What Is a Physiatrist and How Can They Help With Recovery?
Table of Contents:
- What Exactly Does a Physiatrist Do?
- What Does a Physiatrist Treat?
- Physiatrist vs. Physical Therapist: What’s the Difference?
- Can Physiatrists Prescribe Medication or Give Injections?
- When Should You See a Physiatrist?
- MSR Injury Doctors: Helping You Find a Physiatrist Near You
- Take the Next Step in Your Recovery Journey
When you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or chronic condition, your care may include various specialists. One of the most important—and often misunderstood—members of that team is the physiatrist. These doctors specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), focusing on restoring physical function, managing pain, and helping patients regain independence without surgery.
If you’ve ever wondered “what is a physiatrist” or “is there physiatrist near me,” you’re likely already looking for non-invasive options to help you heal and get back to your normal routine. But what exactly do they do? And how are they different from other doctors or physical therapists?
Let’s explore what physiatrists treat, how they support recovery, and when it might be time to schedule a visit with one.
What Exactly Does a Physiatrist Do?
A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect how your body moves. These physicians are trained to address problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and brain. They don’t just treat symptoms—they look at the big picture of how an injury or illness affects your function and daily life.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a physiatrist a doctor?”—yes. They complete years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency in PM&R. Many also pursue advanced training in areas like pain management, sports medicine, or spine care.
So, what does a physiatrist do? They work with you to create customized treatment plans that may include:
- Physical therapy prescriptions
- Interventional procedures like injections
- Medication management
- Lifestyle and activity modifications
- Coordination with other medical specialists
They are especially valuable in helping patients recover from accidents, surgeries, or chronic musculoskeletal pain.
What Does a Physiatrist Treat?
Physiatrists are well versed in the conditions they manage, and their patient population spans from athletes and workers with injuries to seniors recovering from joint replacements or strokes. Common conditions they treat include:
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica and nerve root compression
- Joint injuries
- Herniated discs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
If you’ve been searching “what does a physiatrist do for back pain,” the answer is: quite a bit. They often begin by ordering diagnostic tests such as MRIs or EMGs, and then guide patients through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, and functional rehab. In cases where imaging reveals a severe structural issue, they may refer you to a spine surgeon, but their first approach is always conservative care.
A common question we hear is, “Do physiatrists do surgery?” No—they do not perform surgery. Instead, they specialize in treating patients without surgery, and they often help patients recover before and after surgical procedures.
Physiatrist vs. Physical Therapist: What’s the Difference?
Because physiatrists work closely with physical therapy programs, many people wonder: Is a physiatrist a physical therapist? The answer is no. Physiatrists are physicians who diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe therapy—but they don’t deliver the therapy themselves.
They’re trained to evaluate medical complexity, order imaging, prescribe medication, and even perform procedures such as nerve blocks or trigger point injections. So while physical therapists are essential for hands-on recovery, physiatrists provide the medical oversight and coordination of your entire rehabilitation process
Can Physiatrists Prescribe Medication or Give Injections?
Yes. Physiatrists can prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and other treatments as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. They often focus on non-opioid strategies, but when needed, they can manage medications in accordance with your overall care goals.
Many also perform interventional procedures. So if you’re wondering, “Do physiatrists give injections?”—yes, and it’s a core part of what many of them do. These may include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Trigger point injections
- Joint injections (hips, knees, shoulders)
- Nerve blocks
This makes physiatrists a smart first stop for those seeking non-surgical pain relief that is still medically supervised and effective.
When Should You See a Physiatrist?
You might consider scheduling with a physiatrist if you:
- Have back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to basic treatments
- Need help managing recovery from surgery or injury
- Want to explore alternatives to surgery
- Are recovering from a neurological condition, like a stroke or brain injury
- Suffer from repetitive stress injuries at work or while playing sports
- Need an expert to help coordinate care across multiple specialists
If you’ve been asking, “How can a physiatrist help me?”—the answer is through careful diagnosis, custom planning, and whole-body coordination that supports your goals, lifestyle, and long-term health.
Many patients also ask, “Are physiatrist doctors covered under health insurance?” In most cases, yes. Physiatrists are recognized medical specialists and typically covered under commercial insurance, no-fault, and workers’ compensation plans.
MSR Injury Doctors: Helping You Find a Physiatrist Near You
At MSR Injury Doctors, we connect patients with a trusted network of board-certified physiatrists who specialize in non-surgical care, rehabilitation, and recovery. Whether you’re recovering from a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, our network includes specialists in pain management, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and, of course, PM&R. If you’re searching for a “physiatrist near me”, MSR makes it easy to find the right fit for your condition and your location.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery Journey
If you’ve been living with pain or functional limitations, you don’t have to go through it alone—and you don’t always need surgery to get better. A physiatrist can help you navigate recovery in a way that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term health.
MSR Injury Doctors are here to help. We’ll connect you with a physiatrist near you who understands your needs and can help you regain control over your recovery—safely, effectively, and without unnecessary procedures.
Call Today to Get Connected: 800-949-6100
Find Your Specialist Now: painandinjury.com