Taastusraviarst

Taastusraviarst is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The role focuses on diagnosing, treating, and coordinating care for people with disabling conditions arising from illness, injury, or congenital factors, with the aim of restoring function, reducing disability, and promoting independence.

Scope of practice includes evaluating patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, pediatric, cardiopulmonary, or degenerative conditions; developing comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation plans; and leading multidisciplinary teams that may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses. Taastusraviarst manage aspects such as mobility, activities of daily living, pain, spasticity, and fatigue, and may prescribe medications, perform injections (for pain or spasticity), or recommend assistive devices, orthotics, and wheelchair solutions. They order and interpret imaging and laboratory tests as needed, supervise rehabilitation therapies, and coordinate discharge planning and community reintegration. Education and counseling for patients and families are also important components.

Education and training typically require a medical degree followed by a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Board certification or equivalent credentials may be pursued where available, along with ongoing professional development and possible subspecialization (e.g., pediatric rehabilitation, neurorehabilitation, spinal cord injury medicine).

Taastusraviarst work settings include hospitals (acute and rehabilitation wards), rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and home-based programs. The specialty emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach to improve function and quality of life through coordinated, evidence-based rehabilitation.