Sports injuries are very common in people who lead active lifestyles. Even the most physically fit and careful people will likely experience an injury at some point in their lifetime, either due to overuse, an accident, or poor conditioning or technique.
If you’ve sustained an injury while gardening, playing golf, playing tennis, dancing, bicycling, or performing another activity, you may be wondering: Should you see your family doctor or a sports medicine doctor? After all, a sports medicine physician is specially trained in the efficient diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries sustained from physical activities of all kinds. This type of physician knows how to treat the injury in the least-invasive method possible.
Let’s talk about what sports medicine doctors do and who you can see if you have suffered a musculoskeletal injury.
Conditions and Injuries Treated by a Sports Medicine Doctor
These physicians can treat acute or chronic injuries and conditions such as:
- Sprained ankle
- Strained muscle or tendon
- Torn rotator cuff
- Shin splints
- Tennis elbow
- Golf elbow
- Shoulder impingement
- Dislocated shoulder
- Jumper’s knee
- Torn ACL
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Overuse injuries
- Bone fractures
- Concussions
Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition
In addition to diagnosing and treating injuries and related underlying conditions, sports medicine doctors have the specialized knowledge and training needed to help patients prevent injuries while engaging in physical activity. These physicians can provide advice and guidance regarding proper training and conditioning, because they know what types of injuries are likely in the various types of sports and exercises.
Rehabilitation is a critical aspect of injury recovery, and sports medicine doctors can also prescribe a comprehensive program that includes physical therapy. The doctor will likely work with the physical therapist in determining the types of therapeutic exercises and stretches that will help you recover quickly and fully.
Sports medicine doctors can also make recommendations for enhancing your nutrition and thereby optimizing your performance and overall health. This can be especially helpful for patients who have health conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, or asthma. This is one of the ways in which a sports medicine physician may take a holistic approach to treatment.
Sports Medicine Physicians in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes
If you seek optimum care for your sports injury or would like to improve your exercise program or sports performance, visit our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Total Orthopaedic Care. We are here to give you an evaluation and treatment that works specifically for you.
Our medical team has decades of experience treating amateur and professional athletes alike, and we utilize both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods as appropriate. Total Orthopaedic Care also provides rehabilitation services such as physical therapy – all under one roof.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors, contact our friendly staff today by calling (954) 735-3535 or by filling out our appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you here.
