A general surgeon is a medical professional who performs surgery on patients. General surgeons typically perform common surgeries and have attended college and medical school to learn the skills needed to perform them successfully. They also care for their patients before and after operations and can give an accurate prognosis after the surgery is complete and the patient has had time to heal.

An orthopedic doctor is a medical professional who has the education and skill to treat patients who are suffering from problems affecting the orthopedic system – bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They can diagnose health problems, repair broken bones, and help treat pain and mobility disorders caused by health problems or illnesses.

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that works with athletes and others who play sports or take part in physically demanding activities that may result in injury or other overuse-related problems. Therefore, it is closely related to physical therapy. Since athletes can experience certain issues that may be uncommon in the rest of the population, the doctors who specialize in this field have advanced knowledge of the body and issues that may arise from participating in various physical activities.