Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine: Know the Differences
It is not unusual to use the terms sports medicine and physical therapy interchangeably. However, the two things are not exactly the same, although you can be a patient of both fields at the same time.
While compatible, the difference between the two branches of medical discipline is clear. Both are effective in treating injuries, diseases, and disorders of the body’s muscular and skeletal systems, and both are helpful in preventing future injuries or the reappearance of disease symptoms. By looking at both types of healthcare individually, you will soon see the differences between physical therapy and sports medicine.
Let’s first take a look at the field of physical therapy. Unlike sports medicine, physical therapy as a whole is dedicated to correcting any injuries, diseases or disorders of the bones and muscles that can be treated with non-invasive techniques. The goal is to provide patients with pain relief, improve the function of their muscles, joints, and bones, while providing techniques that the patient can use on their own for additional healing. The main tools of a therapist are good diagnostic and evaluation skills, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, and knowledge of which therapy is effective for which situation.
One big difference between the two is that physical therapy doesn’t just deal with injuries or sports-related problems. Physical therapists may choose to specialize in their careers with an emphasis on things like pediatrics, geriatrics, and neurology. Other areas of expertise included in physical therapy are sports, cardiovascular sciences, and occupational therapy.
When you look at the differences between these two healing arts, you certainly cannot overlook sports medicine. The medical discipline type is used only for sports-related injuries and disorders. While sports physical therapy techniques are commonly used in addition to sports medicine, sports medicine can include surgeries, procedures, and medications that are not used in physical therapy. Sports medicine practitioners may also have specialty fields. Orthopedics and skeletal stress are common. Advanced study of how long-term sports activities and the treatment of sports-related injuries are always part of this particular discipline.
Understanding the difference between physical therapy and sports medicine can be key in determining how to best treat your physical problem. While they can and are commonly used together, each has its own distinctive benefit. Your healthcare team can help you distinguish the two and point you in the right direction in terms of your healthcare needs. The important thing is to take care of any injury, related to sports or not, to ensure the functioning of your body in the coming years.
The difference between these two medical approaches is obvious. Although the two are often used together, each has its own purpose and uses. Your doctor can advise you on which specialist is suitable for your needs.