It’s a common question I’m asked by patients when they have a new injury. It can be very confusing who to see professionally when you’re in pain. Although I work alone, I have a network of colleagues to refer patients to for further input when there’s something I’m not quite sure about.
These are the professionals I recommend to patients and why:
- Sports Doctor (A Consultant in Sports, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine) – when I know the injury won’t need a surgical opinion but we need scans done, or for pain-reliving injections
- Orthopaedic Surgeon – when I need an opinion on whether surgery is required for the injury. They will do scans as well.
- Rheumatologist – when there’s suspicions that the injury may be influenced by a whole-body inflammatory condition. Specific bloods and scans are likely done.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach/ Personal Trainer – when the patient needs overall fitness and strength advice to the help the injury. Likely relates to gym programming.
- Podiatrist – when we think the foot is playing a large role in the injury, and we need expert advice on appropriate footwear as well as custom-made insoles.
- Golf Swing Coach/ Golf Professional – when the swing is a cause of the injury, and we need expert input to alter the swing technique.
- Sports Psychologist – to have techniques on how to manage sporting pressure better
