he American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation defines the PM&R specialty as “the branch of medicine emphasizing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders—particularly related to the nerves, muscles, bones and brain—that may produce temporary or permanent impairment” [1]. These disorders range from spina bifida and muscular dystrophy to sports injuries and musculoskeletal pain to Parkinson disease. Physiatrists—specialists in PM&R—also care for people with spinal cord injuries and fit prosthetics for those who have had limb amputations. The ultimate goal is to improve movement as much as possible and reduce the psychological, emotional, familial, and vocational stresses that come with temporary or permanent loss of motor function. The field is notable for providing long-term care and for collaborating closely with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other health care professionals. Although society was, for a long time, not particularly accommodating to people with physical impairment, and words like “cripple” or “gimp” were said aloud, great strides have been made in the last three or four decades. Arguably, individuals with disabilities like physicist Stephen Hawking (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), actor Christopher Reeve (quadriplegia), actor Michael J. Fox (Parkinson disease), and boxer Muhammad Ali (Parkinsonism) have shown that a physical disorder or impairment is not the end to a productive and valuable life. Today, public support for research into physical disorders is more robust than ever....
Language: en
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