October 26th was National Physiatry Day, and we thought we’d take a moment to talk about this unique and important branch of medicine. Physical medicine, otherwise known as physiatry, is a medical approach that aims to improve the functional ability, and thus quality of life, of patients suffering from permanent physical impairments or disabilities.  

If you have mobility limitations after an injury or medical event, your healthcare team may recommend visits with both a physiatrist and physical therapist to get you moving again. Your first question might be, what’s the difference between the two? Can I just go to one or the other, rather than both?

Orthopedic surgery is the surgical treatment of medical issues with bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles. When you undergo orthopedic surgery, your medical team will likely advise you to consider a rehabilitation program to help you recover quickly and safely.

After a medical event such as surgery or an acute illness, you may have visits with more doctors and therapists than you ever knew you needed. It can be both confusing and reassuring to know that there are so many people are involved in your care. 

What is a wound care center?

A wound care center is a specialist medical treatment center that deals with wounds that won’t heal. Wound care center staff may include specially certified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists that can help manage and heal problematic wounds. These healthcare providers will coordinate treatment with your personal physician to make sure that you get the best care possible. 

If you're in the hospital for rehabilitation and you have an ulcer, bed sore, or surgical wound, you may have been assigned a wound care specialist. A wound care specialist is a healthcare provider with advanced training in assessing, dressing, and caring for open, non-healing wounds.

If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, you may be advised to consider outpatient therapy. Outpatient therapy is a course of treatment to support your recovery and rehabilitation, delivered through a series of visits to a private therapy practice or a clinic.

Physical therapy is often incorporated into your outpatient treatment plan if an injury or surgical procedure leaves you with mobility limitations. Your therapist works closely with you and your care team to improve your recovery.

Have you been told by your healthcare team that you could benefit from outpatient occupational therapy?

This type of therapy is often recommended for people who have seen a decline in functional abilities that makes some daily tasks difficult to manage. So what exactly is occupational therapy and how might it benefit you?

Has your medical team told you that speech therapy could help you? Have they referred you to an outpatient speech therapy provider?

If so, and this will be your first experience with this type of therapy, there's a good chance that you have some questions.