Orthopedic conditions may be treated by your physician and/or other medical specialists and healthcare providers. Several physicians from different medical specialties may be involved in the treatment at the same time. This multidisciplinary team approach is particularly important in managing the symptoms of an orthopedic condition, especially as many symptoms are chronic and change in severity over time. Your orthopedic treatment team may include:
Primary care physician A primary care physician is one who has specialized education and training in general internal medicine, family practice or another first-level-of-care area. While your primary care physician may treat and/or diagnose your disease, he/she may refer you to a specialist for more specialized treatment of certain aspects of a disease.
Orthopedic surgeon The physician who specializes in orthopedic surgery is called an orthopedic surgeon, or sometimes simply an orthopedist. Orthopedists are educated in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, which includes diagnosing a condition or disorder, identifying and treating an injury, providing rehabilitation to an affected area or function, and establishing prevention protocol to inhibit further damage to a diseased area or component of the musculoskeletal system.
Rheumatologist A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases that may affect joints, muscles, bones, skin and other tissues. Most rheumatologists have a background in internal medicine or pediatrics and have received additional training in the field of rheumatology. Rheumatologists are specially trained to identify many types of rheumatic diseases in their earliest stages, including arthritis, many types of autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Physical therapist Physical therapists, or PTs, are very important members of the healthcare team. They evaluate and provide treatment for persons with health problems resulting from injury, disease or overuse of muscles or tendons. Physical therapists have an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, and many have a Master's degree. In order to practice, all graduates must be licensed by their state by passing a national certification examination.
Occupational therapist Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that uses "occupation," or purposeful activity, to help persons with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
Physiatrist Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, is a medical specialty that involves the process of restoring lost abilities for a person who has been disabled as a result of disease, disorder or injury. Physiatry provides integrated, multidisciplinary care aimed at recovery for the whole person - by addressing the patient's physical, psychological, medical, vocational and social needs.
Podiatrist A podiatrist specializes in foot care and is licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.
Nurses Nurses specialized in the care of orthopedic conditions may assist your physician in providing care. In addition, these nurses will help you to understand your treatment plan and can answer many of your questions.
Other team members Depending on the specific condition involved, other physicians and healthcare professionals may be involved in treating orthopedic conditions. For example, a neurologist or neurosurgeon may assist in treating problems involving the spine because of involvement of the spinal cord.
