Which Healthcare Provider to See to Improve Your Mobility

Changes in mobility can happen gradually or rather quickly due to injury. If walking distance or uneven footing are giving you pause when planning for Pompeiian villas, Parisian alleys, or Pyrenees hikes – don’t worry. Learn which healthcare provider to see to improve your mobility for travel.

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Seeing a healthcare provider can provide insight as to why and what steps you can take (pun intended) for improving your mobility for travel. Please note, we will not be getting into specific ways to improve your mobility in this post. For that, visit our Are you in Travel Shape post. Many factors affect your mobility and there are many types of healthcare provider to consider. An appointment with the right provider can help you make improvements in your mobility and increase travel opportunities! Below, we will briefly discuss the most likely providers you would see and why. I have linked each specialty’s patient/public facing American association page at the end of this post if you would like to learn more.

Your Options for Improving your Mobility for Travel:

Primary Care Physician (PCP)/General Practitioner (GP):

I recommend checking in with your PCP/GP first. As they know your overall health best, they can point you in the right direction based on your goals. This may be as simple as an email or phone call or they may want you to come in for an appointment. Importantly, certain insurances require a referral from your PCP/GP to see a specialized health care provider like those introduced below.

Discuss concerns you have about travel (including day-to-day mobility, pain, and other diagnoses that may make travel difficult). Your PCP/GP can capture and filter these many factors and ultimately will be able to point you in the right direction. You know your goals and motivations best, so come prepared with all questions and concerns you want addressed. If you do not have musculoskeletal/neurologic/balance concerns and want to improve strength and endurance at the gym or with a trainer, you should still get your PCP/GP’s clearance.

Neurologist:

If you have a neurologic condition, your neurologist will be a great resource for you for travel related mobility. Asking them about travel considerations for your specific condition will help you plan and prepare. If you do not have a neurologic condition but your PCP/GP feels that your mobility challenges are related to balance/neurological changes rather than musculoskeletal ones, they may still send you this way for a consultation.

Orthopedist:

Are your mobility issues due to musculoskeletal symptoms like pain, stiffness, weakness, etc? If yes, you may be directed to an orthopedist. While these doctors are widely known as “orthopedic surgeons,” they are skilled at a wide array of non-surgical treatments. These may include prescriptions for joint braces, orthotics, and injections. They may also refer you to a Physical Therapist as a conservative treatment strategy or as pre-rehabilitation before surgery.

Physiatrist:

These are doctors who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They have post medical school training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and while they are not surgeons, they can give injections and prescribe medications. They may refer you to physical/occupational therapy or to an orthopedist.

Person Feeling Pain in the Knee. Knee pain is a common issue to see a healthcare provider for to improve your mobility for travel.

Sports Medicine Physician:

These doctors complete a fellowship in Sports Medicine and focus on musculoskeletal issues with special attention to physical activity. You may be referred to a Sports Medicine Clinic or hospital group, where you would then see a Sports Medicine Physician, Orthopedist, Physiatrist, Osteopath (see the next section), Physical Therapist etc.

Osteopath (DO):

The next provider than can help you improve your mobility for travel are osteopaths. These practitioners are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). They take a more holistic approach including lifestyle and environmental factors that can affect your health. They practice in all medical specialties so for the topic of this post, you may see one in a sports medicine clinic or your PCP/GP may be a DO. Osteopaths can also do injections and prescribe medications.

Podiatrist:

A Podiatrist is a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine). They treat feet and ankles through operative and non-operative care including custom foot orthodics and recommended shoewear. Foot pain plays a major role in standing and walking limitations, so a visit to a podiatrist can prove very beneficial!

Physical Therapist (PT):

Physical Therapists focus on improving your mobility across multiple treatment sessions. PTs are often called Physiotherapists outside the United States. You will likely see a physical therapist that practices in either an orthopedic or neurologic outpatient setting. Your PT may be a board-certified specialist in Orthopedics, Gerontology, or Neurology. People are often referred to physical therapy for mobility issues before seeing one of the specialist physicians listed above or will be referred to PT from one. They will assess reasons for your mobility changes (pain, weakness, balance impairments, loss of joint motion) and provide a plan of exercises, functional training and manual therapy to help you meet your goals.

Occupational Therapist (OT):

If more of your travel hesitations are due to loss of mobility in your hands or you are having trouble with daily activities such as dressing, bathroom activities, or preparing a meal, an occupational therapist will likely be able to help. They will assess your limitations and provide adaptive equipment/aides and a treatment plan to increase your independence. They also provide caregiver training if you will have someone traveling with you to assist you with your activity limitations.

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT):

These providers can be either a PT or an OT. However, they need to have the letters (CHT) in their title along with PT or OT. Certified Hand Therapists complete specialized training and are best to help you with hand and elbow issues. They can do splinting, bracing, and manual therapy and will provide you with exercises and ideas/aids for how to use your hands more effectively. CHTs may also refer you to a hand surgeon if appropriate (not covered in this article).

Chiropractor:

Chiropractors are known for joint adjustments but in the past several years are focusing more on additional interventions for improving joint mobility, including prescribing exercises. They focus most on improving alignment of your spine and posture.

I hope this helps you learn which provider to see to improve your mobility. Starting the process can help you take the trip you have been dreaming of! If you want to learn more about where you are in terms of your mobility, keep reading below!