Whether you have suffered a sports-related injury or just want to improve your overall performance and fitness level in a safe way, a sports medicine doctor could be the solution. Sports medicine doctors provide medical care that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Their expertise focuses on preventive care and nonsurgical treatment methods to help you return to optimum health and continue playing your sport. Sports medicine also focuses on helping people reach their maximum potential so they can perform their best and in the safest way possible, regardless of their age or ability.
Sports medicine doctors can be a great choice for resolving all of your medical needs and health issues. They are fully equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports injuries and conditions affecting the bones, muscles, and joints throughout the body.
They have a number of responsibilities, which include:
- Preventing, diagnosing, and treating sports-related injuries
- Designing a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan
- Regular consultations with patients about their recovery progress
- Regularly evaluating and reviewing the condition or injury
- Prescribing medication (such as pain relief) when required
Sports Doctors Specialize in Sports Injuries
Regardless of your athletic ability, sports injuries are commonplace. The shoulder, arm, elbow, hand, and fingers are particularly vulnerable during sports because of repetitive motions and forceful impacts.
Sports medicine doctors treat injuries and conditions that can be due to injury on the field, overtraining, or repetitive or overuse injuries. This can include many types of injuries such as:
- Fractures
- Finger injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Pitcher’s elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder separation
- Wrist injuries
- Sprains and strains
If you have been injured, a sports medicine doctor will perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic testing to accurately assess the extent of the injury. Sometimes surgery may be the only option, but this is only after nonsurgical treatments have been fully explored.
Sports medicine doctors are up-to-date on the latest and best nonsurgical and surgical treatments and regenerative treatment options available, such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which can help to restore function following an injury. They also know the latest technology for fracture care.
Personalized Medical Care for Athletes
Your sports medicine doctor may design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This may include therapeutic exercises to strengthen injury-prone areas, advice on injury prevention, and proper nutrition.
Because sports medicine focuses on a patient’s individual needs and concerns, it can make a real difference to the lives of sports enthusiasts and athletes alike. These physicians thoroughly understand the impacts of sport and exercise on the body.
They have the expertise to tailor training programs around your individual strengths and weaknesses and can identify areas for improvement. Their in-depth understanding of how the body moves during particular sports means they can provide appropriate advice and instruction to help prevent future injuries or reinjury.
Sports medicine isn’t just for talented athletes, it can also be beneficial to anyone who is physically active or has a musculoskeletal injury or pain. With its comprehensive focus on all areas of exercise and activity, from injury prevention to improving performance, it can be a great way to enhance your lifestyle and remain injury-free.
Sports Doctors in Maryland
If you have a sports-related injury, our orthopedists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder can quickly diagnose your injury and put you on the path to a speedy recovery. We handle everything involving the shoulders, hands, elbows, and wrists, including the muscles and bones of the arm.
Call us today at (410) 296-6232 to schedule a visit with one of our highly experienced orthopedic doctors, or request an appointment online now. We look forward to serving you!