Sports medicine, otherwise known as sports and exercise medicine, deals with physical fitness, prevention, and treatment of sports injuries. Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes; in fact, it can be a great resource for you if you don’t consider yourself an athlete but want to increase your physical activity.
A doctor who practices sports medicine is called a sports medicine specialist. They may have many types, so understanding what type of sports medicine professional to see and when to see them will save valuable time for you.
Let’s talk about different types of sports medicine and where you can find a sports medicine doctor in Westlake, OH.
Kinds of Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is not a medical specialty in and of itself, but it implies additional training focused on the medical aspects of exercise and sports after one achieves the fundamental certification.
Plus, the “sports medicine specialist” title doesn’t necessarily mean that the person is a physician, but the title can be applied to any number of disciplines for which sports medicine is practiced. This means both physicians and non-physicians can practice sports medicine.
Physicians who practice sports medicine may include:
Primary Care Sports Medicine Doctor
Primary care sports medicine doctor is a physician that receives training in general medicine and then completes additional training in sports medicine. The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists may certify primary care physicians.
Orthopedic Surgeon
These professionals complete general medicine training and then complete orthopedic surgery residency. Such physicians may pursue one to two years of surgical sports medicine fellowship training which provides them additional expertise in surgical techniques for sports injuries. Orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine deal with operative musculoskeletal conditions.
In addition to orthopedic surgery and general medicine, sports medicine physicians may be first certified in family practice, emergency medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics before receiving 2-year fellowship training in sports medicine.
Non-physicians who can practice sports medicine include:
- Physical therapists – These professionals help people recover from injuries
- Certified athletic trainers – They provide rehab programs to help athletes regain their strength back and prevent further injury
- Nutritionists – These professionals help with nutrition and manage weight in conjunction with recovery or physical training.
Which One Is the Best for You?
The type of sports medicine you need depends on your individual goals and circumstances. For example, if you’ve sustained a sports injury and require surgical intervention, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine is the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you simply want to achieve your physical goals, prevent sports injuries, or need nonsurgical care for your sports injury, you can seek the expertise of primary care sports medicine doctor.
Sports Medicine in Westlake, OH
If you’re looking for highly skilled, board-certified, and fellowship-trained doctors and surgeons who are specialized in sports medicine, look no further than Orthopaedic Associates. At our facility, we have a team of highly skilled and trained sports medicine specialists who are committed to providing you with compassionate care to help you get back to your physical activity or game quickly and safely and avoid future injuries.
If you would like to make an appointment with us, call today at (440) 892-1440 or fill out our appointment request form.