An orthopedist is also known as an orthopedic doctor, orthopedic physician, or orthopedic surgeon.
If you need treatment, an orthopedist can recommend surgical or non-surgical (conservative) options.
If you need surgery, an orthopedic surgeon can perform it and oversee your recovery.
Asiseeit / Getty Images
What Do Orthopedists Do?
An orthopedist helps in the rehabilitation of a variety of injuries.
Your orthopedist will also assess the need for other services and specialties to assist in your care.
Orthopedists treat a variety of conditions which relate to themusculoskeletal system.
When Should You See an Orthopedist?
Non-Surgical Treatments
Orthopedists are also trained in the use of non-surgical treatments.
These tests vary based on the joint, but one example isNeers testfor rotator cuff impingement.
For this reason, it should be combined with the range of other tests for the shoulder joint.
An orthopedist who has successfully completed each of these requirements may hold either MD or DO following their name.
A good practice to follow before any medical appointment is to keep a note of your symptoms.
This will help your healthcare provider more efficiently determine what the best course of action is.
If you have them, bring any reports or imaging such as X-rays or MRIs when visiting your practitioner.
Loose pants will allow for quick access to view the knee or hip joint, and so on.
Both are fully licensed physicians, and either may pursue specialty training in orthopedics.
An orthopedist’s training involves the entire musculoskeletal system, including the foot and ankle.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Hu CY, Yoon TR.Recent updates for biomaterials used in total hip arthroplasty.Biomater Res.
2018;22:33. doi:10.1186/s40824-018-0144-8
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Guide to orthopaedic practices and subspecialties.
