Whether you are a professional or amateur athlete, you are susceptible to certain injuries. These injuries may be from practicing, warming up, or performing extensive physical activities, and a sports medicine physician can address these problems quickly.
These specialized doctors are trained to guide you through relieving pain, healing, and improving your physical performance – in addition to preventing injury in the first place. Let’s talk about some of their core responsibilities and what you can expect from a sports doctor.
Diagnosing and Treating Sports-Related Injuries
A sports physician will be able to quickly recognize any injury relating to the form or function of the musculoskeletal system. They deal with injuries such as sprained ankles, joint inflammation, dislocations, and bone fractures. Through their expertise, they can assess the severity of your condition and recommend proper treatment more quickly than would other types of doctors.
After diagnosis, the physician will recommend rehabilitation strategies. These may involve movements like reflex management and simple exercises.
Preventing Injury
Sports medicine doctors are trained to prioritize preventive care and to advise patients on avoiding sports-related injuries. Some musculoskeletal injuries do not heal easily – such as tendonitis and back injury – and may pose a danger to your overall physical health.
Therefore, it is these physicians’ mandate to help patients prevent developing overuse injuries and other musculoskeletal issues, such as tennis elbow and pitcher’s shoulder. Prevention is always better than treating injuries after they begin.
Prescribing Treatment
These physicians also prescribe and administer medication for acute or chronic pain that a patient may be experiencing in relation to the injury. They know which therapies will be most effective for the patient’s specific needs.
As much as possible, they focus on nonsurgical care; surgery is rarely the first option for the treatment of sports injuries. However, they do have the skills necessary for quick surgical intervention if needed, such as minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to repair a joint injury.
Advising About Nutrition and Health
The doctor will also give you counsel about proper nutrition, psychological health, and even substance abuse. A sports medicine physician is often a specialized orthopedic surgeon who understands the potential for pain medications to become addictive, so they are well-versed in managing and controlling these medicines for their patients.
A sports medicine physician can also refer you to other medical specialists and therapists as necessary. They will work side-by-side with athletic trainers, physical therapists, and surgeons for your efficient treatment and recovery.
Sports Doctor in Clinton Township, Michigan
If you are an active person and have chronic pain or have suffered a traumatic injury, consult with a medical professional who knows how to treat you quickly and accurately. Dr. Jeffrey Carroll leads our team here at Movement Orthopedics, and we are ready to help you get back on track.
A sports medicine physician like Dr. Carroll can address your condition and educate you about prevention, recovery, rehabilitation, and maximizing your physical performance. We offer advanced diagnostics, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for your orthopedic and sports medicine needs.
Contact us today by calling (586) 436-3785 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to assisting you in getting back on your feet and into the game!
