Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as Physiatry, is a branch of medicine that focuses on restoring function and quality of life to people with physical impairments or disabilities. Rather than focusing on a single organ or body part, PM&R takes a "whole-body" approach to treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

A physiatrist is a medical doctor (MD / DO /DNB) who has completed specialized residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

To practice as a Physiatrist in India, a doctor must undergo a long and structured academic path governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC):

• MBBS (5.5 Years):The foundation. Like any other specialist, they must first complete their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, including the mandatory one-year internship.
• Post-Graduation (3 Years):After clearing the NEET-PG exam, the doctor must secure a seat in a specialized PM&R program. They earn one of the following:
  • MD (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)
  • DNB (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation):A diplomate degree awarded by the National Board of Examinations, equivalent to an MD.

* Spine & Back Care

We are experts in non-surgical spine management. If you are trying to avoid back surgery, a physiatrist is often your best first stop.

• Herniated Discs & Sciatica
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spinal Stenosis(narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Chronic Neck and Lower Back Pain
• Spondylolisthesis

* Sports & Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Tendonitis & Bursitis(e.g., Rotator Cuff, Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendonitis)
• Ligament Tears & Sprains(e.g., ACL, Meniscus, Ankle Sprains)
• Strains & Muscle Tears
• Carpal Tunnel Syndromeand other repetitive stress injuries.

* Joint & Arthritis Management

• Osteoarthritis(Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Hand)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis(Functional management)
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

* Neurological Rehabilitation

• Stroke Recovery
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussions
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Parkinson’s Disease
• Peripheral Neuropathy(Numbness/tingling in hands or feet)

* Specialized Recovery & Chronic Pain

• Post-Surgical Rehab:Recovery after joint replacements (Hip/Knee) or heart surgery.
• Amputee Care:Fitting and training for prosthetics.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunctionand chronic pelvic pain.
• Cancer Rehabilitation:Managing fatigue and mobility loss during or after treatment.
• Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation

In many cases, patients are referred to PMR by their primary care doctor or an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon. However, You can directly consult with physical medicine & rehabilitation specialists for an evaluation.

This is a common question! A Physiatrist is a physician (MBBS + MD/DNB PMR) who diagnoses illnesses, prescribes treatments (including medications and injections), and leads the rehabilitation team. A Physical Therapist is a trained specialist (BPT/MPT/DPT) who carries out the specific exercise-based treatment plan and manual therapy prescribed to help the patient regain movement. We work together closely to ensure the best patient outcomes.