Final answer:
The branch of medicine that specializes in rehabilitation is called Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) or physiatry, not to be confused with physical therapy or orthopedics, which also deal with the musculoskeletal system but focus more on acute treatment and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The branch of medicine that specializes in rehabilitation is known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also referred to as physiatry. This specialty focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Patients who have sustained a muscle or joint injury are often referred to a physical therapist (PT) after an initial consultation with their regular physician. PTs, with at least a master's degree or doctorate, are highly trained experts in body mechanics and movement. Their goals are often to help patients recover mobility and manage pain, potentially avoiding the need for surgery.
For more specific issues pertaining to the musculoskeletal system, individuals might consult an orthopedist. Orthopedists are doctors who diagnose and treat disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, and they may use medications, exercises, braces, and other devices, or in some cases, surgery, to address orthopedic problems.