A physiatrist is different from a psychiatrist. If your doctor actually recommended a physiatrist, he was recommending a doctor who, in a sense, specializes in musculoskeletal issues. I was referred to one when I had a bad back injury that resulted in four herniated lumbar discs. The doctor who recommended me was an orthopedic surgeon who wanted to help me avoid surgery, thank heavens. The physiatrist put together the physical therapy program that helped me heal fully.