Physiatry Tests
Tests Used by the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physicians at WTMF
Part of what a doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R)—also
known as a physiatrist—does is diagnose conditions that affect the
musculoskeletal system, causing impairment or disability. A physiatrist
can also assess how far this damage has progressed and what the level
of impairment is for the patient. Physiatry involves treating these conditions
using methods designed to emphasize results—with the goal being function.
What To Expect in a Physiatrist Evaluation
A physiatry evaluation involves a complete medical assessment of the patient’s
presenting symptoms, including pain, musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue
injuries, or neurological problems. This assessment is conducted from
the perspective of a PM&R doctor. Your PM&R doctor may run certain
tests to assess for various injuries / disabilities. Finally, at the completion
of your independent physiatry evaluation, your physiatrist should have
the information necessary to reach a diagnosis and begin a treatment recommendation.
Diagnostic Tests
Some of the diagnostic tests that may be used could include:
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Electrodiagnostics, including electromyography (EMG), somatosensory evoked potentials, and
nerve conduction studies
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Imaging studies, including computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), and musculoskeletal ultrasounds
The information provided by your test results should help guide your physiatrist’s
recommendation for treatment. Your physiatrist may lead a team of medical
professionals in providing you care. This team could include prosthetists,
speech / language pathologists, social workers, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, nurses, orthotists, and more. They could also work on a team
with other doctors such as orthopaedic surgeons, cardiologists, and neurologists.
Physiatrists do not conduct surgeries on their patients; they focus on
developing non-invasive treatment plans that include aspects of care such
as assistive devices, various therapies, massage, exercise, pain medications,
injections, and so on. Our team at Washington Township Medical Foundation
can answer your questions about treatment options during your diagnostic
appointment.