Is Sports Medicine the same as Physical Therapy? 

Individuals who have sustained sports-related injuries may confuse a physical therapist with a sports medicine doctor.

Physical therapists and sports medicine physicians are both experts in treating injuries and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, but they are not interchangeable in the course of injury therapy.

Sports Medicine

Treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries are the focus of sports medicine. A sports medicine doctor is well-versed in the unique motions and physical requirements of each game.

If you play volleyball, for instance, a doctor specializing in sports medicine is more likely to be able to diagnose and treat your injury since they are familiar with the specific physical demands of the activity.

A doctor specializing in sports medicine in Media, PA may prescribe the best course of action for a volleyball player to heal and resume their regular routine (or soccer, football, etc.).

In addition, a sports medicine expert, like the one at Restoration Physical Therapy, will consult with you and instruct you on how to use safe and effective body mechanics while engaging in your sport.

Physical Therapy

Whether or not a patient is a professional athlete, physical therapists work with people of all ages to help them get back on their feet after an accident. Physical therapists are often referred to patients by sports medicine doctors and vice versa.

A sports medicine specialist, in contrast to a general physician, may perform a wider range of procedures, including surgery, because of their concentration on treating athletes.

Nevertheless, Media physical therapy focuses only on the use of stretching and strengthening exercises and equipment in order to aid in orthopedic healing.

What Do Sports Medicine Physicians Do?

Orthopedic surgeons focus on the treatment of musculoskeletal ailments, including those caused by trauma and overuse. Professional sports teams, Olympic teams, university athletes, and child sports teams all have team physicians.

Athletes may rely on the expertise of sports medicine experts to help them recover from injuries and return to the field as soon as possible.

A sports medicine doctor is trained to assess the extent of an injury via a physical examination and to coordinate the most effective and efficient treatment plan, including the use of physical therapists.

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What Do Physical Therapists Do?

A physical therapist is a medical professional who helps people regain their movement after illness, injury, or disability. With the support of individualized exercise plans, a physical therapist (PT) may aid in the recovery of lost muscle mass, range of motion, and functional ability.

A physical therapist may treat anybody, regardless of whether or not they participate in athletics. Patients of any age may benefit from physical therapy.

Physical therapy is often recommended by sports medicine doctors to help alleviate pain, build muscle, speed recovery, and restore normal function.

Stretching and strengthening exercises, manual therapy, electrical stimulation, compression therapy, and temperature therapy are just a few examples of what could be included in a physical therapist’s treatment plan.

Physical therapists work in a wide variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. It is possible for them to bring physical therapy services to patients’ homes in various situations.

What’s the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine?

Physical therapy is a distinct field from sports medicine. Depending on the kind of tissues affected and the extent of the damage, you may need to visit either one after suffering an accident.

Imaging procedures, like MRIs and CT scans, will be performed during your sports medicine session so that your doctor can get a clear picture of the extent of the damage.

Injectable medications, surgical procedures, and noninvasive interventions are just some of the therapies they may propose and carry out. A physical therapist, in contrast, does not perform any kind of surgery on their patients.

They suggest physical therapy in the form of exercises and tissue manipulation to restore normal function. It is common practice to consult a sports medicine doctor first, followed by a PT for rehabilitation.

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Which Expert Should You See?

See a physical therapist if you want to relax your stiff muscles or if you want to lessen your risk of injury by standing more upright. Nonetheless, individuals who have sustained an immediate injury should consult with a sports medicine physician immediately.

Doctors are more equipped than physical therapists to diagnose conditions and come up with effective treatment plans. Don’t wait to get help if you can’t move your joint, have been in pain for more than two weeks, or can’t do your daily activities because of the discomfort.

You can also get more information from one of the Restoration Physical Therapy professionals at Media, PA clinic.

Conclusion

In contrast to medical doctors who specialize in sports medicine, physical therapists do not have the training to make a medical diagnosis. Instead, they use methods like exercise therapy, electrostimulation, and targeted stretches to get the injured player back in the game.

Session durations for sports medicine physical therapy typically range from 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions may be held once a week, twice a week, or more often, depending on the athlete and the sport or activity. Treatment will continue until the player is back in peak physical condition.