If you are experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, your first thought might be to seek medical attention from your physician. However, persistent joint pain is best evaluated and treated by an orthopedic specialist who knows how to provide long-term relief from musculoskeletal pain without the need for potentially addictive prescription medications.
Let’s talk about when you should see an orthopedic shoulder doctor rather than your internist, and where you can go here in Eldersburg and across Maryland for superior orthopedic medical treatment.
What’s the Difference Between an Orthopedist and a Primary Doctor?
Primary care physicians (PCPs) can diagnose and treat illnesses of all kinds. They are also charged with helping their patients prevent various health issues from developing in the first place – especially if the patient has a known susceptibility. The susceptibility may be due to past related health issues or a family history of certain diseases and conditions.
There are several kinds of doctors who provide general primary care, including the following:
- Family doctors (serving patients of all ages)
- Pediatricians (serving children)
- Internists (serving adults)
Primary care physicians are familiar with general medical conditions, and they know how to spot something that may be awry. However, they do not have special expertise in regards to the latest treatments of musculoskeletal conditions.
An orthopedic doctor has a deeper understanding of your musculoskeletal system and how to treat related issues with the most minimally invasive method possible. They can quickly and easily diagnose and treat the following orthopedic conditions:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Fracture
- Sports injury
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hand pain
- Knee pain
- Peripheral nerve pain
How Can an Orthopedic Doctor Treat Me?
An orthopedic doctor will first assess your symptoms and your medical history. They may ask you several questions regarding your physical activity, areas of discomfort, and diet. Most likely, they will also have you undergo imaging tests so they can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis is determined, the orthopedic doctor will explain your treatment options. If your condition is mild, the orthopedist may recommend that you receive a physician-administered pain-relief injection directly into the painful area; the relief can last for weeks or months at a time. The doctor may also recommend that you undergo minimally invasive outpatient surgery to correct the issue that is causing your musculoskeletal pain.
Experienced Shoulder Doctor in Eldersburg, MD
If you’re experiencing aches, pains, and/or mobility issues in your arm or shoulder, the orthopedic team at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is here to conduct an evaluation and recommend viable treatment. Our physicians have many years of experience in successfully treating shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, and other issues of the arm and shoulder.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with a shoulder doctor on our medical staff, contact us today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
