Physical medicine
Physical medicine - Description
Physical medicine (physical therapy) owes its name to the technologies (electric currents, magnetic waves, ultrasonic waves, etc.) that were extensively used in treatments under this heading in the past.
Since that time it has changed significantly and widened its field of activity and the associated competencies.
Specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) are responsible for the diagnosis and conservative treatment of diseases of the locomotor system. Due to their knowledge and skills in this area, they have access to all the relevant therapies (medications, equipment, manipulative therapies, infiltrations, setting up a retraining programme for the physiotherapist, psychosocial follow-up and special technologies).
To clarify the diagnosis, they may carry out a number of technical medical investigations such as electromyography (EMG), measurement of peripheral nerve conduction velocity and sensory (SEP) and motor (MEP) evoked potentials.
The primary role of a doctor specialising in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) is to coordinate and ensure the use of all measures intended to prevent or minimise the functional, physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of handicaps and disabilities resulting from an accident or illness.
The purpose of this is to reintegrate the patient as quickly as possible in a place in society that will suit him best. In this role as architect of the care plan, the specialist doctor coordinates the knowledge and experience of a number of players, namely other specialists, the patient's GP, paramedical professionals, carers and other people who are involved and employed by various different associations.