When it comes to treating musculoskeletal pain or injuries, knowing which specialist to see can feel overwhelming. Should you visit an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist? While both play profound roles in helping patients recover and regain mobility, their expertise and approaches are very different. Let’s examine the key differences between an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
An orthopedic specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating problems with bones, joints, and muscles. These bone and joint surgeons undergo extensive medical training, including four years of medical school followed by a five-year specialized orthopedic residency.
Orthopedic specialists treat a wide range of conditions. They treat broken bones, hurt knees, back pain, and neck pain. A bone and muscle specialist might also help with problems such as arthritis or torn muscles. Surgery is one way an orthopedic surgeon helps patients. They might fix a broken bone with metal plates or screws. They could also replace a worn-out knee or hip joint with a new one made of metal and plastic. Not all patients need surgery. Many orthopedic care providers also give shots or medicine to help with pain.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist helps people move better and feel less pain through non-surgical methods. They complete a doctoral degree in physical therapy after completing an undergraduate degree. Physical therapy uses many different methods. A physical therapist may show you exercises to strengthen weak muscles. They could also stretch tight muscles to help them relax. Some physical therapists use heat, cold, or special machines to help with pain.
Manual therapy is another way physical therapists help. This means they use their hands to move your joints or massage your muscles. This can help reduce pain and make movement easier. They also teach people how to prevent injuries. They might show you the right way to lift heavy things or how to sit at a desk without hurting your back.
What Are the Key Differences?
The fundamental difference lies in their treatment methods. Orthopedic surgeons can perform surgery and prescribe medications, while physical therapists cannot. An orthopedic care provider might operate to repair a torn ligament or replace a damaged joint. Physical therapists focus on non-invasive treatments to restore function and reduce pain.
Training is also different. Orthopedic surgeons attend medical school for four years, then undergo more training for five more years to learn surgery. Physical therapists receive a specialized degree that takes about three years to complete after a college education. The problems they treat can vary as well. Orthopedic specialists often help with serious injuries like broken bones or torn ligaments. Physical therapists usually assist people who are recovering from an injury or surgery.
Get Expert Care From an Orthopedic Surgeon Today
Both orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists play a key role in helping people with bone and muscle-related problems. Many patients work with both types of doctors. You may want to consult an orthopedic care provider first to determine the cause of your issue. You may then be referred to a physical therapist to improve your condition. Consult with an orthopedic specialist today for orthopedic evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.
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