservative treatments for the musculoskeletal system and do not perform surgery. Physiatry for Back Pain Video Physiatrists complete four years of graduate medical education and four additional years of residency training. Residency training includes one year spent developing fundamental clinical skills and three additional years of training in the full scope of the specialty. Many physiatrists choose to pursue additional advanced degrees (MS, Ph D) or complete fellowship training in a specific area of the specialty, such as spine medicine/musculoskeletal rehabilitation. To become board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physiatrists are required to pass both a written and oral examination administered by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPM&R). The ABPM&R also has agreements with each of the boards of pediatrics, internal medicine, and neurology to allow special training programs leading to certification in both specialties. Physiatrists diagnose and treat both acute pain and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. They can order and interpret all types of spine imaging (X-ray, CT myelogram, MRI, bone scan) and perform specialized nerve tests (EMG, NEV, SSEP) to help assess the location and severity of nerve damage. They commonly treat patients with any kind of back pain or neck pain, work or sports-related injuries, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, arthritis, tendonitis, spinal cord injuries. Typical treatments may include: Active physical therapy (e.g. exercise, stretching)Passive physical therapy (e.g. heat/ice, TENS units)Prescription medications Massage therapy Some perform interventional medicine (e.g. epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks, IDETPhysiatrists have varying degrees of specialization and may practice in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practice, and often practice as part of integrated spine centers. They focus on keeping individuals as functional as possible and work to coordinate the patient's care. Anesthesiologist (MD or DO) - Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery. After completing four years of medical school, they enter a four-year anesthesiology residency training program. Fellowships in an anesthesia subspecialty and in education or research may also be taken for an additional year. While anesthesiologists have been known primarily as physicians who administer anesthesia during surgery, they also provide medical care and consultations in other situations in addition to the operating room. The anesthesiologist's role may be a perioperative ("peri-" meaning "all-around") who provides medical care to each patient throughout his or her surgical experience. This may include medical evaluation before surgery, consulting with the surgical team, providing pain control and support of life functions during surgery, and supervising care after surgery and medically discharging the patient from the recovery unit. Anesthesiologists as part of the spine team frequently diagnose and treat patients suffering from acute and chronic pain syndromes. Some anesthesiologists complete Pain Fellowships and concentrate their practice on doing injections (such as epidural steroid injections ). They may practice in a variety of settings, such as a Pain management clinic or an integrated spine care center. Typically, other medical practitioners (primary care or specialists) refer patients to them. Neurologist (MD or DO) - A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles (such as strokes, epilepsy, headaches, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and various forms of pain). Neurologists may serve as a consultant to other physicians as well as providing long-term care to patients with chronic neurological disorders. Neurologists are trained to perform a detailed examination of all the important neurological structures in the body. This includes the nerves of the head and neck, the muscular strength and movement, sensation, balance testing, ambulation, and reflex testing. Importantly, an examination by a neurologist can be helpful in distinguishing a primary neurological problem (e.g. multiple sclerosis) from a musculoskeletal disorder. Neurologists rely on the clinical examination along with certain other commonly used tests (such as CAT Scans and MRI/MRA scans). These tests can provide detailed anatomic pictures of the brain, spinal structures and the blood vessels. A neurologist can also perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to obtain the cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. Some neurologists interpret EEG (electroencephalography) used in the evaluation of seizure disorders, or perform EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve conduction velocity testing) which is used to diagnose nerve and muscle problems. Neurologists use many forms of medication to treat problems involving the nervous system. They may send patients to other specialists for some forms of treatment. A neurologist may refer a patient to a surgeon for a surgical evaluation, but does not perform surgery. Rheumatologist (MD or DO) - A Rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases (involving joints, muscles and bones). After four years of medical school and three years of training in either internal medicine or pediatrics, rheumatologists complete two to three years in specialized rheumatology training. Most rheumatologists who treat patients become board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat a wide variety of chronic musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal pain disorders, fibromyalgia, certain autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and tendonitis. Many types of rheumatic diseases are difficult to identify, and rheumatologists are trained to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal disorders so that appropriate treatment can begin early. Rheumatologist sometimes act as a consultant to advise another physician about a specific diagnosis and treatment plan, and sometimes leads the patient's treatment and may include a team approach to treatment involving as physical therapists, psychologists, or other specialists. See When to Seek Medical Care for Low Back Pain Find an integrated clinic at the Spine-health Spine Center Directory. Next Page: Therapists Pages:1 2 3 4  An Overview of Physical Therapy Orthopedics Physical Therapy An Overview of Physical Therapy By Brett Sears, PT | Reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MDUpdated February 05, 2018Share Pin Email Printgradyreese/istock Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that includes the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of individuals with limitations in functional mobility. Physical therapy services are provided by physical therapists, who are professionals licensed by the state in which they work. Physical therapists (or PTs, as they are commonly called) are required to have a master's degree or a clinical doctorate degree from an accredited institution and must sit for a licensing exam to practice. They are trained to assess your condition and help you regain maximal functional mobility and independence. Physical therapists use a variety of treatment modalities and techniques to help you move better and feel better; treatment is very personalized. Choosing physical therapy has been shown to help you recover quickly and safely, and it can save you money due to decreased overall healthcare costs. Do I Need Physical Therapy? How do you know if you require the skilled services of a physical therapist? If you have an injury or illness that results in pain, physical impairment, or limited normal movement/loss of function, a physical therapist can help. Physical therapists treat people across the entire lifespan. Many PTs specialize in treating a certain population, like children, the elderly, or athletes. Regardless of age, if you have impaired mobility, a physical therapy evaluation may be warranted to offer treatment and a strategy to improve function. Some common problems that physical therapists evaluate and treat include: Stroke Fractures Spinal cord injury Carpal tunnel syndrome Sports injuries Amputations Arthritis Know, however, that physical therapists can treat many other problems besides the ones listed. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you feel you may benefit from this treatment. When an injury or illness occurs that limits your ability to move about safely or normally, a referral to a physical therapist may be made. Physical therapists work closely with patients, doctors, and family members to ensure safe and rapid return to maximal function. Physical therapists can also help you prevent injury or loss of functional mobility. Your PT can analyze your movements before you are injured and offer strategies to help keep you healthy and moving well. Some physical therapists work with athletes to help keep them on the playing field and out of the rehab clinic, for example. Where Will I Get My Physical Therapy? Physical therapists work in a variety of different settings. Anywhere you may encounter a person who may be having difficulty with normal mobility is where you may find a physical therapist, including: In the hospital In nursing homes In outpatient clinics With sports teams In schools (many state laws require that children receive services in the setting that is most familiar to them and/or that allows them to stay on track with their peers)In your home (if you are unable to leave due to illness or injury)In cardiac rehab centers Preparing for Physical Therapy When you are preparing for physical therapy, there are a few things you can do to ensure you have a positive experience. First, ask questions before choosing a physical therapist. Some PTs are clinical specialists; finding one who specializes in treating your specific problem can help. You should ask about insurance coverage, a cancellation or no-show policy, and what you should wear to your PT appointment. Your physical therapist should work with you to set specific goals, so be prepared to tell your physical therapist exactly what you hope to achieve during therapy. If you don't understand a specific treatment that is occurring during your PT sessions, ask. Your relationship with your physical therapist should feel like a therapeutic alliance, with both of you working together to achieve specific goals. Evaluation By a Physical Therapist When you first visit a physical therapist, he or she will evaluate and assess your overall condition. He or she may take specific measurements to gather information about your illness or injury. Impairments typically measured may include: Strength Range of motion Flexibility Balance Joint mobility Neurological function Pain Cardiac function Pulmonary function Overall functional mobility After gathering information about your injury or illness, your PT will make a prognosis of your condition and can offer strategies to help you move better and feel better. He or she will discuss your goals for physical therapy and work with you to develop a treatment plan for your rehab. What Happens During Physical Therapy Treatments? Physical therapists use many different techniques to help you decrease pain and stiffness, improve motion and strength, and improve mobility. Physical agents such as heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be used. Manual techniques are often used to help improve mobility. Therapeutic exercise is often used by physical therapists to help people gain range of motion, increase strength, and improve function. Patient education about a condition or illness is paramount to the practice of physical therapy, and therapists may use charts, models, and diagrams to help you understand your diagnosis and prognosis. You may also be given modifications to make or exercises to do at home. A Word From Verywell It's natural to feel some anxiety when first going to physical therapy. What will happen? Will therapy hurt? These feelings typically quickly go away once you meet your physical therapist and get working on your rehab goals. By understanding what your physical therapist can do to help you, you can have realistic expectations about your rehab and a positive outcome with your physical therapy experience. Source: Guide to Physical Therapist Practice 3.0. Alexandria, VA: American Physical Therapy Association; 2014. Available at: http://guidetoptpractice.apta.org/.  Sports medicine Sports medicine From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedianavigation search Sports medicine Orthopaedics is a large part of sports medicine, and knee injuries a common theme. Here a subject is having the anterior-posterior laxity of his knee tested.. System Musculoskeletal, Cardiovascular Focus Sportsespecially athletics Significant diseases Trauma Muscle strain Sports injuries Significant tests Musculoskeletal tests Specialist Sports physician Sports medicine, also known as sport and exercise medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. Although most sports teams have employed team physicians for many years, it is only since the late 20th century that sports medicine has emerged as a distinct field of health care. Contents [ hide ]1 Scope1.1 Exercise medicine1.2 Public health1.3 Common sports injuries2 History3 Organizations4 See also5 References6 Further reading Scope [ edit]This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2018) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Sport and exercise medicine doctors are specialist physicians who have completed medical school, appropriate residency training and then specialize further in sports medicine or 'sports and exercise medicine' (the preferred term). Specialization in sports medicine may be a doctor's first specialty (as in Australia, Netherlands, Norway, Italy). It may also be a sub-specialty or second specialisation following a specialisation such as physiatry or orthopedic surgery. The various approaches reflect the medical culture in different countries. Specializing in the treatment of athletes and other physically active individuals, sports and exercise medicine physicians have extensive education in musculoskeletal medicine. SEM doctors treat injuries such as muscle, ligament, tendon and bone problems, but may also treat chronic illnesses that can affect physical performance, such as asthma and diabetes. SEM doctors also advise on managing and preventing injuries. SEM consultants also deliver clinical physical activity interventions, negating the burden of disease directly attributable to physical inactivity and the compelling evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of disease. Exercise medicine [ edit]The Foresight Report [1] issued by the UK's Government Office for Science, 17 October 2007, highlighted the unsustainable health and economic costs of a nation that continues to be largely sedentary. It forecasts that the incremental costs of this inactivity will be $10 billion per year by 2050 and the wider costs to society and businesses $49.9billion. Physical inactivity inevitably leads to ill-health and it forecasts the cost of paying for this impact will be unsustainable in the future. No existing group of medical specialists is equipped with the skills and training to deal with this challenge. Public health [ edit]SEM physicians are frequently involved in promoting the therapeutic benefits of physical activity, exercise and sport for the individuals and communities. SEM Physicians in the UK spend a period of their training in public health, and advise public health physicians on matters relating to physical activity promotion. An example of published work includes the Royal College of Physicians publications. Common sports injuries [ edit]Main article: Sports injury Concussion – caused by severe head injury where the brain moves violently within the skull so that brain cells all fire at once, much like a seizure Muscle cramps – a sudden tight, intense pain caused by a muscle locked in spasm. Muscle cramps are also recognized as an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax ACL sprains – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament involved in knee stabilization. An ACL rupture can occur when the foot is planted and the knee twists to change direction. ACL tears – The anterior cruciate ligament; one of four major knee ligament necessary for comfortable knee movement, tears, causing major pain and causes the knee to "give out". The knee ACL can tear for a number of reasons. Ankle sprain – The ligaments that hold the ankle bones in place can easily be overstretched. Shin splints – The tissue that attaches the muscles of the lower leg to the shin bone may be pulling away from the bone, or it may be inflamed from overuse. [2]Muscle strains – tears in muscle that cause pain and or loss of function History [ edit]In recent years Western society has increasingly recognized the dangers of physical inactivity, and significant efforts have been made within the public health community to encourage the nation to become more physically active. To reflect this paradigm shift BASM has renamed itself BASEM (British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine) and the speciality itself has rebranded from Sports Medicine to Sport & Exercise Medicine. [3] Since 2007 several deaneries across the UK have established training programmes in SEM, and recurrent funding for 50 National Training Numbers (NTN's) is available. Organizations [ edit]American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Founded in 1954, the American College of Sports Medicine is the largest and most prominent sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. ACSM has more than 45,000 International, National and Regional Chapter members. [4]American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine is a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication, and fellowship. Founded in 1972, AOSSM is an international organization of orthopaedic surgeons and other allied health professionals dedicated to sports medicine. Essentially every professional and collegiate team has a team physician who is a member of the AOSSM. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) AMSSM is a multi-disciplinary organization of sports medicine physicians dedicated to education, research, advocacy and the care of athletes of all ages. The majority of AMSSM members are primary care physicians with fellowship training and added qualification in sports medicine who then combine their practice of sports medicine with their primary specialty. AMSSM includes members who specialize solely in non-surgical sports medicine and serve as team physicians at the youth level, NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NHL, as well as with Olympic teams. By nature of their training and experience, sports medicine physicians are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams or active individuals who are simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Founded in 1950, the mission of the National Athletic Trainers Association is to enhance the quality of health care provided by certified athletic trainers and to advance the athletic training profession. Canadian Athletic Therapists' Association (CATA) Founded in 1965. [5] The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) is an organization devoted to the comprehensive health care of an individual at any level of physical ability by Certified Athletic Therapists. American Medical Association (AMA) The American Medical Association recognized Athletic Training (AT) as an allied health profession in 1990. [6]International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) The ISAKOS - International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine is an international society with over 4,000 surgeons members, dedicated to advancing of education, research and patient care in arthroscopy, knee surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine around the world. International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) The International Association for Dance Medicine & Science was formed in 1990 by an international group of dance medicine practitioners, dance educators, dance scientists, and dancers. Membership is drawn equally from the medical and dance professions, and has grown from an initial 48 members in 1991 to over 900 members at present worldwide, representing 35 countries. See also [ edit]Athletic trainer Canadian Athletic Therapists Association Exercise Exercise physiology Ice bath Nutrition Overtraining Dan Tunstall Pedoe Physical fitness Physical therapy Physiatry Sports chiropractic Sports injuries Sports nutrition Sports science Sports training Augustus Thorndike Tommy John surgery Ventricular hypertrophy References [ edit]Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sports medicine.^ Government Office for Science – GOV. UK. Foresight.gov.uk. Retrieved on 2016-10-06.^ Common Sports Injuries. Union Memorial Hospital^ Health through sport and exercise. Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine.^ "Why ACSM?". American College of Sports Medicine. Retrieved 19 September 2013.^ De Conde, C. (1990). The CATA – A Historical Perspective. The Journal of the Canadian Athletic Therapists' Association, 6–10.^ "Athletic Trainers". Explore Health Careers. Retrieved 20 September 2013. Further reading [ edit]Lois Reynolds; Tilli Tansey, eds. (2009), The Development of Sports Medicine in Twentieth-century Britain, Wellcome Witnesses to Contemporary Medicine, History of Modern Biomedicine Research Group, ISBN 978-0-85484-121-9 , Wikidata Q29581766 [ show]v t e Sport [ show]v t e Medicine Authority control GND: 4056405-8 NDL: 00574004Categories: Sports medicine Orthopedic surgical procedures  . Consider a Career in Medical Physics Tools: Text Smaller Text Larger Print Who are Medical Physicists? Medical physicists are health care professionals with specialized training in the medical applications of physics. They are scientists with graduate training in physics (M. Sc. or Ph. D.) and membership in the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM). Their work involves the use of radioisotopes, x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields in diagnosis and therapy. Most medical physicists work in hospital diagnostic imaging departments, cancer treatment facilities, or hospital-based research establishments. Others work in universities, government, and industry. What do Medical Physicists do? Medical physics is divided into two main areas: radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy radiation in the treatment of cancer. The roles of a medical physicist in radiation therapy include treatment planning and radiotherapy machine design, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting. Diagnostic Imaging Diagnostic imaging physicists are involved in the uses of x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and nuclear medicine for imaging patients. The roles of a medical physicist in diagnostic imaging include machine purchasing and installation, testing, quality control, and operation. Medical physicists in both radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging are often involved in research and teaching. Medical physicists play a central role in such areas as the construction of radiotherapy treatment equipment and the development of new imaging techniques. Most medical physicists are affiliated with universities and teach in graduate and undergraduate medical physics and physics programs. Professional Status Canadian medical physicists are members of the the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM). Candidates with suitable educational background and experience become members of the college by passing written examinations. Employment of Medical Physicists in Canada There are approximately 250 medical physicists working in Canada: 75% work in hospitals and hospital-based research establishments, 7% work for government, 8% for industry, and an additional 10% are university faculty who are not hospital-based. The number of medical physics positions has generally increased by about 5-10% per year. How Much Do Medical Physicists Get Paid? The demand for medical physicists has increased greatly in the past few years. This has lead to a rapid increase in salaries. Currently, medical physicists in Manitoba can make up to $125,000 per year. How Do I Become a Medical Physicist? To become a medical physicist you need to first earn a B. Sc. honours degree in physics. After earning a B. Sc., you must complete a graduate degree (M. Sc. or Ph. D.) in Medical Physics. During a graduate degree, students are often supported through an award or grant. One then typically then completes a two year training program (residency) in medical physics, during which the resident rotates through clinical postings. These include external beam dosimetry, treatment planning, brachytherapy and provide practical experience in Radiotherapy Physics. In Manitoba, medical physics residents are paid approximately $50,000 - $66,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. To Learn More About Medical Physics Contact: Dr. Stephen Pistorius Division of Medical Physics Cancer Care Manitoba 675 Mc Dermot Ave Tel 204-787-2211 Email: graduate@cancercare.mb.ca To Learn More About a B. Sc. Degree in Physics Contact: Dr. P. Blunden Department of Physics and Astronomy 301 Allen Building University of Manitoba Tel 204-474-9817 Web site: www.physics.umanitoba.ca See also: the Canadian Organization of Medical Physics  . What is Podiatric Medicine? Podiatric Medicine is the health care specialty that provides comprehensive medical treatment of the foot. What is a Podiatrist? Throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, most people know that a "Podiatrist" is the term for an individual with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D. P. M.) degree. The podiatric physician is a health professional specialist who is involved with examination, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders by the use of physical, medical and surgical means. The term "podiatrist" means the same thing in most of Canada, too, although there is a little less familiarity with the profession since there are no schools that teach podiatric medicine in Canada, and there are currently only a few post-graduate residency training positions here. But the term "podiatrist" can be a little confusing to some because in different countries, and even in some parts of Canada, the term may be misused. More on t his below. What kind of foot and ankle conditions do podiatrists treat? Podiatrists treat virtually any medical abnormality of the foot--including arch pain, heel pain, flat feet, shin splints, sports medicine, bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, nail problems, skin problems, infections, fractures, trauma, corns, calluses, warts, diabetes and complicatedsurgical problems. Many podiatrists have areas of specialization, depending upon their individual interests, specialized training, and expertise. Where do podiatrists work? Most of North America's 16,000 podiatrists work in private practice, though some have group practices with other podiatrists and/or other medical specialties. Most podiatrists have some sort of affiliation with one or more hospitals, and according to a 1998 survey of U. S. hospitals, most hospitals (over 80%) have a podiatrist as part of their medical staff. This is more true in the U. S. where there are a lot more podiatrists than in Canada. W hat kind of training do Podiatrists (D. P. M.'s) have? In order to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, one must attend a university to obtain basic undergraduate science training. This typically takes four years of study, and most graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B. S. or B. Sc.) degree. After undergraduate studies, a prospective podiatrist enters into an additional four-year course of study in podiatric medicine. Like with general medicine, podiatrists study basic medical science, then receive practical training in hospitals all over the country. This training encompasses all areas of medicine, including family practice, surgery, emergency room,anaesthesiology, radiology and so forth, albeit with additional classes and a stronger emphasis on the lower extremity (the foot and leg) than medical doctors receive. The D. P. M. degree is granted at one of eight specialized schools in the United States --in New York City, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, Des Moines, Miami, Phoenix and San Francisco. Some podiatric medical schools offer a dual D. P. M.-Ph. D. degree program, in conjunction with studies at affiliated major universities. Additionally, a program has recently opened up at the University of Quebec's Trois-Rivières campus (in the city of Trois-Rivières, Quebec). This program, affiliated with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, is the first and only school offering the D. P. M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree in Canada, and it is the only program offering the D. P. M. degree program in French. After obtaining the D. P. M. degree, a podiatrist then does a broad-ranging residency program, with an emphasis in various fields of specialization. Specialties within podiatric residency programs include fields as disparate as: foot and ankle surgery, medicine, geriatrics (the elderly), pediatrics (children), sports medicine, the diabetic foot, trauma, and biomechanics (the study of the mechanical function of the body). Podiatric residency programs are found all over the United States, in some of the finest medical institutions in the world, including Harvard University's Cambridge and Deaconness Hospitals, Columbia University's New York-Presbyterian Hospital System, Yale University's DVAMC West Haven Hospital, the University of Chicago hospital system, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and our own facility, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre Hospital / University of British Columbia. This residency process typically takes two to three more years after graduating school with a doctorate (D. P. M.), depending upon the area of specialty. Additionally, many podiatrists pursue fellowship training in a sub-specialty field. So, in total, the typical podiatrist being licensed today has between 10 and 12 years of education after high school. After undergraduate education, graduate education, and residency, fellowship training in a variety of specialized fields (the diabetic foot, biomechanics, specialized surgery) is also available to podiatric physicians. Beyond this, many podiatrists choose to pursue board certification. There are two boards recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association: The American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery . In order to become board certified by one of these organizations, specific areas of training are required, and the podiatrist must pass a strenuous written and oral examinations. For more information about board certification and what it means, please visit our web page onboard certification. Does this training mean that a Podiatrist is the same as an Orthopedic Surgeon? No . First the similarities: An orthopedic surgeon would have taken the same basic undergraduate classes in a university that a podiatrist would have taken. For the most part, these courses are the basic sciences. An orthopedic surgeon would have taken the same test to get admitted to medical school that a podiatrist would have taken. This test is the MCAT, the Medical College Aptitude Test. (This is true in the U. S.. In other nations other tests may be used. )The basic medical training an orthopedic surgeon would have received would be the same length (4 years) that a podiatrist would have received. The content of each groups training would be similar, though podiatrists take some additional courses specifically relating to the podiatric profession. For example, while both groups take gross anatomy, (anatomy of the whole body), podiatrists take an additional anatomy course specifically devoted to the anatomy of the lower extremity. In both cases, the orthopedist and the podiatrist graduate from their respective medical training with a post-graduate medical degree. The residency program for orthopedists and podiatrist both include rotations in most major departments in the hospital--emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, and so forth. Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists may both pursue specialized fellowship programs beyond residency training. Some of these orthopedic programs, (and all podiatric programs), are devoted to the foot. Now some differences: Orthopedists receive a general Medical Doctor degree. This is the same degree your family physician receives. Podiatrists receive a degree more specific to the foot---the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or D. P. M., degree. Although many rotations through the hospital are the same for both groups, orthopedic residencies usually have differences with podiatric residencies. For example, most orthopedic residency programs run 5 years and encompass training in orthopedic conditions throughout the body. For example, orthopedists would receive more training in knee surgery, hip surgery, back surgery, shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, hand surgery, and so forth. This means relatively less time--usually 3 or 4 months during those 5 years--devoted to the foot. In contrast, podiatric programs usually run 2-4 years, with less time devoted to surgery for other parts of the body, and with the majority of the residency time spent specifically to the foot and ankle. Some orthopedists choose to specialize in the foot, and they may (or may not) receive additional training through a fellowship program in this area. These foot fellowship programs typically last 1 year, though some are 6 months in length. However, there is no orthopedic board certification program specifically devoted to the foot. The only board certification available to orthopedists is in general orthopedics. In contrast, podiatric physicians may also pursue additional fellowship training, but because the podiatric profession is already dedicated to the foot, these podiatric fellowship programs are usually in sub-specialties in the foot--in fields such as the diabetic foot, the pediatric foot, biomechanics, foot and ankle surgery, and so forth. Podiatric medicine has board certification in the sub-specialties of foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle orthopedics and primary podiatric medicine. Podiatric radiology, podiatric dermatology, pediatrics, podiatric sports medicine and other sub-specialties offer other types of professional specialty membership programs. While both groups may offer the patient similar treatment options, there may be differences in both the philosophies and treatment plans between orthopedists and podiatrists. Is a Podiatrist the same as a Chiropodist? A U. S.-trained podiatrist is not a chiropodist, no. But in some parts of Canada, the use of these words is a little more confusing than that, and requires some explanation to fully understand it. The term "chiropodist" and the profession of chiropody is British in origin. It has been traditionally used to describe an individual who treats feet in various ways, and up until the 1950's and earlier, there were chiropodists in both the U. S. (where Abraham Lincoln had a chiropodist) and Canada based on that British standard. With the advancements in medicine, however, it gradually became evident in the U. S. that the level of education received by chiropodists was inadequate to allow practitioners to practice in a comprehensive way. Hence, in the 1950's, the profession of chiropody was abandoned in the U. S., and podiatric medicine, with its much lengthier training, developed. This is known as the "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine" standard. Because of these changes, the term "chiropody" or "chiropodist" has not existed in the United States for about 50 years now. So there is little confusion between the terms "chiropodist" and "podiatrist" in the U. S. The situation in parts of Canada is not so clear-cut. Provinces with "Doctors of Podiatric Medicine"While chiropody was being abandoned and podiatric medicine was being born in the United States, Canada was caught somewhat between the influence of its British heritage and the influence of the United States' changing standard. As all the schools of podiatric medicine were (and still are) located in the United States, however, provinces like Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta quickly adopted the U. S.-based podiatric standard. Quebec adopted the U. S. standard sometime later. In these locations, the term "podiatrist" has the same meaning as in the United States. In those provinces where chiropodists of one sort or another continue to practice makes things much more confusing. Chiropodists in Ontario While Ontario also accepted the U. S. standard, and there are quite a few podiatrists practicing in that province, Ontario has also added a new level of chiropody training into the mix. While it had been a 2-year program, current licensing requirements for this group in Ontario involves a 3-year course after high school, leading to a "Diploma of Chiropody". The "Diploma of Chiropody" or "DCh" designation is accepted in Ontario, but is not recognized in other locations. Those with a DCh following their name are known as "chiropodists". They are not called "podiatrists" because that would confuse them with the "Doctors of Podiatric Medicine" who already practice in Ontario. Chiropodists in New Brunswick Chiropodists also practice in New Brunswick. Because there is no podiatric (meaning "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine") organization in the province, these practitioners use the title "podiatrist" even though they have no degree in the field. In fact, some chiropodists who practice there may have as little as a 2-year educational program after high school, yet have begun calling themselves "D. P.", or Doctor of Podiatry. This despite the fact that they have earned no doctorate in podiatric medicine. And this despite the fact that there is no "D. P." degree offered anywhere in the world. British-trained practitioners in Saskatchewan and Manitoba While U. S.-trained podiatrists are licensed in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, too, these provinces are unique in Canada in that they continuing to follow the British standard as the minimum requirement to practice there. Influenced by the success of podiatric medicine in the United States, British educational institutions have, over the years, expanded the curriculum of the foot-care education offered. For years the program offered a 3-year chiropody training program after high school. And to emulate U. S. program, the educational institutions began offering what they termed a "D. Pod. M.", a " diploma in podiatric medicine". This isn't so confusing in places like Britain where there are no DPMs, (Doctors of Podiatric Medicine). But the "D. Pod. M." diploma in podiatric medicine that those trained in Britain have following their name is not the same as a doctorate -level degree that Doctors of Podiatric Medicine have. So in a place like Canada, where Doctors of Podiatric Medicine already existed, the issue of two groups with very different levels of training, yet with very similar sets of letters following their names ("D. Pod. M." versus "D. P. M."), was clearly unnecessarily confusing. Fortunately, the British have updated the educational system since that time. They now offer a degree called a "B. Sc. (Podiatry). This is also true in British Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The overly-confusing "D. Pod. M." diploma is no longer granted, though there are still quite a few practitioners in Britain, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with the the "D. Pod. M." diploma. The B. Sc. (Podiatry) program now offered in Britain, (and in British Commonwealth countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), is similar to the chiropody program in Ontario in that it involves at least a 3-year program following high school. But the B. Sc. (Podiatry) program differs from the Ontario program in that there is an actual degree offered in lieu of the diploma offered in Ontario. The British system also differs from the Ontario system in that some individuals may choose to pursue additional training programs on top of the basic program. This is unavailable to those who follow the DCh path in Ontario. For example, some British-trained individuals may pursue a Masters or Ph. D. in the field. This is certainly an advance in the education of British-trained individuals, and it's certainly a benefit to patients. However, additional training is not required for licensure in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and remains the exception more than the rule in those provinces. What has become confusing is that as the British practitioners adopted the U. S. terminology of using the word "podiatry" in their diploma / bachelor degree name, they also began calling themselves "podiatrists", despite the difference in training with their U. S. counterparts. The practice has carried over to some the provinces where British-trained individuals practice. So while the term "chiropodist" is still used in Britain and Saskatchewan and Manitoba, so, too, is the term "podiatrist", despite the fact that throughout the U. S. and in several provinces the term refers to a doctorate-level of training. In fact, like the chiropodists of New Brunswick, some British-trained individuals even affix the title "Dr." to their names, despite most not having achieved any sort of doctorate in any field whatsoever. Unregulated Provinces Several provinces remain unregulated with regards to the minimum standard of education to practice and the titles those individuals may use. This is true in provinces like Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador and in the territories. In theory, someone in those provinces or territories can practice as he wishes and call himself anything he likes. Differences With These Groups Compared to "Doctors of Podiatric Medicine"As described in more detail at the top of this web page, the D. P. M. or "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine"standard as found in the U. S. and in provinces like British Columbia, requires 10-12 years of education. This includes 4 years of undergraduate university education just to get accepted in the podiatric medical school. (In other words, the prerequisites to even get into the program is longer than the entire chiropody program offered in other locations. )From there the podiatrist undertakes 4 years of doctorate-level, professional, graduate-school education, and a minimum of 2 and up to 4 years of hospital residency training. Fellowship programs and Board Certification may be pursued beyond this. Unlike Ontario-trained practitioners who now have as much as a 3-year diploma, and unlike the British-trained practitioners, the vast majority of whom either have a 3-year diploma (previous requirement) or at least a 3-year bachelor's degree (today's requirement), Doctors of Podiatric Medicine do, in fact, receive a doctorate degree. This is achieved at the end of their first 8 years of training, after which time they are properly called "Doctor". Minimum licensing standards in British Columbia require 2 years of post-graduate residency training after the 8 years of undergraduate and graduate-level schooling, making the minimum training required for licensure here at least 10 years. Board Certification in podiatric medical specialties is an additional step. For more information on Board Certification, please follow our link to that web page. There is no such thing as board certification for either Ontario-trained or British-trained practitioners. With such a difference in training between podiatrists and chiropodists, why are these groups sometimes confused? In most places in Canada, it doesn't happen so much these days, but there are a few reasons the two groups are still sometimes confused. First, the two professions may be confused among people who come from British Commonwealth countries and some Canadian provinces where chiropody still exists. And as both groups treat the foot, people may, somewhat naturally perhaps, confuse the two groups. Second, people in those areas where chiropody has disappeared (like in the U. S. and here in British Columbia) are still old enough to remember their parents or grandparents going to a chiropodist. Finally, what's particularly confusing, is that some provinces allow those with lesser levels of training sometimes go by the term "podiatrist" just as those with the U. S.-level of training do, and that some provinces allow those without even a college degree--but as little as a 2- or 3-year technical diploma--to use the title "Doctor", just as those have an actual doctorate. This can obviously be very confusing to the public, where the term 'podiatrist' and the term "doctor" already have an understood meaning. For the sake of clarity, throughout this website, the term "podiatrist" is used in the sense that has been traditional for 50 years now, and in the sense it is used in the entirety of the United States and in the majority of Canada--to describe a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or D. P. M.. When should I seek help from a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine? Any foot or ankle discomfort is abnormal, and warrants professional attention from a podiatric physician. One may also seek professional attention from a podiatrist for concerns which are visible , even if they are not necessarily painful.  Sports medicine Sports medicine, medical and paramedical supervision, of athletes in training and in competition, with the goal of prevention and treatment of their injuries. Sports medicine entails the application of scientific research and practice to the optimization of health and athletic performance.sports medicine; physical therapy A personal trainer helping a woman with exercises to strengthen the arms and back.© Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock Since the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896, increased participation in sport and training for sports have resulted in the need to not only prevent and treat sports injury but also advance the scientific knowledge of the limits of human exercise performance and the causes of fatigue. Moreover, with increased training levels and specialization across the spectrum of recreational sports and with opportunities for sport participants to become professionals, there has been a parallel increase in the careers to support the care and training of athletes and physically active individuals. Sports medicine specialties Sports medicine is an umbrella term representing a broad array of specialties that bridge the academic disciplines of medicine and physical education as well as the basic sciences (e.g., physiology, chemistry, and physics). Within clinical medicine, physicians in primary care or pediatrics may become team physicians for competitive teams at all levels (interscholastic, intercollegiate, professional, and amateur sports). Other members of a sports medicine team typically include an orthopedic surgeon, a certified athletic trainer, a physical therapist or kinesiotherapist, and a strength-and-conditioning specialist. Other professionals, such as those in the areas of sports nutrition, sports psychology, sports physiology, podiatry, sports vision, sports dentistry, and chiropractic, are valuable consultants.sports medicine; physiotherapy A physiotherapist treating the shoulder of a senior patient.© Patricia Hofmeester/Shutterstock.com Although sports medicine is more commonly thought to be related specifically to orthopedic medicine, with respect to the treatment and prevention of injuries occurring in a sport, other medical specialties in cardiology, psychiatry, gynecology, and ophthalmology can also play an important role in comprehensive sports medicine. For example, cardiac rehabilitation is an important area in sports medicine that employs not only doctors but also allied health professionals, such as registered clinical exercise physiologists and nurses. These individuals help patients recover and improve their functional capacity following cardiovascular events such as heart attack or cardiac surgery. A sports medicine team physician can be called upon to treat a wide variety of sports-related injuries or illnesses. One example is an overuse type of injury, such as a stress fracture in the foot or lower leg. An injury such as this can be caused by any of a variety of problems, including muscle imbalance, muscular weakness arising from a lack of proper strength training, improper footwear or abnormal gait, inadequate mineral or other nutrient intake that upsets the caloric balance necessary for training, hormonal deficiency, and overload of exercise training volume, frequency, and intensity. Thus, to effectively treat an overuse injury, a team physician needs expertise and knowledge in a wide range of sports medicine issues. Sports medicine organizations The Fédération Internationale de Médecine du Sport (International Federation of Sports Medicine, or FIMS) is the international organization for national sports medicine associations worldwide. Founded as the Association Internationale Médico-Sportive (AIMS) during the Olympic Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in 1928, the organization is today strongly tied to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The primary goal of FIMS is to support elite athletes in their training and competition by providing outstanding medical care in order to prevent and treat injuries. FIMS also has an interest in facilitating fair play while maximizing performance potential through optimal health habits. The organization fulfills this task by promoting the importance of proper nutrition and rest and by advancing the understanding of ideal training regimens.sports medicine; exercise ball A personal trainer assisting a woman lifting weights on an exercise ball.© Supri Suharjoto/Shutterstock.com In 1954 the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) was established to bring together medical doctors, university researchers, and physical educators to advance the study and understanding of the impacts of physical exertion on the human body. The overarching goal of the ACSM is to champion the beneficial aspects—physical, mental, emotional, and social—of sports and fitness activities that enhance the health and quality of life for all individuals, from youth to the elderly and from frail patients with disease to elite sport performers. The organization has members from around the world whose professional careers span the broad array of disciplines already described; notably, clinicians, researchers, and sport practitioners are within its member ranks. Other professional sports medicine societies and organizations in the United States include the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine. These and many other professional associations are represented as members of the Joint Commission on Sports Medicine and Science. Many other countries also have sports medicine societies and sports science associations. These entities are often geared specifically toward either clinical medicine or sports science. Sports medicine and health The use of exercise and sport as a therapy to prevent chronic disease is well established. The wide range of health benefits of exercise stem from the several key elements that comprise physical fitness: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, agility, and body composition. The relationship between regular physical activity and health has been well established worldwide. Governments of numerous countries have published guidelines that describe the amount of physical activity needed for health, although these guidelines may vary slightly. In 2008 the U. S. government released Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the country’s first published set of guidelines on the “dose,” or amount, of physical activity needed to maintain health for individuals aged six and older. This document was based on a rigorous review by an expert panel of the scientific literature available on exercise and health. The panel found strong evidence indicating that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week for adults helped prevent a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), certain types of cancer, and depression. This amount of exercise for adults was also associated with a reduced risk of early death, of falls, and of weight gain. There was also moderate evidence indicating that this level of physical activity aids in the prevention of hip fracture, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and endometrial cancer; facilitates weight maintenance after weight loss; and improves sleep quality. The 2008 U. S. report also indicated that for individuals aged 6 to 17 the baseline dose of exercise needed to obtain health benefits was 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day (physical activity was defined as aerobic or endurance exercise of moderate or vigorous intensity). The greatest health benefits were associated with vigorous activity at least three days per week. Muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities performed at least three days per week for children and at least two days per week for adults were also found to improve health. In Canada, youths are encouraged to obtain even more minutes of daily activity (60 moderate and 30 vigorous minutes). In general, similar guidelines have been established for all individuals, and they are not considered to be optimal training doses for various sports and athletes. Training for competitive sports generally requires additional sports medicine expertise. Exercise in therapeutic doses is powerful in preventive medicine. Therefore, in the broadest of terms, sports medicine is applicable to any individual who includes movement as a part of his or her daily life as well as to those who compete on teams or in individual sports—from youth to masters-level events. Mindy L. Millard-Stafford  What Is a Physiatrist? What Is a Physiatrist? Written by Daniel A. Brzusek, DOEmail Print A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. These spine specialists focus on the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Physiatrists treat patients of all ages with diverse problems ranging from simple low back sprains to complex disorders, such as spinal cord injury. Their comprehensive approach includes treating the entire patient, not just symptoms. Physiatry is an aggressive, non-surgical approach to treating musculoskeletal disease and injury, including different types of pain. Similar to other types of spine specialists, physiatrists take the patient's medical history, perform a physical and neurological examination, order X-rays or other imaging studies, prescribe medications, and perform spinal injections. Physical medicine and rehabilitation often includes physical therapy. Sometimes other physical medicine professionals are involved in the patient's care such as occupational therapists or athletic trainers. Physiatrists coordinate patient care with other doctors and specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Physiatrists treat patients in different settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and private practice. Updated on: 08/01/17Continue Reading Physiatrist Education and Training Related Articles What Disorders Do Physiatrists Treat? What Treatments Do Physiatrists Provide? Questions to Ask Your Physiatrist You May Also Like... Video Balloon Kyphoplasty Video Video Sacroiliac Joint Animation Video Spinal Fusion Animation Video MRI Animation  What Is a Pain Doctor? What Is a Pain Doctor? Print Pain Doctor Education & Training A pain doctor, also called a pain specialist or pain management specialist, is a medical doctor (M. D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D. O.) who specializes in pain medicine. Pain medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of pain. Pain doctors specialize in the management of pain as a symptom of disease (eudynia) and primary pain disorders (maldynia). They treat patients who experience pain related to a specific cause (e.g., cancer pain, injury, postoperative pain) and patients who suffer pain as a primary condition (e.g., frequent headaches, neuropathic pain). Pain management specialists often serve as consultants to other physicians and health care providers (e.g., physical therapists) and coordinate patient care. They diagnose conditions, provide treatment (e.g., prescribe medication and rehabilitation services, perform procedures to relieve pain), and counsel patients and their families. Pain doctors work in a variety of settings, such as private practices, hospitals, and pain clinics. In some cases, pain associated with certain diseases, conditions, and injuries can be treated by a physician who does not have specific pain management credentials. Although these physicians have not received extensive training in pain medicine, they may be highly skilled in one or more pain treatment methods. Primary care physicians often are the first to treat patients who experience pain. These doctors (e.g., family practitioners, internists, pediatricians) play an important role in pain management, and often work with pain management specialists as part of a medical team. Pain Doctor Certification Pain doctors are required to complete four years of premedical education in a college or university and four years of medical school, resulting in a M. D. (doctor of medicine) or D. O. (doctor of osteopathy) degree. After obtaining a medical degree, physicians in the United States must apply for and receive a state license to practice medicine within a specific state. Pain specialists can practice within a number of medical specialties. They can be certified in pain management by another specialty board (e.g., American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, American Board of Anesthesiology), or can be board certified in pain medicine by the American Board of Pain Medicine. To subspecialize in pain medicine, specialists (e.g., anesthesiologists, neurologists, orthopedists, physiatrists) undergo examination and receive certification from their original specialty board. Physicians who are board certified in pain medicine, called diplomates of the American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM), are highly trained to diagnose and manage pain and have passed ABPM examination. Pain doctors may specialize in one of the following areas: Addiction Arthritis Back and neck pain Cancer pain Chronic pain Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)Fibromyalgia Headache Neuropathic pain Orofacial pain Palliative care Pelvic pain Many pain doctors belong to physician groups that focus on the study of pain, including the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Management, the American Pain Society, and many others. Pain Management Pain management specialists use a number of techniques to diagnose and treat pain disorders. Pain evaluations often include taking a personal and family medical history, assessing the patient's lifestyle (e.g., activity level), reviewing prior tests (e.g., blood tests, imaging tests, electrodiagnostic studies), and performing a physical examination. Treatment for pain varies, depending on the cause. Some treatments are designed to reduce pain, and some are designed to help patients manage pain. Methods used to relieve pain include the following: Implantable devices (e.g., pumps, stimulators)Injections (e.g., corticosteroids)Medications Nerve blocks Physical therapy (also occupational therapy and recreational therapy)Surgery (e.g., joint replacement, spinal surgery, peripheral nerve surgery)Trigger point injections In some cases, pain management specialists use complementary methods (e.g., biofeedback, relaxation, hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy) to help patients manage symptoms. Publication Review By: Eric M. Schreier, D. O., F. A. A. P. M. R. Published: 18 Jun 2007Last Modified: 04 Sep 2015« Previous Article Next Article »  4 Specialists That Can Help Your Back and How to Pick One You'll need to shop for the back-pain specialist who is right for you. Start by quizzing your GP. (ISTOCKPHOTO/HEALTH)Low back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, so family doctors see a lot of back pain patients. But if four to six weeks of painkillers and exercise therapy doesn't help a patient, it may be time for a specialist. Many insurance companies require that you get a referral from a family doctor or another primary care physician before they will cover the cost of a specialist. Between orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, physiatrists, neurosurgeons, and osteopathic physicians, it's hard to know which doctor can best treat your pain. How I Conquered My Chronic Back Pain Years after a car accident wrecked her back, Pat fought for and found relief Read more More about low back pain Find the Right Back Pain Treatment Each approaches treatment from a different perspective. No treatment is guaranteed to give relief, so your choice will depend in part on your attitude toward the body and medicineand your doctor's own philosophy. The back pain caregiver menu Chiropractors Chiropractors are often the go-to caregivers for back pain. In 2002, approximately 15 million Americans used chiropractic care, about 40 percent of them for low back pain. To become a Doctor of Chiropractic, students must complete four years of education and training at an accredited chiropractic college as well as a one-year internship. Be sure to choose a chiropractor who holds a board certification and is state licensed. Like osteopaths, chiropractors favor physical manipulation of the body, and chiropractic treatment focuses on manipulation of the spine. Be aware that some practitioners make greater claims about what they can cure than others. Choose a chiropractor who is honest about your chances of improvement. Next Page: Osteopathic physicians [ pagebreak ] Osteopathic physicians Osteopathic physicians hold Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees and their training is similar to that of MDs, though osteopathy puts more emphasis on whole-body treatment and musculoskeletal manipulation. Like MDs, they can write prescriptions and perform surgery. Physiatrists Physiatrists are MDs who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. It's a fairly new specialty. "The field started in the 1940s out of returning vets from World War II and a lot of the injuries they sustained," says physiatrist Joel Press, MD, medical director of the Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Centers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. "A whole area of medicine evolved to evaluate and treat brain injury, spine injury, and amputees," says Press. Today physiatrists often have broad practices, but some concentrate on one area such as pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatric medicine, or brain injury. With just 8,000 board-certified physiatrists around the country, they tend to be clustered in big cities, and many people have not heard of this specialty. Surgeons By definition, surgeons focus on more invasive treatments. Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons perform spine surgery. Most people think that neurosurgeons are "brain surgeons" but in fact they perform the majority of their operations on the spine. Becoming a neurosurgeon requires six to seven years in residency, as opposed to the four to five for orthopedists, and neurosurgeons tend to specialize in more delicate casesthat involve areas like the lining of the spinal canalthan orthopedic surgeons. Which way should you go? The wide array of back-pain treatment choices can be daunting, suggests Penney Cowan, executive director of the American Chronic Pain Association. "There is no road map that says turn left here and then turn right here," says Cowan. The advice of a trusted family doctor is a logical place to start your journey. Once a serious problem such as a tumor has been ruled out, back pain treatment is often a collaborative course of treatment. Make sure your general practitioner understands the range of caregivers and the variety of approaches, and start shopping.  " What is pain management and how does it work? " Medical questions & health advice by board certified doctors" What is pain management and how does it work? "Zocdoc › Answers › What is pain management and how does it work? Question My doctor suggested I see a pain management specialist to help deal with my back pain. What does this specialist do? How does pain management really work? Answer I am sorry to hear that you are having such persistent trouble with your back. When back pain becomes chronic, I agree with your doctor that a referral to a pain management specialist or to a pain clinic is an excellent idea. Pain management is a discipline in medicine that is focused on helping people with chronic, incurable pain problems control and cope with their pain. The discipline is multidisciplinary, meaning that you don't just see a doctor but also will likely have the opportunity to interact with a physical therapist and a counselor. In this way, a comprehensive holistic plan for addressing your pain can be developed. Pain management doctors in particular are skilled in the use of a wide variety of medications for pain control. They are excellent at maximizing function and symptom control while minimizing dependency on potentially addictive medications. They also have access to a wide variety of other pain management techniques, such as biofeedback. nerve stimulation, and the like. Working with your pain management doctor, you will be able to better define what your goals for pain control are and come up with a safe and realistic plan to help you live a more rewarding and comfortable life. Need more info? See a doctor today Related questions Is anti-pain stimulator implantation often successful? What is this pain and redness on my leg? Does prescription pain medication cause kidney stones? Why does this medication give me weird, detailed dreams? I've had bad neck/shoulder/arm pain for two months. What can I do?  What Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Do? What Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Do? Beyond the personal and professional satisfaction of a career treating patients in both hospitals and clinics, sports medicine doctors also enjoy the opportunity of working for professional or college sports teams. In addition to enjoying the games from the sidelines, many of these physicians are even able to travel with the teams between venues. Not many careers boast such a varied professional landscape, but this variety is just one of the many appealing aspects of becoming a sports medicine physician. SHOW ME SCHOOLS »Sports medicine doctors are medical professionals who focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries related to athletic activities. These physicians generally focus on joint, bone and muscle health, although they also offer more generalized medical care to their patients. Sports medicine prepares these physicians for work in both traditional hospital and clinic settings, in addition to sporting events at both the professional and college levels. No matter where they choose to work, sports medicine doctors enjoy the deep gratification of helping active, often health-conscious people recover from sports-related injuries and return to the lifestyles that they love. Workplace Details The field of sports medicine is relatively new, and continues to evolve. As with all physicians, sports medicine physicians can be found in varied clinical settings, from hospital-based practice to private outpatient clinics. In addition to working with athletic teams, these doctors can also hold positions in fitness centers, large gyms, and at large athletic events such as marathons. Some further specialize on particular groups of patients and their specific needs as they relate to sports medicine (e.g. - geriatric populations or school-age children).  Department of Physical Therapy Department of Physical Therapy"The Department of Physical Therapy continues to pursue a path toward excellence in achieving our mission “educating physical therapists who provide the highest levels of professional care to diverse communities while maintaining a commitment to life-long learning”. Open Faculty Positions To view open faculty positions for Allied Health, go to Academic Affairs Available Faculty Positions . Physical Therapy: A Hands-On Profession A Physical Therapist (PT) is a health care professional who provides direct patient care to persons who have disorders of movement, mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments and functional limitations, whether caused by injury or disease, to help them achieve maximum physical function and mobility. Physical Therapists use their minds and hands to: Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities. Restore, maintain, and promote optimal physical function and optimal wellness and fitness and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health. Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, or injuries. Physical Therapists have the necessary training to meet the total range of patient care responsibilities involved in preventing disabilities and promoting restoration of function to the physically impaired, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary and integumentary disorders that interfere with physical function. Physical Therapists practice in hospitals and medical centers, rehabilitation centers, private practice clinics, home health settings, sports medicine facilities, colleges, universities and in various other settings. The broad options in Physical Therapy allow PTs to develop and pursue a focus of care in any specific population from children and athletes to senior citizens. Physical Therapists also work as educators, researchers, consultants and administrators. Physical Therapy is a sought-after career with virtually unlimited opportunities. It is a profession that offers a lifetime of satisfaction while directly helping people move more efficiently and function more effectively. USA's Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree The Department of Physical Therapy has provided quality physical therapy education for nearly 30-years with continuous accreditation. A friendly faculty that is clinically and academically strong teaches the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. As its Mission, The Department of Physical Therapy is 1)dedicated to the education of physical therapists who provide the highest levels of professional care to diverse communities while maintaining a commitment to life-long learning, and 2)committed to service and the advancement of knowledge in the profession through research and scholarly activity. The exciting and challenging DPT program is offered in an 8-semester (32 continuous months) format, a new class entering each Fall semester. The curriculum includes a variety of professional training/educational experiences to prepare students to enter PT practice. Students benefit from significant hands-on clinical practical labs and formal lectures/discussions led by faculty with experience in each clinical practice area, clinical problem solving activities, clinical research plus 33 weeks of full-time clinical internship supervised by licensed physical therapists. The clinical internships are available in over 200 affiliated general hospitals, rehabilitation centers and various specialty practices representing a wide variety of educational opportunities for the student. While clinical sites are spread across the United States, the majority are within the Southeastern region. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of South Alabama prepares graduates for professional practice and is designed as an entry-level, first PT degree. Throughout the program, students develop necessary communication skills in addition to professional and manual skills and techniques. Strong emphasis is placed on gaining clinical reasoning/problem solving skills and the ability to practice as an independent primary care provider in any employment setting. Graduates will also have the capability of assuming responsibilities in areas of administration, consultation and research in physical therapy. Accreditation and Licensure The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of South Alabama is accredited by: Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Telephone: 703-706-3245 Email: accreditation@apta.org Website: http://www.capteonline.org/Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to gain licensure. Applicants are hereby informed that a history of felony conviction or moral crime, use of drugs or intoxicating liquors which affects professional competence, or narcotic law conviction will prevent physical therapy licensure. See Alabama Board of Physical Therapy website. DPT Early Acceptance Program The DPT Early Acceptance Program (DPTEAP) allows for some highly qualified high school seniors who meet the qualifications to gain early provisional acceptance to the graduate program prior to starting college. Details are described on the Early Acceptance Program of the Office of Admissions website. Applicants Considered for Admission Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree prior to starting the PT program. Regular Graduate Applicants These applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university and complete all prerequisites for regular graduate admission as listed below with a GPA > 3.00 by the time they would start the PT program. Admissions rankings for all applicants are determined using the same criteria. Acceptance will be based on the student's academic ability and aptitude for a career as a physical therapist including GPA emphasizing Science prerequisites, GRE score, and interview score. Admissions Process Click here for details on the admissions process. Recommended Courses A number of courses are determined to be good preparation for certain components of the PT graduate program and therefore are recommended if they fit into the applicants preparation: Microbiology or Infectious Disease, Medical Terminology, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Basic Motor Learning, upper level Anatomy, Neuroscience, Pathophysiology, Abnormal Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Developmental Psychology. Top Ten Reasons Students Say They Would Choose the USA PT Program Again#10 Variety of clinical facilities #9 Location - close to home #8 Small class size #7 Location - close to the beach! #6 Friendly atmosphere #5 Comfortable informative interview #4 Saved money #3 Early entry option #2 Program reputation and space #1 Personable and knowledgeable faculty We have fun while learning in a quality program!Filing a Complaint or Comment The Filing a Complaint or Comment document lists several ways you can submit a complaint or comment regarding the Physical Therapy Program at the University of South Alabama or the faculty, staff or students. Membership in APTAThe Department of Physical Therapy promotes membership in the APTA, and annually participates in the APTA's Reach100 Challenge, always with 100% faculty membership, and often achieving 100% membership among students. In 2017, we achieved "Gold" status.  Physical Therapy Physical Therapy  What Is an Orthopedic Doctor? Home »Job Descriptions »Healthcare Job Descriptions What Is an Orthopedic Doctor? By Dayna Noffke; Updated July 05, 2017Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images Orthopedic doctors, or orthopedists, are either medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs) who specialize in treating conditions and injuries involving bones and connective tissue, including tendons, and ligaments. Orthopedists use a variety of treatments, including surgical interventions, casting, bracing and medications. Educational Requirements Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images An orthopedic doctor must be licensed by the state in which he or she works. License requirements include completion of an MD or DO training program, an internship in orthopedics, and completion of both a comprehensive examination of medical knowledge and orthopedics-specific exam. In total, to meet the requirements for becoming a board-certified orthopedic surgeon takes approximately 14 years after high-school. Conditions Treated Photos.com/Able Stock.com/Getty Images Orthopedic doctors treat a wide range of conditions related to the muscular and skeletal systems, from congenital problems such as brittle bone disease to acute problems such as sports injuries. Many orthopedists further specialize, choosing to treat a specific type of injury or condition. Orthopedic specialties include joint replacement, pediatrics, spinal surgery, hand injuries, foot-and-ankle problems, and sports medicine. They commonly see individuals with broken bones, soft tissue injuries, arthritis and other joint problems, and other conditions that affect the spine or extremities. Types of Treatments Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images Orthopedic doctors use a variety of treatments to restore or maintain optimal functioning of the muscular and skeletal system. Treatments must be customized to the individual's specific needs and may include one or more of the following: prescription medications to address inflammation and pain or speed tissue healing; use of orthotics or adaptive equipment; immobilization through bracing, splinting or casting; and surgery to repair broken bones or soft tissue. Referrals Photos.com/Able Stock.com/Getty Images Orthopedic doctors work closely with medical professionals from other health care fields and may refer patients to them for additional care. Orthopedists frequently prescribe physical or occupational therapy for patients to help them recover from surgery or injury and build or re-build muscular strength and endurance and balance. They may also refer individuals to neurosurgeons for problems that involve both the muscular/skeletal systems and the nervous system. During surgeries that involve the spine, and consequently the spinal cord, both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon are present. Surgical Intervention Ablestock.com/Able Stock.com/Getty Images Orthopedic surgeons are trained to operate on the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. Most orthopedic surgeons specialize in treating specific conditions, such as arthritis or hand or foot injuries. Types of surgeries that are commonly performed by orthopedists include setting broken bones, replacing joints, repairing torn or ruptured ligaments and tendons and straightening abnormal curvatures of the spine. References Neurosurgeon or Orthopedist? What is an Orthopedic Surgeon? Find a Job Job Search by About the Author Dayna is a freelance writer, artist and former high school teacher. She has been writing professionally for three years, and hold degrees in physical anthropology, art and special education. Her particular areas of interest include anthropology, health and nutrition, fitness and beauty and skin care. More Articles What Are the Duties of an Orthopedic Doctor? Qualifications of a Neurologist Job Description of an Orthopedic Surgeon How to Treat Intestinal Bleeding Salary for Neuropsychiatry Nephrologist's Job Description Continue Reading in Job Descriptions Law Enforcement Job Descriptions Administrative Job Descriptions Healthcare Job Descriptions Sales Job Descriptions Fashion Job Descriptions Education Job Descriptions Industrial Job Tips Restaurant Job Descriptions Professional Job Descriptions Technical Job Descriptions Hospitality Job Descriptions Cite this Article  . Resource Center → Physicians - Locating Specialists → Physiatrist- (doctor of physical medicine) → What is a Physiatrist?1.1. What is a Physiatrist? What is a Physiatrist? Many people are unaware that there is a special branch of medicine specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of physical disability. Physiatrists are doctors who are certified as specialists in rehabilitation medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Many people are unaware that there is a special branch of medicine specifically dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of physical disability. Physiatrists are doctors who are certified as specialists in rehabilitation medicine by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The area of medicine they practice is called "physiatry." Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) was born in 1946 in response to the challenge to help disabled citizens reach their maximum potential. What is so special about these specialists? After completing medical school and obtaining an MD or DO degree, they study four more years and take two extra examinations, one written and one oral. The purpose of this extra training is to make sure that physiatrists are focused on the patient as a whole person. Most physicians deal with illness and possible threats to life. The physiatrist deals with functional loss and threats to living fully -- the physical and psychological disabilities remaining after initial medical or surgical treatment. The physiatrist often coordinates a team of other doctors and health professionals in developing and carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation plan; s/he may specialize in the care of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The coordinated treatment plan extends beyond hospital walls into the patient's family, community, occupation, friends, and ultimate life style. This rehabilitation team may include physical, occupational, and/or speech therapies, nurses and doctors from various specialties, including neurology and orthopedics, psychologists, counselors or social workers, rehabilitation engineers and others. The physiatrist's success comes through a team effort where the patient is an integral part of the team process. Each improvement in function, however subtle, can significantly improve the quality of life of a person living with SCI. ED: Adapted with permission from the September, 1987 issue of New World for Persons with Disabilities a publication of California Association of the Physically Handicapped, Inc., "The Pair-A .-Docs of Health" by Julie Madorsky, M. D. & Art Madorsky at Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona, California. All Physiatrists, along with their contact information can be located at: http://www.aapmr.org/patients/findphysician/Pages/default.aspx or listed by sub-specialty at https://www.abpmr.org/physician_search.html To locate a Physiatrist by phone, contact Spinal Cord Central Information Specialists at (800) 962-9629 M-F, 8:30am to 5:pm, except Federal holidays. NSCIA revised 12/07/2010This page was: Helpful | Not Helpful← 4.6. Living Well - Shopping for a Doctor  Physiotherapy Physiotherapy"WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?" Physiotherapy (PT) can be used to maximise a child’s ability to move and control pain in the joints, muscles and bones. It also helps to improve a child’s range of movement in order to promote health and well-being. Physiotherapy is non-invasive and does not involve the use of medication. Physiotherapists concentrate, in particular, on problems that affect muscles, bones, the heart, circulation and lungs. They are often based in hospital departments but some work from family health centres. "WHAT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST DO?" Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate and improve movement and function of the body, with particular attention to physical mobility, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain. The physical therapy program typically involves educating the child about the physical problems caused by their disability, designing an individualised exercise program to address the problems, and enhancing mobility and energy conservation through the use of a variety of mobility aids and adaptive equipment. "WHO DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP?" PT can help a variety of types of disorders including neurological, orthopaedic and paediatric. Neurological: Physiotherapy can be used to help children who have a neurological condition that affects the nervous system, such as Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and Cerebral Palsy. Orthopaedic: Physiotherapy can be used to treat conditions or injuries that affect the bones, joints and muscles, such as sports injuries and arthritis. It is often used to assist rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery. Paediatric: Physiotherapy can be used to treat children who have conditions which affect their muscles or skeleton. Some of these conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy may be present from birth. These and other conditions may require the child to have help to improve balance, strength and co-ordination. Physiotherapy may be recommended for conditions such as Dyspraxia and Cerebral Palsy. "HOW DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY WORK?" Physiotherapists usually take a holistic approach by looking at the child’s body as a whole rather than focusing on individual factors. Education is also an important part of physiotherapy because as well as aiming to improve a child’s strength and mobility, physiotherapy also teaches them how to manage their condition more effectively. "ARE THERE ANY PHYSIOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES?" Physiotherapists use a range of techniques including massage and manipulation, exercise and movement, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy. Massage and Manipulation: Massage and Manipulation involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Different types of massage are used to treat different conditions, for example, to improve circulation, to improve movement of different parts of the body, or to relieve pain and help relaxation. Exercise and Movement: Physiotherapy often includes lots of different types of exercise and movement to help with particular problems. This may include gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming, or specific exercises to target certain areas of the body. Exercises are designed to strengthen the body and improve the person’s range of movement, and normally need to be repeated daily for a number of weeks. Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate a child’s nervous system. These impulses are thought to override pain messages and help promote the healing process. There are several different types of electrotherapy including ultrasound (using high frequency sound waves to stimulate blood circulation), laser therapy (using lasers to stimulate cell function in order to relieve pain) and shortwave diathermy (generating heat within the body’s tissue to strengthen the tissues and reduce pain). Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy uses exercises sessions in heated water to improve mobility and relieve pain. For further information: Chartered Society of Phsyiotherapy Physio Directory Physiotherapy Resources This information is meant to be helpful but Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be responsible for any loss caused by reliance upon it. If you have concerns about your child, please seek professional educational/healthcare advice. Should you find anything which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible. Back to top  Physical Therapy More Related Topics: Chiropractic Treatment Massage Therapy Energy Work & Reiki Osteopathic Medicine Physical Therapy Physical therapy is treatment to relieve pain from injury, improve musculoskeletal movement and improve overall fitness. Exercise, stretches, electrical stimulation and massage are some of the therapies used to treat the condition. Learn more from our experts about physical therapy. Recently Answered Q How can physical therapy help manage headaches?1 Answer A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Physical therapists can help manage chronic headaches by teaching patients how to use their muscles correctly and reduce their pain. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more. Q How can physical therapy help manage headaches?2 Answers A Dr. Egilius L. Spierings, MD , Neurology, answered By relaxing the tense muscles that commonly accompany tension and migraine headaches, certain types of physical therapy may provide relief. Your physical therapist may teach you daily neck and shoulder exercises you can do on your own or use devices and techniques aimed at relaxing muscles. These might include the following:ultrasound, which uses a device that emits sound waves that penetrate the skin and warm muscle tissueelectrical nerve stimulation, which employs a battery-powered device to send electrical signals to underlying nervestraction, which involves using a special device to stretch a tight muscle, usually in the neckmyofascial release, which involves performing a series of massage-like techniques to stretch tight muscles See All 2 Answers Q Will my doctor attend the physical therapy session as I start rehab?2 Answers A Jara Soost , NASM Elite Trainer , Athletic Training, answered In most physical/athletic therapy settings the MD will not be at the session. The MD and the therapist are in close contact about your case and both follow specific protocol. There are some facilities that include the clinic, surgery center and therapy all in one building. This way if there ever is a question about change in the status of the injury/illness someone will easily have the ability to come and re-evaluate the case. See All 2 Answers Q How do I choose a physical therapist after joint replacement surgery?1 Answer A Dr. Scott D. Martin, MD , Orthopedic Surgery, answered After joint replacement surgery, much of your experience in the hospital and afterward will center on physical therapy, so it is worth your while to investigate this ahead of time. Look for a physical therapist who is used to working with joint replacement patients. A good physical therapist or rehabilitation center individualizes your rehab program in consultation with your doctor, finds ways you can gain muscle strength even while joint damage limits your activity, helps keep you going even through some discomfort, and helps you reach your goals (whether just walking comfortably or returning to a favorite sport). Q Will physical therapy be everyday?4 Answers A Tamar Amitay , Physical Therapy, answered Physical therapy is a combination of the number of visits that your doctor will prescribe for you as well as the exercises that need to be performed to complement the gains made in physical therapy and to help progress one's gains made. Home exercise programs that are consistently followed by the patients result in success in reaching the goals initially agree upon between therapist and patient and help one reach those goals as quickly as possible. Usually there are between 3 to 8 exercises incorporating strengthening, flexibility, postural corrections, and improved quality of movement (motor control) performed and yes, these can be daily if applicable. See All 4 Answers Q How does physical therapy help after surgery?1 Answer A Karel Wilkinson, PT , Physical Therapy, answered on behalf of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center Patients who’ve had recent surgeries will benefit with physical therapy to help regain function. Watch Karel Wilkinson, PT, CLT, LANA, or Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, explain more. Q Who is the typical physical therapy client/patient?3 Answers A National Academy of Sports Medicine answered Typical physical therapy clients have suffered an injury that requires special attention from a licensed rehabilitation professional. Most often, physical therapists treat patients such as vehicle accident victims. They are also involved in treatment of individuals with disabling conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy. See All 3 Answers Q What is physical therapy?2 Answers A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered Physical therapy is a method to improve muscular and bone health through movement, exercises, and stretches. It's a great alternative to medicines. See All 2 Answers Q What is pelvic floor physical therapy?1 Answer A Dr. Jan L. Shifren, MD , Reproductive Endocrinology, answered Pelvic floor physical therapy shows great promise in treating unremitting vaginal or pelvic pain. It uses hands-on physical therapy to stretch, strengthen and relax muscles in the lower pelvis. The physical therapist uses a massage-like technique, known as myofascial release, to help stretch and release the fascia (connective tissue between the skin and underlying muscle and bones). Pelvic floor physical therapy is also used to treat other causes of dyspareunia, such as vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis, as well as urinary incontinence. Q What is chest physical therapy?1 Answer A New York-Presbyterian Hospital answered Chest physical therapy, or chest PT for short, is a common manual technique which uses percussion and vibration for clearing the airways to allow easier breathing and better oxygenation. It may also include alternate airway clearance techniques such as breathing exercises, the active cycle of breathing technique, and the use of mechanical devices. Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next  Fibromyalgia Doctors Fibromyalgia Doctors Primary care doctors Rheumatologists Psychologists and psychiatrists Physical and occupational therapists Doctors who treat fibromyalgia People with fibromyalgia see many medical professionals. You may see as many as four or five providers in a single month depending on your:symptomsdiagnosisother health issuesresourcespersonal treatment preferences Knowing about the professionals you’ll come in contact with can help set your mind at ease and decide who can best help you with the management of your condition. Primary care doctors Primary care doctors You should make an appointment with your primary care doctor if you’re experiencing any fibromyalgia symptoms. They should be able to rule out other conditions, diagnose the syndrome, and refer you to a rheumatologist with more expertise in diagnosing and treating the disorder. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia isn’t a simple matter. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. They may ask you to measure your pain on a scale. They may use what’s called a tender point test, which measures your sensitivity to pain by applying pressure to 18 specific sites throughout the body. Be sure to tell your doctor:what your symptoms arehow long you’ve had symptomsif the pain is throbbing, piercing, or shootingwhere the symptoms are the worstwhat aggravates or soothes your symptomsif you’re getting enough sleepif you’ve experienced any recent physical or emotional trauma Your doctor may be able to diagnose fibromyalgia or may refer you to a specialist for further exams and treatment. Rheumatologists Rheumatologists A rheumatologist is a doctor with special training in treating diseases of the muscles, joints, and connective tissues. These include:rheumatoid arthritisosteoarthritislupusfibromyalgia They’ll most likely be your main doctor during the treatment of your disorder. Your rheumatologist will need to know all about your symptoms as well as what you believe may be affecting you’re the severity of your symptoms. Your rheumatologist will perform initial and follow-up tests and monitor how well treatment is working. They’ll also prescribe and adjust medications when necessary. Questions for your rheumatologist may include the following: What can I do to reduce the pain? How can I prevent flare-ups? Are there activities I should avoid? What other treatment providers might help? Psychologists and psychiatrists Psychologists and psychiatrists Psychologists and psychiatrists both treat mental disorders like anxiety and depression. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medications. A psychologist isn’t a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medications, but they may hold a doctorate and therefore carry the title of “doctor.”These doctors may be able to help you manage feelings of despair and pain. Fibromyalgia frequently leads to depression and the depression can worsen your symptoms. Both psychologists and psychiatrists can provide counseling and other forms of therapy that are useful for fibromyalgia. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, helps those with depression by challenging the negative self-talk that can worsen your mood. You may use one-on-one sessions or take part in a support group led by one of these professionals. Physical and occupational therapists Physical and occupational therapists Physical and occupational therapists help people strengthen muscles and joints. This can help you perform everyday activities better. They also help find ways to go about daily life with less pain. They can help you be more active and create effective exercise programs. They may assist with stretching and range of motion exercises. Some of these therapists come to your home for visits while others are available at a clinic. Other treatment professionals may play a role in the treatment of fibromyalgia. They include massage therapists, pharmacists, and personal trainers. 