The Physiatrist is typically the Leader of the Rehab Team. A Board-Certified Physiatrist is a Physical Medicine and Rehab  (PM&R) expert whose training is geared toward enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities involving the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, muscles, and pain.

Unlike other medical specialties that focus on a medical “cure,” the goals of the physiatrist are to maximize the patient's functional independence.

Multi-disciplinary therapy is uniquely individualized to the patient’s diagnosis with the goal of maximizing a person’s independence in spite of the disability (otherwise known as bridging the handicap).

This is accomplished by :

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• improving performance in activities of daily living

• educating the person and support circle on the diagnosis

• providing prevention management methods to decrease complications

• maximizing function for a seamless re-entry to home and community

• Improving overall quality of life