Specializing in Rehabilitation Medicine, Physical Disabilities, Sports & Spine, Orthopedic Medicine. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, focuses on helping patients recover functionality after an illness or injury for example, a stroke, sports injuries, spinal cord or brain injury, or fibromyalgia. A physical medicine/rehabilitation specialist may use diagnostic tools such as nerve conduction studies (NCS), which measure the nerves responses to electrical stimulation, and needle electromyographies (EMGs), which assess the effects of needle electrodes on the muscles. Treatments include physical therapy, medication, orthotics and adaptive devices. Physiatrists may work with physical, occupational and speech therapists. Subspecialties in physical medicine and rehabilitation include pediatrics, neurology and internal medicine.