Mia
Specialty doctors are doctors who’ve received advanced clinical education and training in niche medical fields such as skin health or lung health. For most medical conditions, your primary care doctor is often your first point of contact. However, if you have a persisting condition that isn’t responding to treatment, they may refer you to a specialist in that area. Below, we explore three medical specialists, the conditions they treat, and how to get in contact with one.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a noninvasive type of rehabilitative care that provides relief from chronic pain—neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain—and restores and maintains joint mobility. During your initial consultation, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and then work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Besides offering pain relief for your injuries, your therapist will also teach you some exercises to help manage some of the discomfort caused by common injuries.
Physical therapists work in a variety of locations, and some of the places you can expect to find them include fitness centers, outpatient, clinics, medical spas, and inpatient facilities. Professionals working in primary care services understand the essence of these treatments and why they are important to those with chronic conditions. If you’re looking for a physical therapist in Denver, contacting the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can help you find some of the best physical therapists in the Denver area. Most local hospitals have an in-house physical therapy clinic, so call ahead and ask to speak to the physical therapy department. Alternatively, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Dermatology
Dermatologists treat a variety of skin conditions and sometimes also include hair and nail treatments. Some of the most common conditions that they treat include acne, dermatitis, skin cancer, hair loss, nail issues, and skin infections.
Acne treatments are recommended based on the severity of your acne, so going by this, your dermatologist may recommend medication, laser treatment, chemical peels, topical treatments, or light therapies. Dermatitis, or skin inflammation, refers to skin conditions that cause skin irritation and discomfort. These conditions may include allergies, eczema, and crib cap.
Some of the procedures performed by dermatologists include chemical peels, laser therapy, cosmetic injections, and dermabrasion, to mention a few. If you’re looking to get rid of an old tattoo, wrinkles, sun spots, or unwanted hair, your dermatologist may recommend laser therapy. Chemical peels and injections work best for individuals looking to revive their skin and get rid of some of the telltale signs of aging such as wrinkles or sagging skin.
When looking for a dermatologist, consider the specialist’s area of expertise. For instance, do they have experience in treating people of color? People of color have unique skin care needs and are more likely to suffer from issues such as keloid scarring and melasma. A dermatologist with experience working with people of color will be able to manage these conditions effectively.
Pulmonology
A pulmonologist is a medical specialist who treats health conditions that affect the respiratory system. Pulmonologists treat and diagnose breathing disorders, sleep disorders, chest pains, and allergies and also offer pulmonary rehabilitation. Breathing disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can affect your quality of life.
Worse still, sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, insomnia, and night terrors can have a big influence on your energy levels. Luckily, pulmonary disease specialists and sleep specialists offer advanced treatments through pulmonary rehabilitation to help manage these symptoms. Pulmonary rehab services work toward managing symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea, to mention a few.
To find a lung and sleep medical practice in Bridgewater, NJ, consider asking your primary care doctor to refer you to a specialist in the area. Checking your insurance provider’s list of in-network pulmonary doctors can also help you generate helpful leads. Alternatively, asking people you trust for referrals can also provide a great resource of top doctors for you to pull from.
