What is a Musculoskeletal Physician?

What is a musculoskeletal physician?

A musculoskeletal physician is a doctor who manages patients with bone, joint and muscle disorders that DO NOT require surgery as part of their management.

What do musculoskeletal physicians treat?

• Arthritis
• Paediatric bone & joint conditions(related to children)
• Spinal conditions(back problems)
• Sports injuries

Specialty areas of interest

• Sports medicine

Associated tests

• X-Rays
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• Arthroscopy
• Bone scans

Procedures

• Physical examination of the musculoskeletal system

What to expect when you see a musculoskeletal physician

History

A musculoskeletal physician will want to know about you current problem as well as previous problems you may have had relating to your bones and joints.

The doctor will ask how the affected body part impairs your function, so they can work out the best way to proceed – deciding on further tests and possible management.

Examination

The musculoskeletal physician will examine the affected body part in detail. They usually begin by looking at the area – if it is your back, hip or shoulder you may have to partially undress. They then feel the area and finally move the area. They may perform some special tests to further assess the region and make a decision on appropriate further management.

Training and qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Musculoskeletal Physician
• Australasian Faculty of Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Human musculoskeletal system – Wikipedia

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.