Getting the Care You Need after a Traumatic Brain Injury
When you have been involved in an accident of any kind, and have suffered injury to your head or neck, there’s also the very real possibility that you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury. When that happens, the best course of action is generally to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Your doctor will have the skills, knowledge and experience to initially assess your condition and determine whether you can be prescribed a regimen of treatment or need to see a specialist. If your injury requires treatment by a specialist, your doctor may refer you to a physiatrist. What is a physiatrist and what can this medical professional do for you?
What Is a Physiatrist?
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who has received advanced training in rehabilitative medicine and treatment. Physiatry as a discipline focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of a wide range of disabilities involving your brain, bones, muscles and nerves. As a general rule, a physiatrist will complete four years of specialized training in physical and rehabilitative medicine after completion of medical school. This training typically includes an internship and residency.
What Types of Treatment Will a Physiatrist Typically Prescribe?
Though physiatry is a medical specialty, it involves a broad and holistic approach to care, using physical therapy, as well as pain procedures to help patients live independently with minimal pain and loss of function. Among the common types of treatments and procedures implemented by a physiatrist are:
- The prescription of pain medications
- Spine, joint and soft tissue injections
- Therapeutic exercises
- Ultrasound
Is a Physical Therapist the Same as a Physiatrist?
No. Physical therapists may have advanced education, including masters and doctoral degrees, but they are not graduates of a medical school.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
