Doctors who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation -- also known as physiatry -- help children and adults regain function and improve their quality of life. Whether you want to move more comfortably, explore non-surgical treatment options, or restore your independence, Duke Health physiatrists will evaluate your needs and recommend a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals.
While physiatrists can help with functional impairment at any point, they are often seen in cases of:
A thorough physical exam is the cornerstone of the diagnostic process in physiatry. Your doctor will carefully inspect you visually; check your range of motion, strength, and sensation; and evaluate how your body moves through special tests.
This is a safe, painless, and non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves rather than radiation to create real-time pictures of structures inside your body. Some physiatrists use this test as part of their exam to assess your tendons, muscles, or joints for possible injuries. They can also use this technique to help guide injections for treatment of multiple conditions.
Nerve conduction studies use small electrical stimulations on your skin to measure how quickly and efficiently signals travel through your nerves. These tests identify potential nerve damage and assess muscle function. During an EMG, a very thin needle is used to record electrical activity in your muscles, helping your doctor locate and diagnose nerve and muscle abnormalities.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our orthopaedics program is nationally ranked and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.
Being seen at a medical center ensures that all of your health conditions are taken into account and that a full spectrum of treatments is available to optimize your care. For example, we can provide injections that will help physical and occupational therapy be more effective. And if you have a medical condition that renders a certain type of therapy inappropriate, we have the resources and expertise to pursue other avenues of treatment to help you achieve your optimal function and quality of life.
You aren't just seeing one doctor; you are gaining a dedicated team. Our physiatrists work closely with other Duke specialists, such as orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, urologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, and psychologists. Together, we develop a comprehensive treatment plan that treats the whole person—not just the symptoms.
