How to Find the Right Medical Professional for Your Condition
When you’re dealing with pain, injury, or a lingering health condition, finding the right healthcare professional can make all the difference. With so many options—surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, functional medicine doctors, and more—it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
At Chicago Spine and Sports, we often hear this question: “Who should I see first?” The answer depends on your symptoms, medical history, and health goals. This guide will help you navigate your options, understand what each provider offers, and make confident decisions about your care.
Understanding the Different Types of Medical Professionals
Each type of medical professional plays a specific role in diagnosing and treating conditions. Let’s explore what each one does and when it may be appropriate to see them.
1. Surgeons
Best for: Severe structural issues, advanced injuries, and cases where conservative treatments have failed.
Surgeons are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in operative procedures. Orthopedic surgeons, for example, focus on the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Neurosurgeons may be involved in spine-related issues.
When to consider seeing a surgeon:
You have a traumatic injury (e.g., torn ACL, fractured bone, herniated disc causing nerve compression).
Imaging (MRI/X-rays) shows a severe structural problem.
You’ve exhausted conservative treatment with no relief.
You’ve been referred by your primary care physician or specialist.
While surgery is sometimes necessary, many conditions that seem surgical can be managed without it. That’s why it’s important to seek a second opinion or explore nonsurgical options first.
2. Physical Therapists (PTs)
Best for: Rehabilitation, pain management, injury prevention, post-surgical recovery, and improving mobility.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare providers who specialize in movement, strength, and functional recovery. They create customized exercise programs and use hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
When to see a physical therapist:
You’ve experienced a recent injury (sprain, strain, sports injury).
You’re recovering from surgery or preparing for it.
You have chronic pain (e.g., low back pain, neck stiffness).
Your mobility, strength, or balance is limited.
PTs work closely with other providers to ensure a coordinated care plan. At Chicago Spine and Sports, our PTs often collaborate with physicians, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners to maximize results.
3. Chiropractors
Best for: Joint dysfunction, spinal alignment, nerve irritation, and conservative treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
Chiropractors (DCs) focus on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustments of the spine and joints. Many people seek chiropractic care for headaches, neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.
When to see a chiropractor:
You’re experiencing spinal misalignment, stiffness, or nerve impingement.
You want non-invasive, drug-free treatment.
You prefer a holistic approach to pain management.
You’ve tried other modalities without lasting relief.
Chiropractic care can complement physical therapy, offering joint mobilization and nervous system support alongside exercise-based rehab.
4. Functional Medicine Doctors
Best for: Chronic health conditions, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, gut health, fatigue, and whole-body wellness.
Functional medicine practitioners take a personalized, root-cause approach to health. They often use advanced lab testing, nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve long-term health outcomes.
When to consider functional medicine:
You’ve been told “everything looks normal” but still feel unwell.
You have symptoms without a clear diagnosis.
You want to avoid long-term medication dependence.
You’re managing complex or chronic conditions like IBS, thyroid issues, fibromyalgia, or adrenal fatigue.
Functional medicine doctors may be MDs, DOs, or naturopathic physicians (NDs) with advanced training in integrative health. They often work alongside conventional providers to address both symptoms and root causes.
How to Decide Which Professional is Right for You
Finding the right medical provider begins with understanding the nature of your condition and what outcome you're hoping for. Here are some steps to guide you:
Step 1: Identify Your Primary Concern
Is it acute pain, chronic discomfort, limited movement, general fatigue, or an unexplained symptom? This will help determine whether you need hands-on care, diagnostic testing, or systemic support.
Step 2: Start Conservatively
Unless you’re dealing with a medical emergency or trauma, starting with conservative treatment is often safest and most effective. Physical therapy or chiropractic care can resolve many issues without surgery or medication.
Step 3: Look for Integrated Care
If your condition spans multiple systems (for example, pain and gut issues), consider providers who offer or collaborate on integrative care. A team that includes PTs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners can create a comprehensive plan tailored to you.
Step 4: Ask About Referrals
Good providers will know their scope and refer you to someone else when appropriate. A physical therapist may recommend a surgical consult after lack of progress, while a functional medicine doctor may suggest imaging or orthopedic evaluation if needed.
Step 5: Focus on Communication and Philosophy
Look for professionals who:
Listen actively and take your history seriously.
Offer personalized treatment plans (not one-size-fits-all).
Educate you on your condition and empower you to take part in your recovery.
At Chicago Spine and Sports, we prioritize collaborative care and long-term wellness—helping you get better and stay better.
Common Scenarios and the Best Starting Points
1. Chronic Low Back Pain
Start with: Physical therapy or chiropractic care
Why: Most back pain is mechanical and responds well to conservative treatment. If symptoms persist, consider functional medicine or a spine specialist.
2. Post-Surgery Recovery
Start with: Physical therapy
Why: PTs specialize in regaining strength and function safely after surgery.
3. Digestive Issues and Fatigue
Start with: Functional medicine doctor
Why: These symptoms may be related to underlying inflammation, stress, or hormonal imbalance.
4. Joint Pain from Sports or Repetitive Use
Start with: Physical therapy or chiropractor
Why: These providers can identify mechanical imbalances and use manual therapy or corrective exercise to relieve strain.
5. Radiating Arm or Leg Pain (Possible Nerve Involvement)
Start with: Chiropractor or physical therapist
If symptoms worsen or persist: See a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon
What to Expect at Chicago Spine and Sports
Our team blends evidence-based care with holistic principles. Whether you’re seeing a physical therapist for shoulder rehab or a functional medicine provider for systemic inflammation, we work together to ensure continuity of care.
You can expect:
Thorough evaluations
Clear explanations
Personalized plans
Access to multiple specialties under one roof
We believe that healing doesn’t come from quick fixes—it comes from understanding your body, addressing the root causes, and applying the right interventions at the right time.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right medical professional can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start with your symptoms, choose the least invasive option first, and seek a team that values collaboration and whole-person care.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or searching for answers to unexplained symptoms, the right provider is out there—and we’re here to help you find them.
Need Help Choosing the Right Path?
Contact Chicago Spine and Sports today to schedule a consultation. Our multidisciplinary team is here to guide you every step of the way.
