Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiatry) is the medical specialty responsible for the evaluation and organization of the Rehabilitation Program of individuals with disabling conditions and co -morbidities in all age groups. Allied to other professions related to rehabilitation, provides the means to manage and enhance the quality of life in the prevention or management of a chronic health condition.

This specialty aims to reduce disability resulting from:

• Traumatic musculoskeletal diseases (eg. fractures, dislocations, amputees, etc...);
• Inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases (eg. tendonitis and arthritis.);
• Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases (eg. osteoarthritis);
• Central neurological pathology (eg. stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease.) And peripheral (eg.polineuropatias, facial paralysis);
• Cardio-Pulmonar diseases (eg. myocardial infarction or COPD) and vascular disease (eg amputees.);
• Chronic pain;
• Consequences of immobility (eg. prolonged hospital internment.)
• Other conditions: vestibular, scars and burns, lymphedema, and urinary incontinence.

The intervention of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the pediatric age occurs in the context of any of the aforementioned diseases and greater distinction in developmental pathology in particular the delay of psychomotor development, cerebral palsy, obstetric brachial plexus injury, congenital torticollis and congenital deformities.

The approach of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is holistic and integrates all biopsychosocial aspects of the person, using specific assessment and diagnostic techniques and offering a range of treatment options, including pharmacological, physical, technical and educational interventions through a multidisciplinary team:

• Physiatrists;
• Physiotherapists;
• Occupational Therapists;
• Speech Therapists;
• Nurses;
• Neuropsychologists and psychologists.

Common Disfunctions or Conditions for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Consultation:

• Limitations on walking (gait) / mobility after surgery or illness;
• Pain " back " or neck (Low Back Pain , Neck Pain, Back pain);
• Other musculoskeletal pain;
• Lack of strength (paralysis);
• Amendment of speech, language or "choking" in food (dysphagia);
• Post-mastectomy State (lymphedema);
• Postpartum recovery, including caesarean scars;
• Intolerance effort to heart disease, lung or other;
• Post-pneumonia state;
• Urinary incontinence;
• Late Child development;
• Post- surgical scars or burns;
• Need to review / prescription products support / technical aids : splints / orthoses, prostheses for amputees.