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Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, are specialists who treat injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They can diagnose and treat various conditions, including sports injuries, bone fractures, arthritis, and cancer. Orthopedic doctors can perform surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and they work closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for their patients. In addition to orthopedists, other types of doctors that deal with muscles include physiatrists, rheumatologists, and sports medicine specialists. These specialists collaborate to diagnose and treat muscle-related conditions, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care for their specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Specialization | Musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons |
| Treatment methods | Surgical and non-surgical treatments |
| Treatment types | Pain medications, splints or braces, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc. |
| Specialties | Rheumatology, sports medicine, osteopathic medicine, neuromuscular medicine, muscular medicine |
| Sub-specialties | Knee, hip, spine, or shoulder |
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What You'll Learn
Orthopedic doctors
Orthopedists receive comprehensive training in the field of medicine, including obtaining a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, followed by a rigorous 5- to 7-year residency program. During their residency, they gain experience in various medical specialties under the supervision of licensed physicians. Orthopedic surgeons, a subset of orthopedic doctors, may pursue additional Board Certification, which requires a valid medical license.
When it comes to treatment options, orthopedic doctors typically prioritize non-surgical approaches first. They may recommend pain medications, physical therapy, exercises, immobilization techniques (such as braces, splints, or casts), and lifestyle modifications. However, in more severe cases or when conservative measures are ineffective, orthopedic surgeons may perform surgical procedures. These surgeries can include joint replacement, internal fixation, fusion, and arthroscopy, depending on the specific condition and patient needs.
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Rheumatologists
To become a rheumatologist, one must complete three to four years of medical or osteopathic education, followed by three years of residency training in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Some rheumatologists are trained in both internal medicine and pediatrics. After completing their medical education, rheumatologists may take a board examination to become "board certified". Many rheumatologists also voluntarily participate in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning and advanced knowledge in the specialty of rheumatology.
To maintain their medical license, rheumatologists must participate in continuing medical education (CME) classes or studies that cover current medical practices. Many rheumatologists also conduct research to better understand rheumatic diseases and develop improved treatments.
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Physiatrists
Some physiatrists specialize in physical medicine, treating people with joint and back pain, while others focus on rehabilitation, helping patients with injuries to the central nervous system, such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis. Physiatrists also work with other healthcare providers, including primary care providers and specialists, to coordinate patient care.
In summary, physiatrists are doctors who specialize in treating and managing conditions affecting the skeletal and nervous systems, with a focus on restoring movement and function through nonsurgical means. They work closely with other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care and improve patients' quality of life.
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Sports medicine doctors
In addition to injury treatment and prevention, sports medicine doctors offer a range of services, including concussion management. They conduct thorough evaluations using in-office ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI imaging to diagnose and treat concussions, providing symptom assessment, testing, and recommendations for returning to activity. They may also offer preseason neuropsychology testing to establish a baseline for comparison in the event of future concussions.
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Osteopathic doctors
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine, including primary care, pediatrics, OBGYN, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery. They are trained to treat patients as whole people, focusing on the interrelated unity among all systems of the body, including the body, mind, and spirit. DOs are known for their unique, patient-centered approach, where they look beyond symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact their patients' well-being.
DOs complete four years of osteopathic medical school, followed by internships, residencies, and fellowships, which can last three to eight years. During their medical education, they are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them achieve and maintain health. They account for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States and hold prominent positions in medicine, including overseeing care for the President of the United States, the NASA medical team, Olympic athletes, and uniformed services.
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Frequently asked questions
Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, specialize in treating injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They can diagnose and treat injuries resulting from sports, physical activity, overuse, aging, and more. Orthopedic doctors can also perform surgeries and prescribe medications.
Sports medicine doctors can help diagnose and treat muscle pain caused by physical activity or sports. Physiatrists, also known as doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people disabled by disease, disorder, or injury involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Rheumatologists can also treat muscle pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Orthopedic doctors typically recommend nonsurgical treatments first, such as pain medications, splints or braces, physical therapy, or other conservative options before considering surgery. They may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as an anti-inflammatory diet, to prevent muscle pain caused by nutrient deficiencies.
If you experience muscle pain due to an injury or unknown cause, it is generally recommended to wait a week or two to see if it improves with rest and self-care at home. However, if there is no improvement, it may be necessary to see an orthopedic doctor for further investigation and treatment.
