09-03-2011, 03:22 AM
"I think I would like to see a specialist first"
Problem is that you are not trained to evaluate which one, so you will most likely need to see a primary first. Unless there is a history or symptoms/tests that point you towards rheumatology you will likely get bumped to an orthopedic practice which may or may not mean surgery. Many times physical therapy can fix the issue but many docs are not tuned into PT as a solution. A good ortho practice usually has PT referral on speed dial.
Problem is that you are not trained to evaluate which one, so you will most likely need to see a primary first. Unless there is a history or symptoms/tests that point you towards rheumatology you will likely get bumped to an orthopedic practice which may or may not mean surgery. Many times physical therapy can fix the issue but many docs are not tuned into PT as a solution. A good ortho practice usually has PT referral on speed dial.