Good question! It can be a little confusing. Even though these health care providers treat many of the same symptoms, there are some distinct differences between these fields in training and practice.
Sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, and chiropractors all help patients with pain management and injury prevention. In many cases, these providers will work together as a health care team to perform non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. While these care providers work toward similar goals, there are key differences in how these specialists approach treatment.
Sports medicine specialists
Sports medicine specialists treat athletes and patients with active lifestyles. Their principal focus is treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity. A Doctor of Sports Medicine has specific training and expertise based in exercise mechanics - particularly when it comes to running or competitive sports - and builds treatment plans for patients that alleviate symptoms and chart their return to competition. Sports medicine specialists often work for organizations such as professional sports clubs and schools or may practice in an outpatient clinic. Sports medicine specialists may have training in orthopedic surgery, but most help patients range-of-motion problems and physical rehab rather than conduct operations. Some common sports-related conditions a sports medicine specialist can treat include:
- Sprains
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Muscle strain
- Joint pain
Physical therapists/ physiotherapists
Physical therapists help patients of all ages and physical abilities to help manage pain and increase mobility. Regardless of your level of physical activity, physical therapists can help your range of motion while providing exercises and stretches to strengthen and lengthen muscles and joints in the body. Physical therapists will usually practice in an outpatient clinic, or patients' homes. While sports medicine specialists focus their practice on injuries related to physical activity, the goal of physical therapy is to help improve quality of life through therapeutic methods and physical rehabilitation. Unlike sports medicine specialists, physical therapists are not medical doctors (physicians), even if they are a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Physical therapists can help treat conditions related to:
- Limited movement (such as after an accident)
- Persistent pain
- Strength and conditioning
- Rehab from neurological issues (such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and arthritis)
Chiropractors
Chiropractors help patients relieve pain related to the musculoskeletal system (joints, bones, muscles, etc...) Chiropractors will perform manual therapy or massage therapy to help align the spinal column and restore range of motion to joints. They work with patients of all ages and physical abilities while treating a wide range of conditions, not just those related to physical activity. Chiropractors are not medical doctors (physicians) but must obtain a license to practice. Chiropractors can help treat conditions related to:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Limited movement