By Dr. Alicia Carter
One of the biggest fears that athletes or people who live active lifestyles have is sustaining an injury that can limit their mobility for long periods of time. But anytime you step onto a field or enter a gym, the risk of injury is there. The question is if you sustain an injury, how do you recover? The first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. To do so, it’s important that you choose the right doctor for the job. A physiatrist.
A physiatrist specializes in physical medicine and pain management. Physiatrists are also board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They often deal with injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Instead of specializing in treating one part of the body or organ, they have a deep understanding of how the body functions and works together as a whole. This is important because you want to choose a doctor who has seen and treated a wide array of injuries. They can sometimes discover and diagnose injures that other doctors may miss.
After a diagnosis is made, it is important to find a doctor that can help you put together a treatment plan that’s right for you. Physiatrists are known for developing customized treatment plans and listening to patient’s needs.
Want to avoid surgery? Physiatrists focus on non-operative care, which is less invasive than surgery and less taxing on the body. Instead, the doctor will work with you to help your body recover naturally through exercise programs that pertain to your unique case. Lastly, physiatrists often work as a team with other specialists such as physical therapists. This is a bonus because you typically will have several specialists consulting on the best way to get you back into action!
For more information, visit www.newyorkspinedoctor.com.