Orthopedics vs. Sports Medicine

Orthopedics and sports medicine are related medical specialties that focus on the musculoskeletal system and the treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While there is some overlap between the two fields, there are distinct differences as well.

Orthopedics is a broad medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedic surgeons, are trained to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, joint disorders (such as arthritis), spine disorders, deformities, and congenital abnormalities. They are skilled in surgical and nonsurgical approaches to manage musculoskeletal issues and may perform procedures such as joint replacement surgeries, arthroscopy, and fracture fixation.

Sports medicine, on the other hand, is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and physical activity. Sports medicine physicians are trained in the non-operative care of musculoskeletal injuries. They typically work with athletes of all levels, ranging from professionals to recreational enthusiasts, and help manage acute and chronic injuries resulting from sports activities. They employ various diagnostic techniques, such as imaging and physical examinations, and use non-surgical treatment modalities like rehabilitation exercises, medications, and physical therapy. Sports medicine physicians also provide advice on injury prevention, performance enhancement, and optimizing overall athletic health.

There is also a subspecialty called orthopedic sports medicine.  Orthopedic sports medicine is a specialized field that combines aspects of both orthopedics and sports medicine. These practitioners are orthopedic surgeons who did extra training in sports medicine and surgery related to sports medicine.  

Orthopedic sports medicine practitioners are trained to address a wide range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, ligament tears (such as ACL tears), tendonitis, and cartilage damage. They have expertise in assessing and the surgical and non-surgical management of acute injuries, as well as management of chronic conditions that may result from overuse or repetitive motions.

Orthopedic sports medicine physicians often work closely with athletes, both amateur and professional, to provide comprehensive care. Their approach may involve a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, bracing, and medications, as well as surgical interventions when necessary.

In summary, while orthopedics covers a broader spectrum of musculoskeletal disorders and involves both surgical and non-surgical interventions, sports medicine primarily focuses on the non-surgical management of sports-related injuries and emphasizes the care of athletes and orthopedic sports medicine is the integration of both.  

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine we have a full team of non-operative sports medicine physicians, and orthopedists including orthopedic sports medicine surgeons to provide the full spectrum of care an athlete or weekend warrior might need.