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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Neuropathy | Last Active: 15 hours ago | Replies (6007)

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@kenc

I posted this as reply. However, figured others might be interested in the services of PM&R/Physiatrists.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

PM&R physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), and may be subspecialty certified in Brain Injury Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, and/or Sports Medicine.

Specifically, PM&R physicians:

Treat patients of all ages
Focus treatment on function
Have a broad medical expertise that allows them to treat disabling conditions throughout a person’s lifetime
Diagnose and treat pain as a result of an injury, illness, or disabling condition
Determine and lead a treatment/prevention plan
Lead a team of medical professionals, which may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician extenders to optimize patient care
Work with other physicians, which may include primary care physicians, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and many others.
Treat the whole person, not just the problem area

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Replies to "I posted this as reply. However, figured others might be interested in the services of PM&R/Physiatrists...."

This is very helpful, I always wondered (and must have been too lazy to look up) what their role was. Opening this up to everyone on the site, how have your experiences been with a physiatrist? Are they hard to find or are they scheduled so far out it's impossible to see them in a reasonable amount of time?

Thank you! I printed this out to use when I go for my appointment with my new physiatrist. They are also called pain management doctors. I have neck pain that has been ongoing since the end of May (join the club). I’m hoping he can help, but I’m going to PT first. PT worked for me when I had neck pain on my right side. I haven't had neck pain for almost 2 years. My rheumatologist told me the physiatrists use chiropractic, nerve blocks and shots. I’m glad I have now other things that might help.