When you step onto the playing field, you want to be sure that you are playing at the top of your game. Not only do you think about performance, but it’s equally as important to consider how your physical fitness affects safety as well.
Both professional athletes and weekend warriors require strong muscles, high energy, and functional joint movement. A slight injury or overexertion can take a toll on performance. Eventually, these seemingly minor issues can lead to serious injury.
Many sports medicine patients are not athletes – they just have an injury or ailment common in sports. Although this blog article focuses on sports and performance, anyone is welcome to visit a sports medicine doctor.
Visiting a skilled sports medicine specialist like the ones at Orthopedic Associates helps athletes optimize performance and minimize the risk of injury in the future.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that you are maintaining peak performance in every training session and game. If you are looking for solutions to improve your performance, then it’s time to schedule a consultation with a local sports medicine doctor.
How a Sports Medicine Doctor Differs from Traditional Medical Providers
What is the difference between a sports medicine doctor vs. a general practitioner?
When you visit your primary care physician, this doctor has a broad range of medical knowledge relating to all parts and functions of the body. This general overview is helpful for small health concerns, but the physician will refer you to a specialist for serious injuries or chronic pain.
In comparison, a sports medicine doctor focuses on conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system. These specialists address acute injuries and also offer the support that amateur and professional athletes need.
Sports Medicine: What You Need to Know
Sports medicine is a specific field in the medical industry that focuses on care for adults and children living active lifestyles. These services are beneficial for people who play sports or engage in frequent exercise.
When you visit a sports medicine doctor, they can help with the treatment and prevention of various orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries, such as:
- Wear and tear on the joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Strains (muscles and tendons)
- Sprains (ligaments)
- Dislocations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Concussions
This specialty in the medical industry focuses on helping each patient recover from these injuries as quickly as possible. Not only is it essential to regain function, but the treatments are ideal for maintaining mobility and strength over time.
These sports medicine services are also helpful for people experiencing work-related injuries, such as painters, hairdressers, construction workers, and factory workers.
While many people wait until after an injury before talking to an orthopedic specialist, sports medicine providers also offer preventive care. If you want to reduce the risk of injury or optimize your physical performance, then consult with a sports medicine doctor for personalized recommendations.
5 Reasons Why You Should See a Sports Medicine Doctor
Are sports medicine services right for you? Here are a few indications that you can benefit by visiting with a sports medicine specialist:
- Playing Sports: You don’t have to be a professional athlete to talk to a sports medicine provider. If you are involved in any type of sports activity, then it can be helpful to consult with an orthopedic specialist. These services bring awareness and guidance to help you avoid injury.
- Active Lifestyle: Even if you aren’t participating in organized sports, an active lifestyle is another indicator that you can benefit from sports medicine. When you are spending time at the gym or following a regular exercise routine, it’s critical to be proactive about preventing repetitive injuries.
- Desired Results: Do you have specific physical goals that you want to achieve? If you aren’t getting the desired results, talk to a sports medicine doctor about reaching your goals. A specialist can offer training and dietary recommendations to help you build muscle and lose weight.
- Current Injury: When an acute injury occurs, a sports medicine doctor is the first person you should call. Proper treatment is critical to speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of long-term pain and performance issues.
- Chronic Pain: How often do you notice pain in the body? If you are living with chronic pain, then it’s wise to talk to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
How a Sports Medicine Doctor Can Help
There is a wide range of services you can access by talking to a sports medicine specialist. These doctors assist with acute injuries, chronic pain, and everything in between.
The goal in sports medicine is to help you return to your regular activities while also improving your overall performance as much as possible. Here is an overview of the available services you can receive in sports medicine:
- Accurate diagnosis of an injury, using pathology and symptoms
- Monitoring and assessment of injury
- Injury prevention
- Locating root-cause issues to prevent injury recurrence
- Prescription of medications and rehabilitation treatments to support healing
- Restoring functionality and performance through treatment
- Reducing the time you spend away from the sport during recovery
- Optimizing long-term performance
Since the focus is on overall care, sports medicine doctors often partner with other providers. At Orthopedic Associates, we offer a range of specialties in one convenient location. In addition, your sports medicine doctor might consult with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and more.
Sports Medicine Doctors are for Athletes and Amateurs
It’s an industry misconception that sports medicine doctors only offer services for professional athletes. While athletes often benefit from these services, it’s also important to note that non-professional amateurs are also great candidates for sports medicine services.
The truth is that sports medicine doctors help anyone looking to improve their overall health and wellness. Sports medicine specialists are highly trained in orthopedic medicine and can provide care for both injuries and chronic pain.
Typically, sports medicine services fall into several categories:
- Injury Rehabilitation: Whether you over-exerted yourself in the gym or an accident happened on the playing field, sports medicine can help you recover. Rehabilitation focuses on pain management, physical therapy, non-surgical modalities, and surgery (when needed).
- Preventive Care: Consulting with a sports medicine specialist is a great way to learn how to prepare for future physical activities. For example, strength training recommendations are beneficial for protecting vulnerable areas of the body.
- Customized Services: Each person is unique, which is why sports medicine is customized to your personal needs. Talk to the doctor about your goals, such as losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or boosting your technique.
Sports Medicine Care from Local Specialists
If you need sports medicine care, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our skilled team. Regardless of your fitness level, we can help you reduce the vulnerability of injury and chronic pain in the future. So call us at Orthopedic Associates in Flower Mound, Denton, and Argyle, TX to book an appointment.
