Sports Medicine vs Orthopedics  

When you’ve suffered an orthopedic injury, you may be referred to an orthopedic specialist, or you may be referred to a sports medicine doctor. What’s the difference? Is there a fundamental difference between the two? Which doctor will best suit your individual needs?

The Differences Between Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Many people think that there is no difference between sports medicine and orthopedics. After all, they both deal with musculoskeletal issues. Both orthopedists and sports medicine physicians deal with injuries or conditions of the muscles, bones, joints, and nerves. They seem very similar. There are many differences between the practices of orthopedics and sports medicine. Here are some of the distinctions between sports medicine doctors and orthopedic doctors.

Education and Specialization
The primary difference between orthopedics and sports medicine is the difference between how orthopedists and sports medicine physicians are educated.

Sports medicine doctors begin their training by studying a fundamental field of medicine, such as internal or family medicine. Then, they undergo a sports medicine residency and pass an exam for certification, which must be renewed every ten years.

Orthopedic doctors follow a much more traditional educational path. They study medicine in a primary medical field, such as internal medicine, and then begin a residency in orthopedics. After the residency, they must also pass a rigorous examination. When they have completed their residency, they will move on to a practice where they will treat joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

So, to sum up, the sports medicine physician will treat the musculoskeletal system but, unlike an orthopedist, will be specialized in sports medicine.

Approach to Treatment

Orthopedic doctors study, diagnose, and treat injuries, diseases, and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They treat all aspects of bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves. They take a conventional approach to orthopedic injuries, disorders, and issues and can readily treat any issue that a musculoskeletal problem has caused. An orthopedist will likely recommend a surgical option to patients, as they specialize in surgical solutions to this type of injury or disorder. However, orthopedists also recommend non-surgical options. They may determine that the patient needs physical therapy, pain management, or immobilization through bracing.

Sports medicine doctors also treat the musculoskeletal system, but they more specifically treat injuries related to professional or amateur sports activity. Practitioners of sports medicine take a conclusive approach to treatment and will treat each patient with the utmost care to maximize their athletic ability. A sports medicine doctor will not focus on surgical solutions to most orthopedic issues. Instead, this type of doctor will focus on the athlete's overall performance potential and want to optimize that ability. To that end, a sports medicine doctor may recommend treatments such as movement analysis, physical therapy, specific exercises, rest and recovery options, and pain management.

Types of Patients

If you are a patient looking for a solution to an injury, overuse issue, or disorder, your general practioner may refer you to an orthopedist or a sports medicine physician. This will depend on the nature of the issue and the patient's lifestyle.

Athletes

If you are an athlete who has undergone an injury or is suffering from overuse or a musculoskeletal disease, you will likely be referred to a sports medicine physician. In fact, many sports medicine doctors are employed by schools, athletic centers, or sports teams. Sports medicine doctors are sometimes found at sporting events, games, and training sessions. Sports medicine doctors will be able to collaborate with registered dietitians to create treatment and training plans for the athletes in their care. They will also help to treat injured athletes. Another job they may have will be helping to determine whether a particular athlete is ready for the event in which they are about to participate.

Actively Fit Patients

Sports medicine doctors are not limited to professional athletes. In fact, if you are someone who leads an active lifestyle and wishes to be in the best shape you can attain while remaining actively fit, you may want to see a sports medicine doctor. This type of doctor can help you maximize your potential while staying in your best physical condition.

Patients With Musculoskeletal Injuries or Disorders

An orthopedist will be the best bet for this type of patient. Their abilities are unrestricted when it comes to orthopedic care.

However, if you are athletic or lead an active lifestyle, you may consider a sports medicine doctor.

Conclusion

In the quest for a doctor that will best meet your needs, an orthopedist is in the category of the most comprehensive care. An orthopedist can treat any musculoskeletal issues and make sure that the treatment meets your needs. However, if you are an active person, amateur athlete, or professional athlete, you may want to consult a sports medicine doctor for your orthopedic issues. A sports medicine doctor wants to help athletes and other active people maximize their athletic potential so that they can remain active and continue to pursue their active lifestyle. Whatever your fitness or health goals, you can’t go wrong consulting the experts at Forté Sports Medicine.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

In the Central Indiana area, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is your go-to center for both sports medicine and orthopedics. We offer many treatment types for conditions that cause pain, such as physical therapy, surgical care, and more. Offering complete treatment for all orthopedic issues, we will help you with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Here, you can receive a diagnosis, have imagery taken, and see a physician so that you can be on your way with a treatment plan in place as soon as possible. Visit our website for more information. For urgent assistance, download our HURT app.