Dr. Brian Brady, In-House Physiatrist
Sharp pain – whether from a past shoulder injury, arthritis in the knee or recurring migraines – can significantly affect how you live your life. Mobility becomes limited, social connections may fade into the background, and even routine daily tasks require adjustments.
For years, you may have heard to “expect this at your age” but those conversations are changing. Today, medical professionals recognize the broader, whole-body benefits of physiatry.
Physiatrists design personalized non-surgical treatment plans that focus on restoring movement and function rather than simply masking pain. Because this approach applies across a wide range of conditions, physicians increasingly involve physiatrists to support surgical recovery, guide injury healing and help patients manage chronic pain.
If your doctor has recommended physiatry, learn what the specialty involves and what you can expect.
What Is Physiatry?
Physiatry is a medical specialty focused on how the nervous system, muscular, skeletal and brain-related conditions work together to influence pain and function. It addresses both temporary injuries and long-term conditions, with treatment plans aimed at restoring movement, improving performance and supporting independence.
Beyond pain relief and injury recovery, physiatry may include therapies that help patients adapt to physical changes, return to work or modify daily activities safely.
Physiatrists receive advanced training in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and approach care through a whole-person lens. For example, ongoing soreness or discomfort is not viewed in isolation – it’s evaluated based on how it affects movement, mental well-being, social interaction and quality of life.
As treatment progresses, a physiatrist works with you to rebuild strength, mobility and confidence, while helping you adapt to or relearn activities of daily living (ADLs).
West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center offers in-house physiatry services, with Dr. Brady from American Physiatry onsite twice each week to evaluate our residents, develop treatment plans and address ongoing rehabilitation and pain management needs.
When Is Physiatry Recommended?
Doctors may refer patients to physiatry when:
- An accident, injury or stroke changes how you move or function
- A chronic condition limits mobility, independence or social engagement
- Surgery requires a guided, structured recovery – like hip or knee replacements
- Arthritis, repetitive strain or persistent pain begins to impact daily life
- Age-related changes interfere with activity or balance
Patients commonly receive physiatry referrals for conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Back and neck pain
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis or a degenerative joint disease
- A spinal cord or brain injury
- Sports injuries
- Cancer-related functional decline
- Herniated discs
Physiatry is also increasingly incorporated into stroke recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation plans.
How a Physiatrist Helps You Manage Pain
Pain rarely has a single solution. Instead, effective management often requires addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term recovery without over-reliance on medication.
Physiatrists take a layered approach, looking beyond cause and effect to understand how pain impacts physical ability, emotional health and vocational demands.
Different Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies
Physiatry emphasizes individualized, patient-centered care, which may include:
- Injection therapies, including steroids, nerve blocks and regenerative therapies
- Non-invasive pain relief through physical and occupational therapy
- Assistive devices to support safe movement
- Strength and endurance training for key muscle groups
- Adaptive strategies to maintain independence with ADLs
Supporting Recovery Without Surgery
Surgery can significantly disrupt daily life, often requiring extended downtime and prolonged recovery. Physiatry’s non-surgical focus helps:
- Keep patients active and engaged
- Reduce reliance on invasive procedures
- Identify and address the underlying source of pain
- Align pain management with overall recovery goals
Rather than defaulting to medication or surgery, a physiatrist may:
- Prescribe a combination of exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy
- Address how pain affects function and movement patterns
- Identify contributing factors such as smoking, weight, inactivity or mental health concerns
- Recommend less-invasive options like targeted injections or assistive devices
- Coordinate supportive therapies, including acupuncture, dry needling, osteopathic manual medicine or counseling
- Offer guidance for in-home support and safety
Managing Complex Chronic Pain
When pain becomes persistent, physiatrists work to understand why the body continues to send pain signals. This may involve evaluating nerve responses, circulation, muscle imbalances or incomplete healing.
Chronic pain management may include:
- Manual therapies to improve tissue mobility and joint flexibility
- Strength-building exercises focused on core or pelvic stability
- Circulation and nervous system support
- Non-prescription pain relief options, like trigger point therapy or massage
From injury recovery to long-term, progressive conditions, West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center develops personalized care plans that help patients remain active, independent and engaged in daily life.
Whether you’re exploring care for yourself or a loved one, contact us today to learn more about how physiatry can support your recovery.