Maybe the only thing more stressful than suffering an injury is determining what kind of specialist to see. Nonetheless, should you suddenly develop a sport-related injury, visiting your usual family physician may not be the greatest option. Sports medicine focuses on avoiding and addressing exercise and sports-related injuries; thus, it is most suitable to assist you. Unlike most doctors ready to suggest surgery, a sports medicine specialist recognizes how to employ conservative approaches to prevent surgery. Access a professional diagnosis of your concerns and quality care by visiting Kai Sports Medicine LLC today.
However, it would be best if you got an idea of what a sports medicine doctor is and how they can help you get back onto the field safely and in the least amount of time possible. Check out this post to find out more!
What Exactly Are Sports Medicine Physicians?
If you think of a sports medicine physician, you generally imagine a doctor who sits on the sidelines and rushes to the scene anytime an athlete is hurt during a game. They are highly trained to immediately assess and address sports-related injuries as well as any other sort of musculoskeletal (orthopedic) injury. They aim to restore the individual to their sport as quickly as practicable.
Yet, sports medicine specialists do much more than on-field treatment of players. They also assist individuals to work out safely and efficiently to attain maximum performance. For instance, by strength-training, muscles the doctor observes are out of balance with other muscles.
What’s more, sports medicine specialists will discuss with the patients how to protect and care for it while staying in shape. Often, these practitioners deal with non-intrusive therapy of joints, muscles, and bones, including:
- Strains and sprains
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Fractures
- Injuries to the feet, ankles, and knees
- Shoulder trauma
- Concussions
- Tendonitis
How To Treat Sports-Related Injuries?
A sports medicine physician could also help with acute and chronic illnesses, as well as performance and nutrition concerns. They can also assist patients in evaluating when they should resume their normal activities following treatment.
Your sports medicine doctor’s main focus is on rehabilitation programs to enable quick recovery and a safe return to your sport, which includes:
- Injury prevention facilitation and monitoring
- Pinpointing the underlying reasons for an injury to avoid a relapse
- Accurately diagnosing an injury based on its pathology and location
- As needed, prescribing therapy and medicines to aid in the healing and restoration of functionality
- Long-term performance optimization
- Keeping time away from your sport to a minimum
Your sports medicine doctor also partners with other healthcare experts, including therapists, clinicians, orthopedic surgeons, and many more, to ensure that you enjoy comprehensive care.
Who Should See A Sports Medicine Doctor?
Notwithstanding its name or contrary to popular opinion, sports medicine is not only for athletes and weekend warriors. Traumatic injuries can occur in various settings, not just on the field. You might be doing your chores or engaging in your beloved hobby at home when you sprain your ankle or pull a muscle. Therefore, anybody, whether an amateur or pro athlete or not an athlete, can see a sports medicine doctor for professional care.
Athletic injuries can be excruciating without a reliable and competent sports medicine doctor. Luckily, Dr. Zachary Perlman, DO, an experienced sports and internal medicine expert in Little Silver, NJ, could accurately examine your injuries and help you get back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your concerns and explore the various care alternatives to find one that works for you!
