Abstract
This is the Era of specialization and professionals in
all areas are trying to improve their knowledge and
skills for the betterment of their patients. Although
some time this creates confusion in minds when
there is a thin line to set the boundaries in the scope
of practice in different specialties. The same is true
for physical therapists and physiatrists in Pakistan.
This profession was came into being in the US in
1921 with the combined efforts of Mary McMillan
who founded the American Women Physiotherapy
Association and few renowned physicians Dr.Frank
Granger (Harvard's Graduate School of Medicine)
Dr.Elliott Brackett and Dr.Joel Goldthwaite, chief
surgeons in the Army's Orthopedic Military
Corps.The title of physical therapist was proposed
for the graduates of the profession but the physicians
were in favor that this will be used for physicians only
but later on with the efforts of Mary McMillan the
non-physician graduates of the program were
allowed by the court to use the same title . The
Physicians then came up with the term physiatrist for
physicians with such training. Since then the
development of physical medicine and rehabilitation
started on two tracks and different boards and
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association were established.
The American Board of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation defines Physiatrist; “A specialist in
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation evaluates and
treats patients with physical and/or cognitive
impairments and disabilities that result from
musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions,
or other medical conditions. Physiatrists have
expertise in therapeutic exercise, medications, and
injections for management of pain and spasticity;
electro diagnosis; prostheses and other equipment
to assist daily activities, and coordinate treatment to
help patients improve their physical, psychological,
2
social, and vocational function”.
Asghar Khan. (2017) Physical Therapists in the Field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Journal of Islamic International Medical College, Volume-12, Issue-3.
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