Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as Physiatry or Rehabilitation Medicine, aims to improve and restore functional ability and quality of life to people who have physical impairments or disabilities that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. A physiatrist is a physician who has completed training in this field (Post MBBS- MD/DNB). The physiatrist's goals are to maximise patients' independence in daily activities and to improve their quality of life.

PM&R specialists work in a variety of clinical settings, including in-patient and out-patient settings. They are well-versed in the musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatological, and cardiovascular systems. Spinal cord injury, brain injury (both traumatic and non-traumatic), stroke, multiple sclerosis, polio, burn care, musculoskeletal, paediatric rehabilitation, and corrective and rehabilitative surgeries are among the most common clinical problems seen and managed by physiatrists. In addition, orthopaedic injuries, spine-related pain and dysfunction, occupational injuries and overuse syndromes, neurogenic bowel/bladder, pressure sore management, spasticity management, and chronic pain are frequently managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, orthotists and prosthetists, social workers, and others.