Which is best for you when it comes to Orthopedics vs Sports Medicine?
When you’re dealing with a joint injury or nagging pain, knowing whether to see an orthopedics or sports medicine doctor can feel confusing. The two specialties share significant overlap. Both treat the musculoskeletal system, but they differ in training, approach, and when surgery is the right call. At Artesia General Hospital, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine providers serve patients across Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and SENM. Here’s what you need to know to get the right care, faster.
Types of Patients and Treatments
Orthopedic providers tend to see a wider range of patients for needs like arthritis, bone and joint surgeries, carpal tunnel and hand conditions. Sports medicine providers focus on injuries, like ACL tears, dislocations, golfer or tennis elbow, runner’s knee, fractures or sprains, that are related to an active job, lifestyle or athletic involvement. Sports medicine clinics often extend their care for patients with holistic services like concussion care, exercise and nutritional counseling.
Surgical or Non-Surgical Intervention
Another major difference between orthopedic and sports medicine is that orthopedics tends to focus on surgical treatment options. Sports medicine favors non-surgical care. A sports medicine provider may refer a patient to an orthopedic surgeon on occasion, but most of the time, they focus on preventive care and physical therapy. And if surgery is needed, they focus on minimally invasive techniques.
Education and Training
Orthopedic and sports medicine providers overlap in that they both specialize in the musculoskeletal system. However, the two groups differ in the breadth and depth of their training. An orthopedic doctor completes broad-based medical training and a minimum five years of residency in orthopedics. It is typical that they go on to a fellowship in a specific type of orthopedic surgery. In contrast, a sports medicine doctor can complete medical training in a variety of practice areas like family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine or rehabilitation—plus a three-year residency and two years of practical training in a fellowship. For both physicians and physician assistants, sports medicine requires passing an additional certification exam.
Whether you have a sports injury or more general joint pain, the multidisciplinary team of orthopedic and sports medicine providers at Artesia General Hospital will ensure you get the care you need. Request an appointment and get back to what moves you.
Orthopedics
Caring for your musculoskeletal conditions through diagnosis, treatment and surgery
Sports Medicine
Helping you overcome injuries, whether you’re an athlete or have a physically demanding job
Not sure which specialist is right for your injury? Call Artesia General Hospital at 575-748-3333 and our team will point you in the right direction. We serve patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and all of southeastern New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an orthopedic doctor and a sports medicine doctor?
A: Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system. These include bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They are trained to perform surgery when needed. Sports medicine doctors focus on non-surgical treatment and prevention of injuries related to physical activity. Both specialties overlap significantly; at Artesia General Hospital, our team includes fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine providers who work together to deliver coordinated care for patients in Artesia, Carlsbad, and throughout southeastern New Mexico.
Q: Should I see a sports medicine doctor or an orthopedic surgeon?
A: A good starting point: if your injury is activity-related — a sprained ankle, runner’s knee, ACL tear, or overuse injury — a sports medicine provider is often the right first step. They focus on non-surgical recovery and getting you back to full function quickly. If your condition involves chronic joint degeneration, fractures, or may require surgery — such as a total knee replacement or rotator cuff repair — an orthopedic surgeon is typically the appropriate specialist. At AGH, our providers will help direct you to the right expert if you’re unsure. Call 575-748-3333 to talk through your options.
Q: Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine doctor at AGH?
A: In most cases, you can call Artesia General Hospital directly at 575-748-3333 to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic or sports medicine provider. Depending on your insurance plan, a referral from your primary care provider may be required — our team can help you confirm your coverage when you call.
Q: What conditions does a sports medicine doctor treat?
A: Sports medicine providers treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries including ACL and MCL tears, dislocations, stress fractures, sprains and strains, tendonitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, runner’s knee, and concussions. Despite the name, you do not need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor. Anyone with a physically demanding job, an active lifestyle, or a musculoskeletal injury can benefit from sports medicine care.
Q: What conditions does an orthopedic surgeon treat?
A: Orthopedic surgeons treat the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, degenerative joint disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures and dislocations, rotator cuff tears, ligament injuries, bone tumors, and pediatric bone conditions. They are trained in both surgical and non-surgical treatment. At Artesia General Hospital, our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques and Mako SmartRobotics™ for joint replacement procedures.
Q: Is Mako robotic surgery available at Artesia General Hospital?
A: Yes. AGH is one of the few hospitals in southeastern New Mexico offering Mako SmartRobotics™ for joint replacement surgery. This technology allows our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to perform partial and total knee and hip replacements with greater precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times than traditional techniques.
Q: Where can I see an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor in Artesia or Carlsbad?
A: Artesia General Hospital offers orthopedic surgery and sports medicine services at our main campus in Artesia, NM. Our orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Marshall Baca and Dr. Zhinian Wan, serve patients from Artesia, Carlsbad, and Roswell. To schedule an appointment, call 575-748-3333 or book online at artesiageneral.com.
Q: Can sports medicine doctors perform surgery?
A: Sports medicine doctors typically focus on non-surgical treatment and injury prevention. However, many are trained in minimally invasive procedures such as joint injections, aspiration, and arthroscopic techniques. When surgery is required, AGH’s sports medicine team works directly with our orthopedic surgeons to ensure a seamless transition of care.
Q: How long does recovery take after orthopedic surgery?
A: Recovery time varies by procedure and individual patient factors. Minimally invasive and arthroscopic procedures often allow patients to return home the same day and resume light activity within days to weeks. Joint replacement surgeries typically involve a recovery period of several weeks to a few months, with physical therapy playing a major role in restoration of strength and mobility. Your AGH care team will provide a personalized recovery plan based on your specific procedure and goals.
Q: Does Artesia General Hospital accept patients from Carlsbad and Roswell for orthopedic care?
A: Yes. AGH regularly serves patients traveling from Carlsbad, Roswell, Hobbs, and throughout southeastern New Mexico. Patients choose AGH for orthopedic care because of our combination of fellowship-trained surgeons, advanced technology including Mako SmartRobotics™. We also have on-site imaging, and our 91/100 CMS patient satisfaction score.