Find & Book a Physiatrist

A physiatrist treats pain and loss of function without defaulting to surgery, which sets them apart from most other specialists who see the same complaints. Trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, they look at how your whole body moves and connect a symptom like sciatica, a frozen shoulder, or weakness after a stroke back to its mechanical or neurological source. They coordinate non-surgical care: targeted physical therapy, image-guided spine and joint injections, spasticity management, prosthetic and bracing decisions, and a recovery plan that aims to restore what you can actually do day to day. This makes them a natural first stop for chronic musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and rehabilitation after surgery, stroke, or spinal cord injury. OpenMyPro connects you with verified physiatrists and physical medicine & rehabilitation doctors you can compare and book online.

What to look for in a physiatrist

• ✓Board certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), plus any subspecialty fellowship that matches your need, such as pain medicine, sports medicine, spinal cord injury, or brain injury medicine.
• ✓Hands-on experience with your specific problem area: spine and back pain, musculoskeletal and sports injuries, neurological rehabilitation, or post-surgical recovery are very different focuses within physiatry.
• ✓Whether the physiatrist performs image-guided interventional procedures themselves (epidural and joint injections, nerve blocks, EMG nerve studies, Botox for spasticity) or refers them out.
• ✓A clear non-surgical, function-first approach that coordinates physical therapy, bracing, and medication rather than jumping straight to imaging or a surgical referral.
• ✓Telehealth options for follow-ups and progress check-ins, with in-person visits reserved for exams and procedures.

How booking works on OpenMyPro

1. 1.Compare verified physiatrists and physical medicine & rehabilitation doctors by specialty, ratings, and real client reviews.
2. 2.Open a profile to see their services, experience, and available times.
3. 3.Book online in about 33 seconds — no phone tag, no waiting on a callback.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a physiatrist do, and how is it different from a physical therapist?

A physiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who diagnoses the cause of pain or impaired movement and directs the overall treatment plan, including ordering tests, prescribing medication, and performing procedures like injections and nerve studies. A physical therapist carries out hands-on rehabilitation and exercise programs. The physiatrist often diagnoses the problem and writes the plan; the physical therapist executes much of the recovery work.

When should I see a physiatrist instead of an orthopedic surgeon?

See a physiatrist first when you want to explore non-surgical options for back, neck, joint, or nerve pain, or when you are recovering from an injury, surgery, or a condition like a stroke. Physiatrists specialize in restoring function without an operation. If your case clearly requires surgery, a physiatrist can confirm that and refer you, and they often manage your rehabilitation afterward.

What happens at a first physiatry appointment?

Expect a detailed conversation about your symptoms, daily activities, and goals, followed by a physical exam that tests strength, range of motion, reflexes, and how you move. The physiatrist may order imaging or an EMG nerve study to pinpoint the cause. You usually leave with a working diagnosis and a starting plan, which might include physical therapy, medication, an injection, or bracing.

Do physiatrists treat conditions beyond back pain?

Yes. Physiatrists treat a wide range of conditions, including sports and overuse injuries, arthritis, sciatica and nerve compression, muscle and tendon problems, spasticity, and rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, or major surgery. Their focus is on improving function and quality of life across many physical conditions, not back pain alone.

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