If you’re passionate about your sport and keeping yourself fit and healthy, or if you have suffered a sporting-related injury, then it could be time to seek the expertise of a sports medicine doctor. A physician who specializes in sports medicine is able to answer all those questions you have on how to reach your optimum fitness level, how to get back to sports after an injury, and what customized individual programs will best suit your requirements. This doctor can be a great solution to helping you reach your goal.
Sports medicine doctors provide comprehensive medical care for each patient. They specialize in the diagnosis, nonsurgical treatment, and preventive care for sports- and exercise-related injuries. While sports medicine sounds like something only needed by serious athletes, it can also be beneficial for anyone involved in playing sports and exercise – including children and those engaging in recreational activities.
The specialty of sports medicine focuses on helping people reach their maximum physical capabilities so they can perform their best and in the safest way possible. Also, if an injury or condition develops, these issues can be quickly treated and managed to ensure that the patient can return to their original health and continue playing the sport.
Due to a sports medicine doctor’s knowledge and expertise, they can be a great choice for resolving all your sports-related medical needs. They can answer questions about sport-specific injuries, and they can create a personalized plan to help you get back to playing your sport – or to help strengthen injury-prone areas of your body.
Checklists for Your Sports Medicine Physician
If you’re not sure what you should ask your sports medicine doctor, the following are some basic questions to help get you started. These will help give you ideas of what to cover with the physician:
Injury Prevention
- How can I determine whether I’m at risk of a serious (knee, shoulder, etc.) injury?
- What exercises can I do to prevent a ligament tear?
- How can I reduce the stress in my throwing arm/kicking leg?
- How can I avoid sprains and strains?
- Am I more at risk of an injury in cold weather?
- Should I wear a mouth guard?
- What are the benefits of kinesiology tape?
Diet and Nutrition
- How much should I drink during exercise?
- When and what should I eat before a marathon/competition?
- What is the best way to stay hydrated?
- Should I drink energy drinks?
- What foods prevent cramping during my sport?
- What are the signs of dehydration?
- What nutrition do I need as an athlete in my sport?
- How can I reach my optimum weight safely?
Exercise
- How do I warm up and cool down properly?
- How often should I exercise/play the sport?
- How much rest do I need between sessions?
- Are there any sports or exercises I should avoid (based on pre-existing conditions, such as asthma)?
- How can I build up my strength safely?
- How can I properly and accurately track my fitness?
- What stretches should I do?
- What is the best form of endurance training?
- How can I improve my fitness for better performance/endurance?
- Should I get an athletic trainer?
Injuries and Medical Conditions
- How long should I rest after a sprain?
- Should I apply heat or cold to a muscle injury?
- When should I have an X-ray?
- How should I treat a head injury?
- How would I know whether I might have a concussion?
- How soon can I exercise after an illness?
- What does swelling in a joint mean?
- How can I treat an overuse injury?
- How can I prevent an overuse injury in my sport?
- What injuries are most common among those who engage in my sport?
Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Care in South Florida
At Total Orthopaedic Care, we’re here to answer all your questions and get you back to the sport you love. We offer comprehensive treatment for sports injuries, and we treat every bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament in the body.
We’re here to offer you the superior medical care you need. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experienced in sports medicine, and we offer complex care for athletes of all ages and levels – from little league pitchers to professional NBA players to retirees who golf every day.
If you have any questions about our orthopedic services, please call us today at (954) 735-3535 or use our online appointment request form. We’re conveniently located in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes here in South Florida. We look forward to serving you!
