What is the difference between Orthopedic and Sports Medicine physicians? | Ask the Expert: Orthopedics with Dave Stoll, PA-C, Utica Park Clinic

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What is the difference between Orthopedic and Sports Medicine physicians?

Around this time of year, it’s natural to want to be more active as we enjoy the great outdoors. Along with this tendency to move more can comes aches, pains and “weekend warrior” injuries such as muscle tears, strains and sprains just to name a few.

Increased activity can jeopardize joints that may already be in marginal condition for any number of reasons. How do you decide where you should receive medical care if you experience an orthopedic injury? Should you seek out a sports medicine physician or would you be better advised by visiting an orthopedic surgeon?

There is a significant difference between a sports medicine physician and an orthopedic surgeon. While both are trained extensively in musculoskeletal care, the biggest difference in these two types of physicians is their background.

Most sports medicine physicians are general practitioners, such as family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors or pediatricians that have received additional training that qualifies them to be a sports medicine specialist. The orthopedic surgeon, on the other hand, has had the majority of their training geared toward the surgical care of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. That training includes in-depth exposure to human anatomy through actually seeing, analyzing and working on the various joints during surgery.

The question in many people’s minds is what kind of physician they should see for their musculoskeletal injury or condition. I’m obviously a little biased since I work with an orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Jon Orjala), but from my perspective I feel that an orthopedist can make a more accurate determination as to whether surgical repair is necessary or if other interventions are recommended. Choosing a physician with surgical capabilities opens the door to different treatment options that might not otherwise be considered. Of course, that doesn’t mean that if you go to an orthopedic surgeon you will be more likely to receive the recommendation of surgery as orthopedic surgeons are also able to offer non-surgical treatment options as well.

We hope you have a safe and active spring, but if you find yourself facing an orthopedic injury, seek out the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon to get back to enjoying the outdoors.