Learn more about Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists
A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating people of all ages with muscle, bone, and nervous system conditions that affect physical and mental abilities. Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors are experts in preventing and minimizing disability. They provide long-term or lifelong care for such conditions as stroke, sports injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
A physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor typically:
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Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about disability prevention and how to maximize cognitive and physical function
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Performs a physical exam that includes evaluation of blood pressure, vital signs, general health, and functional ability
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Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
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Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect mobility and cognitive functioning
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Provides direct care for problems of mobility and cognitive function in the office, hospital, and rehabilitation facility
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Diagnoses, treats and monitors conditions that increase the risk of disability, such as neuromuscular disorders and chronic pain
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Works closely with your primary care doctor, other specialists, and members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors may also be known by the following names: physiatrist, physical rehabilitation doctor, rehab doctor, physical medicine doctor, and rehabilitation doctor.
There are 402 specialists practicing Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation in North Carolina with an overall average rating of 3.9 stars. There are 81 hospitals in North Carolina with affiliated Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation specialists, including Rex Hospital, Mission Hospital - Asheville and Vidant Medical Center.