Discover What Sports Medicine Is And How It Can Help You
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries related to sports and exercise. There are a number of healthcare professionals who support sports medicine including orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, dieticians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists. They work together to do the following:
- Diagnose and treat athletic injuries.
- Design individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans.
- Consult with patients about their recovery.
- Prescribe medication and recommend exercises as necessary.
Who Needs Sports Medicine?
Believe it or not, you don't have to be a professional athlete to take advantage of sports medicine. It may be a great option if you've suffered from injuries related to your bones, muscles, and joints or work a physically demanding job in a field like construction. You should also consider sports medicine if you lead an active lifestyle and are seeking support with your diet and exercise routine.
Benefits of Sports Medicine
As a sports medicine patient, you can benefit from the following services.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation involves healing the affected area while improving your range of motion and flexibility as soon as possible. The goal is to get you back to your sports or exercise routine quickly. Rehabilitation usually includes a combination of stretches, physical therapy, exercises, strength and conditioning, and/or orthopedic surgery.
Preventative Care
Sports medicine can help you reduce the risk of future injuries by educating you on how to train your body correctly. Preventative care may consist of personalized exercise routines, stretching, and strengthening exercises. It may be the key to strengthening your entire body.
Education
The education component of sports medicine strives to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to care for your body and increase your chances for maximum performance on and off the field. It incorporates your dietary needs as well as athletic goals and overall health.
Common Types of Sports Injuries
Sports medicine often supports patients who would like to treat or prevent a variety of sport-related injuries such as:
- ACT Tear: The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL stabilizes the knee. When it experiences a tear or strain, you may notice instability when walking as well as persistent swelling.
- Concussion: A brain injury that results from a blow to the head is known as a concussion. It can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and light sensitivity.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is defined as back pain that radiates to the back of the legs or feet. This condition may be the result of a pinched nerve or bulging disk.
- Golf or Tennis Elbow: Golf and tennis elbow are typically seen in athletes who perform repetitive motions. They can make it painful to move the wrist or hand.