Two figures in comparison: the physiatrist and the orthopedist 

Without prejudice to the fact that the opinion of your general practitioner is the fixed point from which to start , let’s try to understand what are the main differences between the figures of the physiatrist and physiotherapist and to whom it is more correct to contact in case of need.

In short, the physiatrist is considered to be a physician who does not operate, but who specializes in diagnosis and functional prognosis; in fact it rehabilitates and cures, but without the use of surgery; while the orthopedist is to all intents and purposes a surgeon and uses surgery to intervene on various musculoskeletal disorders.

Going into more detail, the physiatrist specializes in physical and rehabilitative medicine , while the orthopedist is a surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Very often we talk about orthopedics and traumatology , considering this a branch that deals with the negative effects resulting from traumatic events. 

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The differences between the physiatrist and the orthopedist

Once you feel an osteoarticular pain that is not a consequence of trauma or accidents , the advice is generally to contact the physiatrist first, always in agreement with your GP . The latter is responsible for visiting and possibly treating the patient with drugs, physical tepia or rehabilitation – in this case a third figure also comes into play, the physiotherapist , as rehabilitation technician -, as appropriate. 

If there is a need for an intervention, the physiatrist himself will refer the patient to an orthopedist ; or vice versa, once the orthopedist has intervened through the surgery, he can turn to the physiatrist for a consultation in the delicate post-operative phase.

Both professionals make use of each other, collaborating and confronting each other in order to obtain a single goal on the same patient. For example, in the event of a fracture , the physiatrist is the doctor who takes care of the rehabilitation process after the removal of the plaster.

Useful references for those looking for a physiatrist or orthopedist

The Italian and scientific society that unites physiatrists is SIMFER  – Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine.

Other associations operating internationally are the  AAPMR  (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) and the  ISPRM (International Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine).

While as far as orthopedists are concerned , the associations include  SIOT (Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology), OTODI (Italian Hospital Orthopedic and Traumatology Association) and SITOP (Italian Society of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology).

There is also the GISOOS association which aims to promote and favor technical-scientific research in the field of severe osteoporosis.