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Muscle problems are a common issue that can arise from various causes, such as sports injuries, underlying nerve injuries, or autoimmune diseases. Seeking appropriate treatment is essential for effective relief. The type of healthcare professional consulted depends on the specific needs and severity of the muscle problem. For instance, a primary care physician (PCP) can often handle common muscle pain problems and provide initial treatments or referrals to specialists. If the issue is sports-related, a sports medicine physician or physiatrist, who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, may be consulted. In cases of nerve injuries leading to muscle disorders, a neurologist is the specialist of choice, while rheumatologists treat autoimmune muscle diseases. Orthopedic surgeons are also involved in treating joint and muscle diseases, offering surgical intervention when necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle problems caused by sports or exercise injuries | Sports medicine physician |
| Muscle problems caused by nerve injuries | Neurologist |
| Autoimmune muscle diseases | Rheumatologist |
| Muscle problems requiring surgery | Orthopedic surgeon |
| Muscle problems requiring medication, physical therapy or other therapies | Physiatrist |
| Muscle pain caused by injuries like strains and sprains | Orthopedist |
| Muscle pain requiring advanced techniques | Pain management specialist |
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What You'll Learn
Sports medicine physicians
These physicians play a crucial role in coordinating sports care activities with other specialists, such as surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and coaches. They may refer athletes for specialized consultations, physical therapy, or diagnostic testing. Additionally, they are authorized to prescribe medications for athletic-related injuries and supervise the rehabilitation process.
Overall, sports medicine physicians are dedicated to ensuring athletes' health and optimizing their performance through tailored treatment plans and comprehensive care. They are an essential part of the sports ecosystem, providing support and expertise to athletes and individuals dealing with sports-related injuries and health conditions.
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Physiatrists
A physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They are experts in managing chronic pain and improving their patients' quality of life. Physiatrists treat conditions of the bones, muscles, joints, brain, and nervous system. They use non-surgical treatments such as injections, nerve stimulators, and physical therapy to improve their patients' movement and function.
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Orthopedic surgeons
When visiting an orthopedic surgeon, they will ask about your medical history and symptoms, and may perform tests to diagnose your condition. Treatment options may include surgery, medication, or physical therapy, and they can also assist with rehabilitation and developing long-term strategies to manage illnesses, disorders, or issues related to the musculoskeletal system.
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Rheumatologists
If you are experiencing muscle pain, your primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to a rheumatologist for evaluation. PCPs can handle many common muscle pain problems and may refer you to a specialist if your condition requires more targeted care.
Some rheumatologists work in outpatient clinics, like the Denver Arthritis Clinic, which treats rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and spondyloarthritis. Rheumatologists may also work in hospitals, like Dr. Kim Tyler, who is affiliated with Denver Health.
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Neurologists
If you are experiencing muscle pain, your primary care physician (PCP) can often handle common muscle pain problems and may prescribe initial treatments or pain relief strategies. They can also refer you to specialists if your condition requires more targeted care.
When visiting a neurologist, it is helpful to be prepared. You can keep a symptom diary and bring it with you, recording events, including the day and time they occurred, their duration, severity, triggers, symptoms, and any actions you took. You should also bring a list of all current products you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Additionally, inform your neurologist about any previous medications that didn't work or caused side effects, and provide a list of your known allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
You could see your primary care physician (PCP) or a sports medicine physician, who can diagnose and treat sports-related injuries of the musculoskeletal system. If your muscle problem is caused by exercise or playing sports, you could also see an orthopaedic doctor.
Your PCP may refer you to a physiatrist, who can diagnose and treat the problem through medication, physical therapy, or other therapies. You could also see a pain management specialist, who can help with chronic muscle pain that doesn't respond to traditional treatments.
A neurologist is a physician who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. They treat neuromuscular diseases that affect the function of muscles, so they may be able to help with muscle problems.
