Do I Need a Doctor or Physiotherapist? Exploring the Different Roles for Your Body's Health and Wellness
If you’ve been dealing with a recent injury, long-term chronic pain, or are suddenly feeling stiff or sore despite there being nothing out of the ordinary, you might be wondering who to talk to first. For many Canadians, getting a doctor’s appointment can be a real challenge. While options like telehealth do exist now, it’s not the best solution especially since doctors need to diagnose injuries such as a sprained ankle or a strained shoulder in person, not through a video call.
Even beyond such concerns, there’s the simple debate of knowledge versus specialization. When you’re dealing with issues of the musculoskeletal system, how do you know whether to book an appointment with your doctor or a physiotherapist? Are some issues better left to one professional or the other?
These are some good questions to ask, and that's why we're going to answer them. In this guide, we’re looking at these two healthcare providers, explaining their roles in your health and wellness journey, and determining who to call when you’re in need of help.
Doctors vs. Physiotherapists
Before we can get into the specifics of which healthcare professional to choose for various physical challenges, let’s learn a little more about these two fields:
Doctors are licensed, highly educated individuals who can specialize in one or more of the many areas of medicine. If you’re dealing with a sore back or an injured joint, you would likely see a general practitioner (GP) for help.
Physiotherapists are trained professionals, however they don’t earn their education through medical school. In British Columbia, physiotherapists must earn a bachelor’s degree and then their Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree. They must then pass the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam (CPTE) and register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).
Naturally, medical doctors have a lot of knowledge about the human body, common injuries, and how to help their patients feel better again. Ultimately, their training is focused on systemic issues and acute illnesses.
The wellness support a doctor provides mainly consists of requesting medical imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs, etc.), prescribing medications, recommending certain lifestyle changes, and referring you to other specialized healthcare providers—such as physiotherapists.
Although doctors have historically been the healthcare providers to order imaging like x-rays, there has recently been a push for physios to be allowed to order them as well. Here are the Canadian provinces where physios are currently authorized to order imaging:
Alberta: Since 2011, physiotherapists with specific, additional authorization from the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta can order x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound imaging.
Quebec: Since May 2020, physiotherapists who have completed mandatory training and hold a certification from the Ordre Professionel de la Physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ) can issue x-ray referrals for traumatic musculoskeletal conditions.
Prince Edward Island: Since 2024, physiotherapists who hold additional diagnostic imaging certifications may directly order x-rays.
In British Columbia, Ontario, and elsewhere in the country, physiotherapists currently cannot order x-rays and other imaging directly. If they believe you require medical imaging, they will have to refer you to a family doctor, sports medicine physician, or an emergency department, where the testing and imaging will be conducted. With that said, provincial associations like the BC Physiotherapy Association are actively advocating to change these rules, allowing physiotherapists to provide a wider range of diagnostic services and care.
So while physiotherapists and doctors attend different streams of education within the Faculty of Medicine, they do spend a similar amount of time training as doctors do. The main difference is a physiotherapist applies a more singular focus on human kinetics and the musculoskeletal system in their treatments.
When to See a Doctor First
You always have the option to work with both a doctor and a physiotherapist, either at the same time or separately, depending on the nature of the health issue you’re facing. With that said, there are a few situations where it’s typically best to start your care journey with a doctor first:
Accidents Involving Serious Injuries. If you were involved in an accident and suspect you’ve been seriously injured (e.g. fractures), you should see a doctor first.
Body Pain Caused by Illness. Some viruses and viral infections can cause severe muscle and joint pain. While physiotherapists can help address some of these issues, only a doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying issue and treat it at the source.
Post-Surgery Care. Surgery is often a serious trauma to the body, and you may need the help of a medical doctor to ensure a swift recovery. Physiotherapists can help with post-surgery care as well, however you should always defer to the advice of your GP first.
Issues Not Related to Muscles and Joints. If you’re dealing with internal pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden onset of severe pain, or other health issues not related to the muscles or joints, you should see a doctor first.
While some of these issues can be supported through physiotherapy as well, starting your treatment journey with a medical doctor or your GP is the better choice in these situations. If needed, they can refer you to a physiotherapist as part of a treatment plan in conjunction with medications, lifestyle adjustments, or treatment from other specialists.
When to See a Physio First
Physiotherapists treat a wide range of issues and concerns relating to the musculoskeletal system, and it’s often easier to get an appointment with a physiotherapist than with a GP. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, we recommend speaking to a physiotherapist first:
Chronic Muscle Pain: If you’ve been dealing with pain in the back, hips, or joints for months or even years, physiotherapy will likely be the best way to address it. Doctors will normally refer patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain to physiotherapists.
Sports Injuries: If you recently sustained an injury while training in or playing sports, a physiotherapist is the right answer for your recovery. Unless you’ve sustained a fracture or a similar serious injury, physiotherapists are typically the best professionals to ensure a fast, smooth recovery from a sports injury.
Back and Neck Pain: Most back and neck pain is caused by poor posture, muscle strain, and weakened muscles in the area. Physiotherapists specialize in addressing these debilitating problems at the source.
Joint Pain: Like back and neck pain, most joint issues are better treated via physiotherapy than standard medicine. A physio can help develop a program that supports joint health, giving you a roadmap for managing or recovering from joint issues like arthritis.
Gradual Onset of Pain: If you’ve been slowly developing a painful condition over time, a physiotherapist will likely be the better choice for your recovery. Physiotherapists tend to provide more effective care for conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis.
Take Charge of Your Health and Wellness
As you can see, doctors and physiotherapists share quite a bit of overlap in their fields of practice. However, they offer distinctly different services when it comes to treating health issues.
In reality, it’s never a bad idea to see both a doctor and a physiotherapist if you’re concerned about your body. If either professional determines that you’d be better served by a different kind of healthcare provider, they’ll refer you or potentially take a combined approach to treatment that involves both physiotherapy and conventional medical care.
With a clear understanding of their roles and a mindful approach to seeking the care you need, you’ll ensure accurate diagnoses, helpful medical support, and a fast recovery. If you suspect you’re dealing with an issue that a physiotherapist could help with, our team at Triumph Physio and Wellness is here to assist you.
Contact us today and take charge of the first step on your health and wellness journey!
Disclaimer: This BLOG content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The creators of this BLOG are not liable for any actions or decisions taken by individuals based on the information presented herein. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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