When it comes to sports medicine, it’s important to understand the different types of specialists who provide care for athletes and active individuals. Among them, orthopedic sports medicine doctors play a unique and vital role. While both orthopedic and non-orthopedic sports medicine physicians help treat and prevent injuries, the scope of their expertise and the nature of their interventions can differ significantly. Let’s take a closer look at what an orthopedic sports medicine doctor does and how they compare to their non-orthopedic counterparts.
What is an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Doctor?
Orthopedic sports medicine doctors are orthopedic surgeons who have received specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries related to sports and physical activity. These doctors are experts in surgical and non-surgical care for bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles—the parts of the body most frequently injured in sports.
Key areas they focus on include:
- Joint injuries: such as torn ACLs, shoulder dislocations, and meniscus tears.
- Fractures: including stress fractures and complex bone breaks.
- Tendon and ligament injuries: like Achilles tendon ruptures or rotator cuff tears.
- Arthroscopy: a minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat joint problems.
Orthopedic sports medicine doctors are often the go-to specialists when an athlete needs surgery to correct or repair a structural issue in the body. They work with patients of all levels, from professional athletes to weekend warriors, helping them return to their peak performance through customized treatment plans.
How Do Orthopedic Sports Medicine Doctors Differ from Non-Orthopedic Sports Medicine Physicians?
While orthopedic sports medicine doctors are surgeons, non-orthopedic sports medicine physicians are typically trained in primary care or internal medicine and focus more on the non-surgical treatment of sports-related injuries. They often handle the following:
- Concussions and head injuries
- Overuse injuries: such as shin splints, tennis elbow, and runner’s knee.
- Nutrition and performance optimization
- Chronic conditions: like arthritis or diabetes that affect an athlete’s ability to perform.
- Rehabilitation management: working closely with physical therapists to guide recovery.
Non-orthopedic sports medicine doctors typically work with athletes to prevent injuries through conditioning and health education. They also manage injuries through non-invasive treatments such as medication, physical therapy, bracing, and injections. If a patient requires surgery, non-orthopedic sports medicine doctors will refer them to an orthopedic surgeon.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Doctor?
If you’re dealing with sports-related injuries or chronic pain that affects your ability to stay active, it may be time to consult an orthopedic sports medicine specialist. Here are some signs you should seek expert care from an orthopedic sports medicine doctor:
- Severe musculoskeletal injuries such as ligament tears (ACL, MCL), tendon ruptures, or dislocated joints.
- Recurrent joint problems that limit your movement and don’t improve with rest or non-invasive treatments.
- Injuries that involve broken bones, stress fractures, or require surgical intervention for proper healing.
- Chronic conditions like arthritis that impact your ability to perform physically or engage in sports without pain.
- Performance issues related to untreated injuries or biomechanical imbalances that hinder athletic performance.
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our sports medicine specialists are trained to handle even the most complex injuries, and while surgery may be necessary in some cases, we prioritize non-surgical treatments first. Our doctors believe in a conservative, non-surgical approach whenever possible. This includes using treatments such as Physical Therapy, Athletic Performance Training, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections to promote healing and strengthen your body without the need for surgery.
Our in-house Physical Therapists work closely with our doctors to ensure that each patient receives a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan aimed at speeding up recovery and preventing future injuries. Additionally, Raleigh Orthopaedic offers two dedicated Performance Centers for performance training, conditioning, and injury prevention, providing athletes with the resources they need to enhance their performance and stay injury-free.
If you’re unsure whether your injury requires surgery or conservative care, our team is here to guide you through the right treatment options, helping you recover safely and get back to doing what you love.
Raleigh Orthopaedic Is Here to Help
If you do experience a sports related injury this season, the Sport Medicine specialists at Raleigh Orthopaedic are here for you. Don’t wait until an injury worsens—our online scheduling makes it easy to book an appointment and be seen within 72 hours, so you can avoid long waits and get the care you need right away. If your injury or condition is recent and urgent, you can walk right into one of our Raleigh Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
