PM&R physicians lead rehabilitation teams and are trained in medication management, electrodiagnosis, and targeted injections.

[citation needed] Physical medicine and rehabilitation encompasses a variety of clinical settings and patient populations.

In treating these patients, physiatrists lead a team of physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapists, as well as nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

In outpatient settings, physiatrists treat patients with muscle and joint injuries, pain syndromes, non-healing wounds, and other disabling conditions.

[4][5] The major goal of physical medicine and rehabilitation treatment is to help a person function optimally within the limitations placed upon them by a disabling impairment or disease process for which there is no known cure.

[3] Seven accredited sub-specializations are recognized in the United States:[8] Fellowship training for other unaccredited subspecialties within the field include the following:[9]