When pain, stiffness, or an injury slows you down, one of the first questions many patients ask is, “Which doctor should I see?” Deciding between a PM&R doctor and an orthopedic surgeon may feel confusing because both treat musculoskeletal issues. Although their paths sometimes overlap, their training and treatment approaches differ greatly. That’s why knowing how they compare can help you decide where to start and when to seek each type of care.
What Is a PM&R Doctor?
Before we get started, let’s first cover the basics. A PM&R doctor, also known as a physiatrist, specializes in physical medicine & rehabilitation and focuses on restoring function and relieving pain without surgery. They are trained to:
- Diagnose musculoskeletal, neurological, and joint conditions
- Order and interpret imaging tests
- Prescribe medications for pain and inflammation
- Coordinate care with occupational and physical therapists
- Provide procedures such as joint or nerve injections
The focus of a PM&R doctor is overall improvement in mobility, independence, and quality of life through non-surgical means.
What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons, on the other hand, are physicians who treat bone, joint, ligament, and tendon conditions, often with surgical solutions. Their role may involve:
- Repairing fractures, torn ligaments, and other traumatic injuries
- Performing joint replacement surgery for hips, knees, or shoulders
- Conducting spinal procedures such as fusions or discectomies
- Recommending surgery when conservative treatments no longer provide relief
While orthopedic surgeons also prescribe medications or therapy, surgery is their area of expertise.
Key Differences Between the Two
Although both PM&R doctors and orthopedic surgeons treat pain and mobility issues, their care models differ.
- Scope of practice: PM&R doctors focus on diagnosis, non-surgical treatments, and rehabilitation. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical repair and reconstruction.
- Approach: PM&R emphasizes function, long-term health, and conservative care. Orthopedic care often comes in when surgery is the clearest solution.
- Treatment timeline: A PM&R doctor may see patients over weeks or months to track progress. Orthopedic surgeons may be involved in shorter, procedure-focused visits.
When to See a PM&R Doctor
It may make sense to start with a PM&R doctor if:
- Pain is new, mild to moderate, or unexplained
- Non-surgical options like therapy, medication, or injections are preferred
- A comprehensive care plan is needed to restore function after an injury
- Conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or chronic joint pain are present
When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon
An orthopedic surgeon may be the right choice if:
- A fracture, ligament tear, or other major injury has occurred
- Conservative treatments have not relieved symptoms
- Joint replacement or surgical repair has been recommended
- Pain and loss of mobility significantly limit daily activities
How PM&R Doctors and Orthopedic Surgeons Work Together at CLS Health
At CLS Health, patients don’t have to choose between specialties or wonder which doctor to see first. Our PM&R physicians and orthopedic surgeons work side by side to create a seamless care plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
For example, a PM&R doctor may begin by diagnosing and managing chronic back pain through therapies, guided injections, or non-surgical treatments. If pain continues despite these conservative approaches, the patient can be quickly referred to an orthopedic surgeon within CLS Health for advanced evaluation or surgical care.
This collaborative, multispecialty model ensures patients receive the right treatment at the right time—starting with the least invasive solutions and advancing to surgical options only when necessary. By bringing multiple experts together under one practice, CLS Health makes care more efficient, coordinated, and focused on long-term outcomes.
Find the Right Specialist for Your Recovery
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a sports injury, or joint problems, both PM&R doctors and orthopedic surgeons play vital roles in musculoskeletal care. At CLS Health, our multispecialty team works together to ensure you start with the most effective, least invasive treatments while keeping surgical expertise available if needed.
Schedule an appointment today to connect with the right specialist and take the first step toward lasting relief.
