Difference between Orthopedic and Physiotherapy
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna 
Quick Summary
- Orthopaedics and physiotherapy are two different medical fields that deal with injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
- Orthopaedists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They perform surgery, prescribe medication, and provide rehabilitation therapy.
- Physiotherapists are allied health professionals who help people recover from injuries and illnesses by providing exercise, massage, and other treatments.
Injuries or trauma to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints, or conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, bursitis, etc are extremely common. In many instances, these injuries, illnesses, or conditions might be severe and require immediate medical attention. During a situation like this, often the patient is left perplexed about what treatment they need, orthopaedic or physiotherapy. Most of the time, the patient is unaware of the difference between orthopaedics and physiotherapy.
An Orthopedist and a Physiotherapist are two medical professionals who deal with injuries caused to the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles). But that is where the point of commonality between the two ends.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a treatment method that helps manage and restore the mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance of patients affected by any injury, illness, or disability in the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints, or by medical conditions like Osteoarthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Bursitis, etc. Physiotherapy is also recommended to prevent developing any illness or injury.
There are various physiotherapy techniques, and the type of technique used for treatment differs depending on the patient's age, the condition diagnosed, and the severity of the condition.
A person who specialises in Physiotherapy is known as a Physiotherapist. There are various types of physiotherapists specialising in treating a particular body part.
What is Orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics is the branch of medical science that aims to diagnose and treat medical conditions concerned with the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.
A person who is specialised in orthopaedics is known as an orthopaedic surgeon or an orthopaedic doctor. The orthopaedic doctor is responsible for diagnosing and treating (via medications or surgical procedures) issues related to the musculoskeletal system.
Under orthopaedics, various types of non-surgical and surgical treatment techniques are involved.
Difference between Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy
Although Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy might seem the same, there are differences between orthopaedics and physiotherapy that set them apart.
| Parameters | Physiotherapy |
Orthopaedic |
| Aim | To manage or restore mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance. | To treat the musculoskeletal system. |
| Types |
|
|
| Treatment Approach | Non-Surgical methods | Non-Surgical and Surgical methods |
| Treatment Techniques |
|
|
| Common Conditions Treated |
|
|
| Treated By | Physiotherapist |
Orthopaedic Doctor |
| Education to become the Specialist |
|
|
Takeaway
Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy are two medical fields that provide a wide range of treatments. However, they seem similar, differences exist between orthopaedics and physiotherapy. The aims, techniques used, treatment approaches, and conditions treated depending on their severity are some crucial differences between orthopaedics and physiotherapy that make them unique.
If you have any doubts or are looking for an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor or physiotherapist, then contact the HexaHealth team. At Hexahealth, we have a fantastic team of healthcare professionals who will help manage your condition with the right treatment and expertise. Our support team will also help you in all aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a physiotherapist called a doctor?
Yes, a physiotherapist is called a doctor. A physiotherapist helps the patient manage and restore their mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance due to any injury, disability or condition of the musculoskeletal system.
Download AppIs physiotherapy the same as orthopaedic?
No, physiotherapy and orthopaedics are not the same. Physiotherapy aims to diagnose and treat the patient to manage or restore their mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance due to any injury, disability or condition of the musculoskeletal system. Whereas orthopaedics is a branch of medical science that aims at diagnosing and treating medical conditions concerned with the musculoskeletal system.
What are the four types of physiotherapy?
The four types of physiotherapy are,
- Geriatric Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Pediatric Physiotherapy and
- Sports Physiotherapy
Is an orthopaedic a physiotherapist?
No, an orthopaedic is not a physiotherapist. However, there is a subspeciality of physiotherapy where a physiotherapist may specialise in orthopaedics, known as orthopaedic physiotherapy, to provide care to the musculoskeletal system.
Can I become an orthopaedic after BPT?
You cannot become orthopaedic after a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT). However, you can study for a Master of Physiotherapy in orthopaedics after completing your degree in Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT).
How can I become a doctor after Physiotherapy?
You can become a doctor after physiotherapy once you complete your Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT). You can also further pursue a degree in Master of Physiotherapy (MPT).
Does the physiotherapist use stethoscope?
Yes, a physiotherapist may use a stethoscope. This is because a physiotherapist is a healthcare professional and may require a stethoscope to monitor a patient’s heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing.
Can I become an orthopaedic surgeon after MPT?
No, you cannot become an orthopaedic surgeon after MPT unless You pursue an MBBS degree accompanied by a Ms ortho degree.
Can a physiotherapist do surgery?
No, a physiotherapist cannot do surgery as they are not certified. However, a physiotherapist can perform the preoperative or postoperative treatment to manage or restore their mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance
Is BPT equal to MBBS?
No, BPT is not equal to MBBS. BPT and MBBS are two different branches of medical science. Where MBBS is an under-graduation degree where the student learns medicine practice and studies further to become a surgeon, BPT is a branch of medicine focusing on providing treatment or rehabilitation to patients with injuries or disabilities.
Who can write Dr before the name?
A person with an MBBS or BDS, or BPT degree or anyone who has completed their doctorate (PhD) in any subject can write Dr before their name.
Can physiotherapists give injections?
What does orthopaedics deal with?
Orthopaedics diagnose, correct, prevent, and treat diseases and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
What is the role of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps patients with any injury, illness, or disability to manage or restore their mobility, pain, function, movement, strength, and balance.
What physiotherapy methods are more often used for orthopaedic patients?
What is orthopaedic manual physical therapy?
Orthopaedic manual physical therapy is a type of specialised physiotherapy area that provides treatment to alleviate pain and improve the functions and mobility of the soft tissues and joints by using hands-on techniques for joint mobilisation and manipulation.
What is orthopaedic rehabilitation?
Orthopaedic rehabilitation is a therapy method that aims at helping the patient recover from musculoskeletal conditions, disabilities, injuries, or surgeries. It also helps in providing symptomatic relief, restoring functions, and preventing any problems in the future.
What is a bone therapist called?
A bone specialist is called an orthopedist or an orthopaedic surgeon, who aims to diagnose and treat patients with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
What is the title of a physiotherapist?
The titles of a physiotherapist include the following,
- Doctor
- Registered physiotherapist or physical therapist
- physiotherapist or physical therapist
Who needs physiotherapy?
A person with back, knee, shoulder, or joint pain, sports injuries, or conditions like arthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, vestibular dysfunction, cerebral palsy, or who has undergone orthopaedic surgery may need physiotherapy.
Last Updated on: 5 January 2023
Reviewer
Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
Author
Rajath R Prabhu
MSc. Clinical Research I PG Diploma in Public Health Services Management
3 Years Experience
His work in medical content writing and proofreading is noteworthy. He has also contributed immensely to public health research and has authored four scientific manuscripts in international journals. He was assoc...View More
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