Physiatry

Physiatrists are Fibromyalgia Treatment specialists.  Physiatry is a Physical Medicine which treats chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia often involves ruling out other illnesses, treatment is primarily exercise and may include some kind of medication.  Patients with fibromyalgia may see a Physiatry specialist to reduce and eliminate chronic pain, and to prevent its recurrence. Dealing effectively with Fibromyalgia is the expertise of a Physiatrist, a Fibromyalgia Treatment specialist.

What Is A Physiatrist And What Do They Specialize In?
Physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation are called “Physiatrists” (pronounced  fiz-a-et-rist).   Physiatrists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients of all ages in 3 major areas of medical care:

1.  Musculoskeletal Injuries and Pain Syndromes - These include degenerative conditions such as arthritis and Fibromyalgia, low back pain, sports and/or work related injuries.

2.  Electrodiagnostic Medicine - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is the only specialty of medicine in which special training in Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies is required.  These procedures are used for the evaluation of various neurologic disorders.

3.  Rehabilitation of Patients with Severe Impairments - Physiatrists treat neurologic rehabilitation conditions including stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury.  Many other disabling conditions such as amputations, multiple trauma, burns, and sports injuries are treated as well. Physiatry focuses on improving the function and quality of a patient’s life.  In fact, the word “habile” from which rehabilitation is derived, in Latin means “to make able again.”  The Physical Medicine, Physiatrist, or Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation specialist’s goal is to empower the patient with abilities to improve their quality of life, even if the condition is still present.

Physiatry not only uses the usual tools of medicine, but also uses physical agents and therapeutic exercise in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders that produce pain, impairment, and disability such as Fibromyalgia.

In the United States there is a rising demand for rehabilitation services, brought on by an increasingly aging population and improved survival rates after disease and injuries due to advanced medical care and technology.  Many patients are seeking  treatment from Physiatrists for musculoskeletal pain such as FM Syndrome.  The specialty is growing rapidly, and the number of resident physicians has doubled in the last decade.  Despite this growth, Physiatry is one of the few medical specialties in which there is a relative shortage.

How Long Has Physiatry Been Around?
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a relatively new medical specialty, becoming a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 1947.  Physiatry had its beginnings in the 1920’s and grew rapidly during the 1940’s when thousands of young people were left paralyzed by polio epidemics, and when thousands more returned from World War II with limb amputations and other disabling injuries.  The specialty offers increasing rewards for physicians who find value in developing in-depth and long-lasting relationships with patients.  While pursuing the primary goal of restoring functional independence, the Physiatrist experiences the unique privilege of helping patients with fibromyalgia rehabilitation, providing years of support and therapy, renewing the patient’s potential in life.

What Are The Fibromyalgia  Physical Medicine Treatment Goals?
Often patients with FMS are clumped into a homogenous group. That is, they have the condition, but certainly do not behave in the same manner, nor do they all respond to the same type of treatment.  What works for one patient may not work for another.  There is no universal treatment for fibromyalgia, each patient needs special unique care and each patient needs to identify their own specific rehabilitation treatment goals.

What Are Some  Physical Medicine Treatments?
Physiatrists use a combination treatment approach that is individualized for every patient. The following is a summary of treatment strategies:

1.  Education - Patients with fibromyalgia must understand that this condition is not life threatening, deforming, or paralyzing, and it is a valid medical condition.  The more the patient learns about fibromyalgia, the more it is understood, and the less frightening it becomes.

2.  Medicine - There is no magical medicine to eliminate all the symptoms of fibromyalgia - the Physical Medicine specialists prescribe traditional Allopathic medicine to control various symptoms.  Often different medicines are prescribed in various combinations, and even when a good combination is found, the medicine can “stop working” after a while.

3.  Nutritional Supplements - A variety of nutritional supplements can be used to help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Magnesium with Malic Acid, 5-HTP, Colostrum, and others can be beneficial.  Many patients who are sensitive to prescribed medicines tolerate nutritional supplements more easily.  See FIBROMYALGIA-HELP Products.

4.  Pain Management - A pain management program may include moist heat, bioelectric therapy, ultrasound, and more, with the goal of decreasing pain to a lower level.  Once the pain has decreased, an exercise program is prescribed.

5.  Exercise - Exercise is important to increase flexibility and tone the muscles.  This is done by instructing the patient on a combination of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, and toning exercises. 

6.  Manual Therapy - Manual therapy includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and adjustments. 

7.  Relaxation - Sometimes one of the best treatments to prescribe is relaxation.  Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, Yoga and Tai Chi are all great relaxation techniques. 

8.  Home Program - Each patient needs to find whatever works best, and to follow through with a home program on a regular basis.