Understanding the Role of a Sports Medicine Doctor in Injury Prevention
A sports medicine physician is skilled in spotting and managing injuries. They also teach players the value of a healthy lifestyle and how to avoid further damage.
They specialize in musculoskeletal injury and concussion care. This field of medicine benefits amateur and professional athletes alike and those who enjoy physical fitness and exercise.
Prevention
Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who leads an active lifestyle, a sports medicine doctor can help you develop an exercise regimen that prevents injury and improves your overall health. They can also treat existing injuries and prescribe medication if necessary.
A sports medicine doctor works closely with other healthcare workers, including physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons. They are a vital link between primary care and orthopedic specialists for patients who suffer from an acute injury or chronic condition related to sports or training.
They understand how to manage the treatment process to ensure a quick recovery without compromising the patient’s safety. They are skilled at communicating with patients in a clear and non-technical way and can listen to their concerns without making assumptions or interruptions. They can explain the different options for care and what to expect after an injury or surgery. They can also recommend diagnostic scans to determine the root cause of an injury or chronic condition.
Diagnosis
Whether it’s a sprain or a strain, a sports medicine physician is experienced with diagnosing injuries during exercise or physical activity. They’re able to determine which treatment methods will work best for each damage, and they’re often able to help patients avoid surgery.
They can also diagnose chronic injuries, which are caused by repetitive movements or by overuse. These injuries include tendon and ligament damage. For example, a sprain is a stretching or tear of the ligaments that connect bones at a joint, while a strain is a similar injury to the tendons.
While some people believe that sports medicine physicians only treat professional athletes, the truth is that they treat amateur and even recreational athletes in addition to everyday people who injure themselves while exercising or playing a sport. This type of doctor is a stepping stone between primary care and an orthopedic surgeon; they understand what tests are needed before surgery.
Treatment
When injuries occur, sports medicine physicians will treat them with various methods. They may prescribe medications, use ice packs or hot compresses, perform physical therapy, and even recommend surgery. Depending on the injury, they will also work with other medical professionals such as athletic trainers, physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons.
Sports medicine doctors must be able to understand their patient’s emotional well-being. They can help their patients to overcome the stress of dealing with an injury and find ways to return to a healthy lifestyle as quickly as possible.
This fast-paced career suits doctor who enjoy working in a dynamic, changing environment and understand what drives athletes. They can work within professional sports teams, school athletics settings, traditional clinics, and doctor’s offices. Often, they will work nontraditional hours to attend games and matches. Some will even travel with the team. They will also have to deal with non-athletes, such as those trying to get more exercise, as they can be just as susceptible to injury.
Rehabilitation
Whether an acute injury or a chronic condition, a sports medicine doctor can help patients find the right treatment method to heal quickly. They often work closely with physical therapists to create rehabilitation programs that fit each patient’s needs.
These medical professionals have substantial training and knowledge in recovering injured patients. By locating alternative treatments and determining the underlying reasons for the patient’s issues, they can also assist patients in avoiding surgery.
Although many associate sports medicine physicians with professional athletes, these experts can benefit anyone who leads an active lifestyle. They can provide nutritional advice, fitness programs and protective gear recommendations that can help prevent injury. In addition, they can recommend the best training techniques for new exercisers or old-time fitness enthusiasts who aim to improve their performance. These physicians can also teach their patients how to stretch and warm up before exercising so they don’t overwork muscles that are prone to injury.
