{"id":167,"date":"2024-01-15T15:10:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T15:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valleysportsphysicians.com\/blog\/?p=167"},"modified":"2024-02-15T15:12:25","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T15:12:25","slug":"sports-medicine-vs-physical-therapy-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.valleysportsphysicians.com\/blog\/2024\/01\/15\/sports-medicine-vs-physical-therapy-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports Medicine vs. Physical Therapy: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you have an injury or another type of musculoskeletal condition, you might be thinking about visiting either a physical therapist or a sports medicine<\/a> physician. Both types of medical professionals are experts in their field, and both have the potential to help you feel better. But since they are different specialties, it may be better to visit one rather than the other, depending on the nature of your situation. This blog post aims to help you decide where you should turn for appropriate treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sports medicine physician is a licensed medical doctor who focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries that are related to sports and movement. These doctors have an intimate knowledge of the body\u2019s musculoskeletal system and offer a variety of treatments. They can also help to address medical conditions that may affect an athlete\u2019s performance, such as asthma or diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, sports medicine physicians can prescribe medications, perform regenerative medicine treatments, and refer patients to other medical professionals when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, they provide comprehensive care for active, athletic individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Physical therapists have a different focus than sports medicine physicians. In school, they studied anatomy, biology, biomechanics, physiology, and kinesiology. Their primary job is to help patients perform exercises that can improve the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of various parts of the musculoskeletal system. Their services may be used after an injury, as well as before and after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whom Should You Visit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may benefit from the services of a sports medicine physician if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n