Despite its name, sports medicine isn’t just for people involved in sports. This orthopedic subspecialty focuses on the diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal problems affecting anyone involved in any type of physical activity—gym lovers, elite athletes, weekend warriors, and even seniors who refuse to give in to old and strive to maintain an active lifestyle.
While sports medicine is centered on helping physically active people regain their prior level of functioning after an injury, it is also designed to promote safe and efficient engagement in sports and exercise. Sports medicine physicians assess patients for areas of improvement and teach them strategies and proper techniques in order to help minimize their risk of injuries and reach their full potential.
The information provided below is aimed at providing a better insight into sports medicine.
Types of Injuries Treated in Sports Medicine
Outlined below are the two main types of injuries treated in sports medicine:
- Acute injuries – These occur as a result of a sudden or single traumatic event, although some of them are not instantly obvious, especially since adrenaline and cortisol hormones tend to surge immediately following an injury.
The following are examples of acute injuries:
- Most types of fractures
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Rotator cuff tears
- Chronic injuries (also referred to as overuse injuries)- As the terms “chronic” and “overuse” suggest, these injuries occur over time from repetitive movement or strain.
Examples of chronic injuries include the following:
- Stress fractures
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
Injury Management as the Most Important Aspect of Sports Medicine
An injury has the potential to shatter a person’s earning capacity. With the extensive training of sports medicine physicians in injury management, they give patients a great chance for recovery, regardless of the type of injury they sustained.
The primary focus of sports medicine physicians is on leveraging conservative interventions. They typically explore P.R.I.C.E. (protection, rice, ice, compression, and elevation) therapy, physical therapy, medications, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and other types of nonsurgical treatment modalities to help patients successfully return to their pre-injury state.
Sports medicine physicians may recommend surgery for severe injuries or as a last-resort intervention for those whose symptoms continue unabated after an extensive course of nonoperative treatment. They can give referrals or perform the procedures themselves, depending on their scope of practice.
There are sports medicine physicians who are trained in minimally invasive procedures, which involve smaller incisions, faster recovery, and ultimately, a quicker return to normal activities.
Sports Medicine Physicians in Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Pines, FL
At Total Orthopaedic Care, our board-certified sports medicine physicians have made a name for themselves for their dedication to providing the highest quality of care— helping people successfully recover from their injuries and perform at their highest capability in whatever form of physical activity they’re involved in.
To see one of our sports medicine physicians, call us at (954) 735-3535, or simply use our appointment request form, and we will contact you promptly to schedule your visit.
