Orthopaedic medicine is a specialty in medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Physicians who specialize in orthopaedic medicine are called orthopaedic doctors or surgeons. But wait…what about sports medicine? Don’t sports medicine practitioners also specialize in orthopaedic injuries?
The answer is yes and no. Orthopaedic doctors and sports medicine doctors have more similarities than differences.
Orthopaedic Medicine
Orthopaedic medicine wasn’t always as wide-ranging as it is now, meaning there was a time when orthopaedic doctors and surgeons specialized in the treatment of children with spine deformities. Today, orthopaedics deals with the care of patients of all ages.
The study of orthopaedic medicine requires a five-year study of orthopaedics, after which you can choose to specialize in specific body parts, such as the spine or lower extremities. An orthopaedic doctor is also called an orthopedist. They treat all types of issues, such as sprains and strains, bursitis and tendonitis, ligament and cartilage tears, and arthritis, using nonsurgical (medical, physical, and rehabilitative) methods. An orthopaedic doctor who receives additional training in surgery is called an orthopaedic surgeon. If you have sustained an injury or are experiencing pain in any part of your musculoskeletal system, an orthopaedic doctor or orthopaedic surgeon is who you want to see.
They can order diagnostic tests and make a diagnosis, recommend and provide nonsurgical and surgical treatments, provide prescriptions for medications, and refer patients to other specialists, as needed. Orthopaedic practices usually work with physical therapy and rehabilitation specialists to deliver comprehensive care to patients.
Orthopaedic doctors may receive additional fellowship training in surgery for specializations, such as joint replacement surgery or hand surgery.
Sports Medicine
An orthopaedic doctor with added fellowship training in sports medicine may also be called a sports medicine doctor. All sports medicine doctors are orthopaedic doctors, but they have specialized knowledge in the field of sports medicine, which is the treatment of athletes and patients who lead active lifestyles. They are experts in athletic health and training as well as concussion services.
Sports medicine doctors treat professional and amateur athletes, weekend warriors, and sports enthusiasts. Patients with physically demanding occupations can also see a sports medicine doctor. They not only treat patients with injuries and make sure they recover safely and quickly, but also provide preventive care and advice on how to improve sports performance. Sports medicine doctors work closely with physical therapists for the rehabilitative needs of their patients.
Sports medicine doctors, just like orthopaedic doctors, work in hospitals and medical centers. However, sports medicine doctors can also be employed by fitness centers and may also travel with athletes.
A sports medicine doctor can treat sports injuries but often refer patients to orthopaedic surgeons for surgical treatments because they are able to treat a wider range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries through surgery than a sports medicine doctor.
Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Treatments in Shawnee Mission, KS
At Midwest Orthopaedics, we have board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists in our team ready to provide you with comprehensive treatment, from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation. We maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere in our facility and make sure you are comfortable at all times.
We welcome you to our Johnson County clinic. To schedule a consultation, call (913) 362-8317 or request an appointment now.
