Balance Physical Therapy

what's the difference between physical medicine and physiotherapy?

my dad broke his wrist recently.. actually his bone came out of his arm.. so he pretty much can't use his hand.. who should I take him too?

Public Comments

1. physical medicine usually is a term reserved for physiatrists...medical physicians of rehabilitation. They often oversee the care of someone who has advanced rehabilitative needs (ie, someone who has had a stroke) and coordinates their care. Physiotherapy (or physical therapy) is often a part of what a physiatrist may recommend for a patient...but it's the physiotherapist who does the actual rehabilitation, the physiatrist just oversees their medical needs (pain medication, etc). The term "physical medicine" is also often used rather loosely to refer to the collective rehabilitative disciplines...physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc. If your father has already had the bone set and he is ready for some rehabilitation, take him to a physiotherapist.