It isn’t unusual to use the terms sports medicine and physical therapy interchangeably. However, the two aren’t exactly the same things even though you may find yourself the patient of both fields of medicine at the same time. Today we’re discussing the differences between physical therapy and sports medicine in New Orleans.
While compatible, the difference between the two branches of medicine is clear. Both are effective for treating injuries, diseases and disorders of the muscle and skeletal systems of the body and both are useful for the prevention of future injury or the reoccurrence of disease symptoms. By taking an individual look at both types, you will soon see the differences between physical therapy and sports medicine in New Orleans.
Let’s take a look at the field of physical therapy first. Unlike sports medicine, physical therapy is devoted to correcting any injury, disease, or disorder of the bones and muscles that can be treated with non-invasive techniques. The focus is to provide patients with relief from pain, improve their muscle, joint, and bone function, while providing techniques the patient can use on their own for additional healing.
The primary tools of a therapist are good diagnosing and evaluating skills, knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, and knowledge of which therapy is effective for each situation.
One large difference between the two is that physical therapy doesn’t only deal with sports-related injuries or problems. Physical therapists can 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 are looking at the differences between these two healing arts, you certainly can’t overlook sports medicine in New Orleans. The type of medical discipline is solely used for sports-related injuries and disorders. While sports physical therapy techniques are commonly used in addition to sports medicine, sports medicine may involve surgeries, procedures, and medications not used in physical therapy.
Sports medicine practitioners also can have specialty fields as well. Orthopedics and skeletal emphasis are common. Advanced study of how long-term sporting activities and treating sports-related injuries are always a part of this particular type of medicine.
Understanding the difference between physical therapy and sports medicine in New Orleans may be key to determining how to effectively treat your physical issues. While they can and are commonly used together, each one has its own distinct benefit.
Your medical care team can further help 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, sports related or not, to ensure your body’s function in the years to come.
The difference between these two medical approaches is obvious. Although the two are often used together, each one has its own purpose and uses. Call us today to schedule a consultation so we can help you determine if physical therapy or sports medicine in New Orleans will be the most effective approach for you.
Kelly Manuel is a writer and illustrator who has been published in many books for children. Her favorite things to do are read, draw, and play with her dog. Kelly Manuel was born on October 18th, 1985. She grew up as an only child but she always had lots of dogs around the house because her parents were both veterinarians. She loved reading from a very young age and would often make up stories about the dogs that came into the clinic where she lived with her parents.