Orthopedist or Physiotherapist
Who Should You See for Musculoskeletal Problems?
Back pain, joint stiffness, sports injuries – in such situations, many people wonder whether they should see an orthopedist or a physiotherapist. Both specialists deal with the musculoskeletal system but in different ways. This article will help you understand their roles and choose the right one depending on your symptoms.
Orthopedist vs. Physiotherapist – What’s the Difference?
Orthopedist – a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They are responsible for:
- treating fractures, dislocations, and sprains,
- managing degenerative joint diseases,
- evaluating posture defects,
- diagnosing inflammatory and post-traumatic conditions,
- performing surgeries if necessary.
Physiotherapist – a healthcare professional who focuses on restoring physical function and mobility through:
- therapeutic exercises,
- manual therapy and soft tissue techniques,
- kinesiotaping, massage, electrotherapy,
- injury prevention and education.
Physiotherapists do not make medical diagnoses but play a vital role in rehabilitation and conservative treatment.
When Should You See an Orthopedist?
Book a visit to an orthopedist if you experience:
- acute pain or swelling after trauma,
- persistent joint or spine pain,
- visible deformities or posture problems,
- a need for medical imaging or surgical consultation,
- unsuccessful rehabilitation attempts.
At Mediss Medical in Gdańsk, our orthopedists offer complete diagnostics and both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your condition.
When Is Physiotherapy the Better Choice?
See a physiotherapist when you:
- are recovering from surgery or an injury,
- have chronic back pain or tension from poor posture,
- feel stiffness or mobility limitations,
- want to strengthen your musculoskeletal system or prevent injuries,
- were referred by your orthopedist for rehabilitation.
Examples: Who to See and When
| Symptoms or Case | Go to |
|---|---|
| Severe knee pain after a twist | Orthopedist |
| Rehabilitation after shoulder surgery | Physiotherapist |
| Hip joint osteoarthritis | Orthopedist → Physiotherapist |
| Back pain from sitting at a desk | Physiotherapist |
| Post-injury mobility issues | Orthopedist → Physiotherapist |
| Recurrent neck stiffness without trauma | Physiotherapist (consult orthopedist if needed) |
Combined Orthopedic & Physiotherapy Approach
At Mediss Medical, orthopedists and physiotherapists work hand in hand, providing comprehensive care – from diagnosis to full recovery and prevention of further injuries.
You don’t always have to know which specialist is best at the start. If the pain is acute or due to trauma, start with an orthopedist. If you’re dealing with stiffness, poor posture, or recovery after surgery, book a physiotherapy session. Together, they provide the best chance for full recovery.
