There are many types of providers offering reparative medicine options. It is important to seek care from a physician that has extensive training in the musculoskeletal system and can offer you many tools to customize a plan that is right for you.
An orthopaedic surgeon is an expert with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and both non-surgical and surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors who have completed a total of approximately 14 years of formal education. Board-certified orthopaedic surgeons must maintain their certification with continuous, life-long learning and demonstrating their expertise on a regular basis via an oral or written examination. Members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are committed not only to treating injuries, but preventing them.
Orthopaedic surgeons treat patients of all ages— from newborns to the elderly. We treat conditions that include sports injuries and joint replacement to fractures and spinal deformity. Orthopaedic surgeons explore nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. They also have the expertise to perform surgery to repair an injury or correct a condition, if necessary.
Reference: www.aaos.org
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry or rehabilitation medicine, aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. A physician having completed training in this field is referred to as a physiatrist. Unlike other medical specialties that focus on a medical “cure,” the goals of the physiatrist are to maximize patients’ independence in activities of daily living and improve quality of life.
Physiatrists are experts in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans, and are integral members of the care team. They utilize cutting-edge as well as time-tested treatments to maximize function and quality of life for their patients, who can range in age from infants to octogenarians.
Reference: www.aapmr.org
A Sports Medicine Physicians has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. They are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams or active individuals who are simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sports Medicine Physicians specialize solely in non-surgical sports medicine and serve as team physicians at the youth level, NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NHL, as well as with Olympic teams.
A Sports Medicine Physician’s Training:
Sports Medicine is a recognized subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Subspecialties and by Medicare.
Reference: www.amssm.org