You may not hear the word “physiatry” (/ˈfɪz.i.æ.tri/) every day, but if you’ve ever dealt with back pain, joint stiffness, or a soft tissue injury that won’t heal, you’ve already experienced what it’s designed to solve. Physiatry—formally known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)—focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and helping people move better without surgery.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our team takes that mission and applies it to real people, real conditions, and real outcomes. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, dealing with a spinal condition, or trying to regain comfort in your daily routine, a physiatrist will offer a non-surgical path forward.
What a Physiatrist Will Do
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who treats problems involving the muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Instead of focusing only on the site of pain, they will look at how your entire body moves and where movement becomes restricted, unbalanced, or painful.
Physiatrists won’t rush to operate. They will evaluate how your symptoms connect to activity, injury, lifestyle, and even posture. Then, they will create a treatment plan that addresses the root of the issue, not just the symptoms.
You may see a physiatrist for:
- Back and neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica or nerve pain
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Postural issues
- Work-related musculoskeletal injuries
Physiatrists often serve as the hub of a patient’s care, bringing together physical therapy, diagnostic testing, injections, and rehab techniques to help you move forward with strength.
Where Physiatrists Work—and How They Train
Physiatrists practice in many settings. You may find them in hospitals, rehab centers, outpatient clinics, or private practices like Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine. Some focus on stroke or spinal cord injury recovery. Others concentrate on sports and spine medicine, as our team does.
To become a physiatrist, a physician will complete four years of medical school followed by a four-year residency. That includes one year of clinical training in general medicine or surgery and three years of focused PM&R education. Physiatrists who want to refine their skills further will complete fellowship training in areas such as:
- Interventional spine
- Sports medicine
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
After training, physiatrists take board certification exams through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). Some go on to earn additional certifications in areas such as Pain Medicine or Sports Medicine.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our physicians trained at nationally recognized fellowships in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine. That means you’ll receive care from doctors who bring real-world experience and focused training to every appointment.
What Makes Physiatry Different?
Physiatry stands out from other treatment options because it focuses on function. The goal won’t be to “fix” a condition—it will be to help you return to the life you want to live.
Instead of asking, “Where does it hurt?” a physiatrist will ask:
- What makes the pain worse or better?
- How does it affect your daily routine?
- What are your goals for recovery?
That broader approach helps uncover problems that other providers might miss. A knee injury may actually start in the hips. A headache may be related to a tight neck. A pinched nerve may come from a spinal joint, not a herniated disc.
By understanding the body’s full movement system, a physiatrist will build a plan that helps everything work together again.
What Treatments a Physiatrist Will Offer
Physiatrists may use a wide range of tools to reduce pain and restore function, including the following.
Physical Therapy Referrals
Physiatrists work closely with trusted therapists who focus on strength, mobility, balance, and postural retraining.
Manual Therapy and Manipulation
When joints feel stiff or muscles feel locked up, a hands-on treatment may help reset movement patterns.
Image-Guided Injections
Physiatrists may use corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or regenerative solutions like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce inflammation and promote healing. All injections will be guided by imaging to maximize precision.
Prolotherapy
This treatment involves injecting a natural irritant that stimulates the body’s healing response in injured ligaments or tendons.
Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG/NCS)
To assess nerve and muscle function, a physiatrist may perform tests that help locate the true source of pain or weakness. These studies guide both diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Ergonomic and Postural Assessments
A physiatrist may evaluate how your body moves at work, at rest, and during exercise. Simple changes to your setup or routine may reduce stress on your spine and joints.
Why You’ll Benefit From Seeing a Physiatrist
You can choose to visit a surgeon, a primary care physician, or a physical therapist for back pain or joint issues. A physiatrist will offer a different perspective than these other professionals.
We will look at your entire musculoskeletal system—not in isolation, but in motion. We will take time to understand what your body struggles with, what it does well, and how we can support it through non-surgical care.
You will benefit from seeing a physiatrist if you want:
- A treatment plan based on movement, not just medication
- A non-surgical path before considering invasive procedures
- A more active role in your recovery
- A physician who understands both the medical and rehabilitative sides of care
- A clear explanation of what’s happening—and what you can do about it
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a retiree, or someone who just wants to move without pain, we will treat you like a whole person, not a diagnosis.
Physiatry in Action at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our physicians won’t focus on one part of your spine or one injury at a time. We will look at how your entire system moves, adapts, and compensates—and where it could perform more comfortably and efficiently. We will listen, examine, test, and guide you with clear, thoughtful steps.
You won’t receive generic treatment or a one-size-fits-all plan. We will build your care around your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. That’s what physiatry offers—and that’s what we deliver every day to patients across Long Island. Contact us today to learn more during an initial consultation.