Stories from Practice: Don’t Waste Time

Only a Good Team Leads to Good Results – Collaboration Between Orthopaedic Specialists and Physiatrists

It seems that in few areas of medicine are patients’ mistakes in choosing the right path and method of treatment as common as when dealing with neck, back, knee, and other musculoskeletal pain. Our musculoskeletal system is one of the largest and most complex systems in the human body, consisting of 206 bones connected by numerous muscles and ligaments.

If you are experiencing pain or functional limitations in any part of the musculoskeletal system, the first and most appropriate specialists to consult are orthopaedic specialists and physiatrists. Unfortunately, this is often not the case in practice, which can prolong treatment. In addition to losing valuable time and experiencing a reduced quality of life, patients may also spend money on various procedures that are often medically unjustified and, in some cases, potentially harmful to their health.

Physiatrist – The Right Specialist for Musculoskeletal Pain

A physiatrist is a medical specialist who, after completing medical school, undergoes an additional four years of specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

As a physician, a physiatrist has the expertise to assess your overall health and ensure that your treatment is both safe and effective. The goal is to restore or improve function, reduce pain, and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Physiatrists use non-invasive treatment methods, including physical therapy (TECAR therapy, electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, magnetotherapy, kinesitherapy, and other innovative physical therapy methods).

They prescribe and supervise the rehabilitation process, including the use of orthopaedic aids (e.g. prostheses and orthoses), with treatment carried out by physiotherapists according to their recommendations.

Physiatrists treat chronic conditions, the consequences of injuries and neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, spinal injuries, and sports injuries), as well as degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The focus is on conservative treatment methods and long-term rehabilitation.

Orthopaedic Specialist – Your First Point of Contact After an Injury

An orthopaedic specialist is involved in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities affecting the bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system. Treatment may include both surgical and non-surgical methods, such as medications and injections. Orthopaedic specialists are trained in the correction of deformities, joint reconstruction (e.g. hip or knee replacement), and the treatment of complex injuries.

Orthopaedic specialists focus on acute injuries (e.g. fractures and dislocations), deformities (e.g. scoliosis), and specific orthopaedic conditions.

Orthopaedic surgeons perform complex procedures such as arthroscopy, joint replacement, and surgical correction of deformities.

For the best treatment outcomes, your healthcare team should ideally include specialists in orthopaedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation, with specialists in internal medicine and neurology consulted when necessary, as well as trained and dedicated physiotherapists.

WE ARE YOUR TEAM