Physical medicine and rehabilitation in incarcerated populations: addressing functional needs in the criminal justice system

Introduction: Incarcerated individuals face disproportionately high rates of injury, chronic illness, and disability, yet access to physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) services remains fragmented within correctional systems. Structural neglect, institutional barriers, and punitive cultures limit access to rehabilitative care, despite its potential to improve health outcomes and reduce recidivism. Objective: This narrative review explores the role of PM&R in addressing functional impairments among incarcerated populations, synthesizing literature on disease burden, barriers to care, and emerging models of rehabilitation within prisons. Material and methods: A narrative review approach was used to explore literature across databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Sources included peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and grey literature relevant to disability, rehabilitation, and carceral health. Articles were selected based on conceptual relevance to PM&R service delivery in correctional settings. Results: Four key themes emerged: (1) the significant burden of physical disability among incarcerated individuals, (2) institutional and structural barriers to accessing rehabilitation, (3) the role of PM&R in promoting health equity and human dignity, and (4) promising models and future directions. Older adults and those with trauma histories face heightened vulnerability, compounded by inadequate care infrastructure and disrupted continuity. Conclusions: PM&R offers a transformative lens for addressing functional health disparities in correctional settings. Expanding rehabilitative services, integrating geriatric and trauma-informed models, and promoting cross-sector collaboration are essential for equitable care. Structural investment, policy reform, and inclusive research are needed to fulfill the rehabilitative promise of carceral healthcare and uphold human dignity behind bars.