If you’ve suffered a sports related injury, a sports medicine physician could be the solution to a speedy, effective recovery. Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes, it also offers many benefits for people who only exercise recreationally and for those who are looking to improve their overall performance and fitness level in a safe way.
What Is A Sports Medicine Physician?
Sports medicine physicians provide medical care that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports related injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Their expertise lies in non-surgical treatment methods, preventive care, and surgical procedures that help patients return to their original health while strengthening weak or vulnerable areas to prevent future injuries. Sports medicine also focuses on helping people reach their maximum potential, so they can perform their best and in the safest way possible.
Sports Related Injuries
Regardless of your athletic ability, sports injuries are common and joints such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle can be particularly vulnerable during physical exercise. Sports medicine physicians are equipped to diagnose and treat a range of different injuries and conditions caused by sudden accidents, overtraining, or repetitive movements (overuse). Common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers elbow
- Arthritis
- Knee bursitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Ligament tears (ACL, PCL)
- Achilles tendon tear
- Sprains and strains
- Ankle instability
If you have been injured, a sports medicine physician can perform a physical exam and order diagnostic testing to accurately assess the extent of an injury. Sports medicine physicians are up to date on different cutting-edge non-surgical and surgical treatments available for your specific injury or condition. Sometimes, surgery may be the only option, but this is only after non-surgical treatments have been fully explored.
What Can A Sports Medicine Physician Offer?
A sports medicine physician can offer many benefits, including:
Rehabilitation
If you have experienced an injury during exercise or while playing sports, a sports medicine physician can help you return to an optimal fitness level by finding the treatment that is right for you. This may include physical therapy, pain management modalities, or rehabilitation services. In some cases, they may recommend surgery when non-surgical modalities have not worked successfully.
Preventive Care
A sports medicine physician can educate you on how to prepare properly for exercise or a particular sport, which can help to reduce the risk of injury. They may focus on strengthening specific areas of the body that may be vulnerable when playing a sport. This will stabilize and protect the area and prevent injuries. They can also prevent reinjury to a previously damaged area.
Customized Program
If you play sports, you may want to improve your technique or endurance, build muscle, or lose weight. A sports medicine physician understands the impact of sport and exercise on the body, meaning they can design a personalized training plan tailored to your individual goals. This may include therapeutic and strengthening exercises for injury-prone areas, advice on injury prevention and techniques, endurance training, nutrition and diet, and improving motivation and self-discipline. Sports medicine physicians have the expertise to tailor your training or treatment program around your strengths and weaknesses.
Sports Medicine in Northeast Ohio
Anyone who is physically active can be vulnerable to a variety of orthopedic injuries, regardless of their fitness level. With its comprehensive focus on all areas of sports and exercise, from rehabilitation and injury prevention to improving performance, sports medicine can be beneficial to anyone who is physically active. It can also be a great way to enhance your lifestyle and remain injury free.
At Orthopaedic Associates, Inc., we specialize in care for the entire family, including children and teens involved in school sports. Our primary focus is on non-surgical care through our rehabilitation services, but if a condition does require surgery, our highly experienced providers can recommend the right procedure for you.
If you would like to learn more about our sports medicine or other orthopedic services, call our staff at (440) 892-1440 or (866) 362-7624. We have a range of locations at which to serve you. We welcome your call and look forward to serving you soon.
