You may have heard the terms orthopaedics (also spelled orthopedics) and sports medicine used interchangeably, but they are actually two different subfields of medicine. So, what is different about these specialties, and is it significant when you’re pursuing treatment for an injury or musculoskeletal condition?

It’s About Specialization
Both orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system. But orthopaedic doctors look at the entire field, without exploring topics outside of orthopaedics. The primary focus area includes bones, cartilage, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Orthopaedic physicians may focus solely on nonsurgical treatment, or receive additional training in orthopaedic surgery.

Sports medicine requires firm orthopaedic knowledge, and also requires the study of other fields as well. This includes treating non-orthopaedic conditions that could arise during training or activity that are outside of the musculoskeletal sphere, like concussions. Sports medicine physicians often take a more holistic approach to patient care, and consider overall physical performance and health as they approach a patient’s unique needs.

Are Sports Medicine Physicians Just for Athletes?
Sports Medicine physicians often treat amateur and professional athletes, but at The Steadman Clinic, our team is dedicated to treating “the athlete in all of us.” Whether our patients are professional athletes, Olympians, recreationists, or just individuals looking to stay active, we provide the same level of personalized treatment plans and care. Sports medicine physicians work closely with other care providers like physical therapists to provide a comprehensive plan to treatment and recovery.

Where sports medicine physicians may lean toward treating an athlete population, orthopaedic physicians will treat any patient, regardless of lifestyle, activities or age. Total joint surgeons, for example, are classified under orthopaedic medicine, versus sports medicine. These physicians often treat senior patients. But at The Steadman Clinic, all patients benefit from our approach to keeping people active, and many total joint replacement patients go on to participate in our Life After Total Joint series, which includes a hike up Vail mountain in the fall and a ski day on the mountain in March.

Your Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Partner
At The Steadman Clinic, many of our providers specialize in sports medicine, orthopaedics, or both, enabling our patients to get a robust, personalized treatment plan for their unique musculoskeletal condition or injury. If you are in need of care, please schedule an appointment today, or call us at 970.476.1100.