Physical medicine and rehabilitation care to help get your independence back
What is physical medicine and rehabilitation?
Physical medicine and rehabilitation helps people who have lost function, such as mobility and strength, because of chronic illness or injury.
This medical specialty focuses on the restoration of function through treatment. Our physiatry specialists (also called physiatrists) also help children reach developmental milestones. Physical medicine and rehabilitation includes physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation treatments and conditions
Our physical medicine and rehabilitation team treats patients of all ages. We work with people to regain function, treating:
- Amputation
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Foot and ankle pain
- Hand and wrist pain
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
- Knee pain
- Neck and back pain
- Pain
- Parkinson's disease
- Post-surgery pain
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Pediatric surgery
- Transplant surgery
What is the difference between physiatry and physical therapy?
Physiatrists differ from physical therapists because they have undergone training at medical school and in the specialty field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. They can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medicine.
A physiatrist often also designs exercises tailored to individual needs, while a physical therapist supervises exercise programs often prescribed and designed by a physiatrist. The two work closely together often to help people find relief from pain and regain their mobility.
Treatments provided by a physiatrist may include both noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures, including injections. Physiatrists treat patients in the hospital, as well as at outpatient locations. They may:
- Order imaging tests
- Prescribe medication
- Perform manual manipulation
- Give pain-relieving injections
- Prescribe exercises or braces
- Prescribe botox for migraines
- Prescribe botox for spasticity after stroke
- Refer for specialized therapy
What does physiatry treat?
Our physiatrists will work closely with you to understand your specific goals and how to achieve them. Physiatry helps improve function for patients of all ages, including people dealing with conditions and injuries such as:
- Amputation
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Foot and ankle pain
- Fractures
- Hand and wrist pain
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
- Knee pain
- Neck and back pain
- Neurotrauma and traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson's disease
- Spinal cord injuries
- Spina bifida
- Stroke
Orthopaedic care at Geisinger.
No matter your orthopaedic needs, our team can help you get back to your active. We offer:
- Comprehensive orthopaedic care: From joint replacement, sports medicine and chiropractic care to a world-renowned spine surgery program, we offer unmatched expertise for orthopaedic conditions. Our team is experienced in treating a wide range of orthopaedic conditions ranging from bone and joint pain to injuries from sports, falls and fractures, and the wear and tear of daily life.
- World-class care, close to home: With 24 locations throughout central, northeast and south-central Pennsylvania, our experienced orthopaedic team provides evaluations, consultations and comprehensive care. We offer leading-edge treatment options and tailored-to-you care backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally-renowned health system.
- Better, faster healing: We use tried and true methods to keep you on the path for healing, such as our ProvenCare® program, which identifies and consistently provides the best treatment for specific conditions. This means less time spent in the hospital and faster recovery.
- Round-the-clock trauma care: As leaders in orthopaedic trauma, our orthopaedic surgeons are available around the clock when emergencies arise. Our specialized surgeons have completed advanced training in the treatment of trauma-related fractures and other injuries, so you can get advanced care when you need it most.
- Orthotic care: Our orthotics specialists provide custom braces and shoes that help treat several types of foot and ankle pain, foot complications related to diabetes and more. Orthotics offer treatment devices for people of all ages and is just one of the ways we help runners and other athletes take care of their feet.
- Orthopaedic urgent care: With five locations and no appointment necessary, our Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations are ready to treat children and adults when sudden injuries, like minor sprains, strains or simple fractures, occur.