Introduction
When you’re in pain or recovering from an injury, it can be confusing to know whether to see an orthopaedic doctor or a physical therapist. At Sunnyvale Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Clinic, both specialists work together — but they play very different roles in your care.

What is Orthopaedic Care?
Orthopaedic care focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Our orthopaedic specialists are trained to manage both surgical and non-surgical treatments. This includes:

• Diagnosing fractures, arthritis, joint issues

• Performing surgeries (like joint replacements)

• Prescribing medication or injections

• Recommending rehabilitation options

What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on helping you regain movement, strength, and flexibility. It’s often used after surgery, injury, or as a conservative treatment for chronic pain. Our physical therapists use:

• Manual therapy and stretches

• Strengthening and mobility exercises

• Balance and coordination training

• Pain relief techniques (heat, ice, TENS)

When Do You Need Both?
Most patients benefit from a combination of both. For example, an orthopaedic doctor may diagnose a rotator cuff injury and refer you to physical therapy for rehabilitation — avoiding surgery if possible.

Conclusion
Orthopaedic care diagnoses and plans your treatment, while physical therapy helps you recover and regain function. At Sunnyvale, we provide both services under one roof, so you can heal faster with a unified team guiding your care.