Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) is a medical specialty combining two related areas that focuses on patient function and quality of life. It has been a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties since 1947. The specialty applies any and all of the body systems that may be impaired to help people in restoring functional independence and well-being when they have more than one clinical problem at a time. 

PM&R Physicians (or Physiatrists) practice physical medicine, which looks at other treatments besides medications to reduce symptoms, such as pain and weakness. This could be modalities, such as cold, heat, electrical stimulation, and manual therapies. 

Rehabilitation is a focus on restoring functional independence after a severe illness or injury. This could involve mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, artificial limbs (prosthetics), and braces (orthotics). These two areas are often linked with each other in the overall recovery process towards the increased quality of life.

Focusing on the person for functional independence, and less on the diagnosis allows the treatment plan to be patient-centered. The patient’s unique clinical situation is better accounted for in the process.

Four Quad Cities Locations

Visit one of our Eastern Iowa or Western Illinois offices in Rock Island, Moline, DeWitt or Coralville (near Iowa City).