Physiatry vs Rheumatology?

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Healthinfo104

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I know that they are two different specialties, but they looks so similar... both seems to do a lot of work related to the joints... how are they different?

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They have some overlap, but are TOTALLY different fields. Sure, both can treat MSK, but PM&R is more focused on soft tissue, while rheumatology is mostly joint related. However, the bulk of rheumatology is treating AUTOIMMUNE diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid, sjogren's, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis, etc. PM&R, on the other hand, is more focused on rehabilitation after SCI, TBI, etc.
 
They have some overlap, but are TOTALLY different fields. Sure, both can treat MSK, but PM&R is more focused on soft tissue, while rheumatology is mostly joint related. However, the bulk of rheumatology is treating AUTOIMMUNE diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid, sjogren's, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis, psoriatic arthritis, etc. PM&R, on the other hand, is more focused on rehabilitation after SCI, TBI, etc.

So what kind of interventions does a PM&R doctor use? Do they do physical therapy interventions along with the physical therapist?
 
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So what kind of interventions does a PM&R doctor use? Do they do physical therapy interventions along with the physical therapist?

No, tho they are familiar with it compared to other fields.

They typically do injections for pain, EMG, or med management for the same populations the therapists treat. Therapists structure/perform the rehab plan themselves.

Think psychiatry/psychology dynamic. Very similar

Rheum is autoimmune as a poster mentioned above.
 
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