Sports medicine is a term referring to the treatment of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions or injuries, typically those caused by or related to sports. Here are three facts about sports medicine.
1. People Who Can Be Treated By Sports Medicine Doctors
Despite its name, sports medicine isn’t only meant for injuries or conditions caused by participating in sports. You may be able to see a sports medicine specialist for various reasons. For example, you can seek out sports medicine Lady Lake FL if you live near there and are injured during a routine workout at a gym.
2. Common Types of Support
Sports medicine isn’t just for treating injuries after they occur. Sports medicine physicians also provide many other types of support for those playing sports or participating in energetic activities. The most common ones, injury assessment, management and treatment, are related to what happens after an injury occurs. Others include preventive care, such as physicals and demonstrations of how to participate in an activity safely, and coordination with other providers regarding care and return-to-play decisions, such as surgeons and physical therapists.
3. Common Injuries Treated
Some sports-related and physical activity-related injuries are orthopedic while others are musculoskeletal. Common injuries include overuse injuries, strains, sprains, fractures, breaks, muscle tears, tendonitis and osteoarthritis. There are a few other common injuries sports medicine doctors may also treat or assist with, such as concussions. The types of injuries a sports medicine doctor most commonly treats will depend on the place he or she works. A doctor who works with professional basketball players, for example, will see different injuries and conditions than one who works with professional football players.
If you’re interested in seeking sports medicine treatment, talk to your primary care physician first. He or she will be able to help you find the right specialist for your needs and should also be able to give you a referral.
