It’s that time of year again when everyone is gearing up for their favorite sport. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just like to play for fun, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your body. Sports medicine is becoming more and more popular, and many doctors specialize in this field. So, how do you find the right one for you? In this article, we will discuss the different options available to you and how to choose the right doctor!
Why Would You See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
There are many reasons why you might see sports medicine specialists. Perhaps you’ve been injured while playing a sport and need help recovering. Or maybe you’re dealing with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, that is affecting your ability to play. Whatever the reason, sports medicine specialists can provide you with the care and treatment you need to get back on the field or court.
Sports medicine specialists are experts in treating musculoskeletal injuries, and they often work closely with physical therapists and athletic trainers to help patients recover from injury. They cover games and practices and provide guidance on injury prevention and management of chronic conditions.
What Do Sports Doctors Treat?
Sports medicine is a field of medicine that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and physical activity. Sports doctors are often involved in the care of professional athletes, but they also treat recreational athletes and people of all ages who participate in physical activity. Common injuries that sports doctors treat include sprains, strains, fractures, tendonitis, knee pain, and concussions.
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears
- Ankle
- Trauma
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Hip
- Foot
- Elbow
They also help to prevent injuries by developing training and conditioning programs that reduce the risk of injury. They may also fit patients for protective equipment, such as knee braces, and provide advice on nutrition and injury prevention.
What Kind of Doctor Treats Athletes?
When most people think of doctors, they picture someone who treats sick patients in a hospital setting. However, there are many different types of doctors, each with their own area of expertise. For example, an ear, nose, and throat doctor specializes in treating conditions of the head and neck, while a cardiologist focuses on heart health. Athletes also have their own type of doctor: a sports medicine physician. Most commonly this is an orthopedic surgeon, but can also be a non-surgical specialist.
What Does a Sports Physician Do?
A sports physician specializes in the treatment of physically active people. Sports physicians work with both amateurs and pros, helping them to stay healthy and perform at their best.
They may also work with people who are not athletes but who have active lifestyles. In addition to providing general medical care, sports medicine specialists often help to prevent injury and manage conditions that can affect their performance.
For example, they may prescribe exercises or stretching routines that can help to prevent injury, and they may also provide treatments for conditions such as asthma or allergies. Some sports injuries need surgery to help the patient get back to their activity.
What is a Sports Medicine Doctor Called?
Sports medicine doctors are also called orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, and physiatrists, depending on their training. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injury and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic care includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Orthopedic surgeons use a variety of methods to treat their patients, including surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In addition to treating injuries, orthopedic surgeons also help patients improve their performance and prevent injury. As a result, they play an essential role in the world of sports.
How Do I Choose a Sports Medicine Doctor?
When it comes to choosing a sports medicine provider, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to find a physician who is experienced in treating athletes. Ideally, you should look for someone who has worked with competitors of all levels, from weekend warriors to pros. In addition, you will want to find a doctor who is familiar with the latest research and treatments.
Furthermore, it is important to choose a physician who you feel comfortable communicating with and who is compassionate. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find a qualified and reputable physician who can provide the care and treatment you need. Other tips:
- Read verified patient reviews from existing patients.
- Read research and publications produced by the provider.
- Review location and communities served. It may be worth traveling to a nearby city for the correct provider.
- Review the provider’s specialty and services.
- Verify board certification status.
- Book online or schedule evaluation.
What is an Athletic Doctor Called?
They are known as sports medicine physicians – medical providers who have completed additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of injury related to physical activity. In addition to treating injuries, they also provide advice on ways to prevent injury and improve performance.
Because they must be able to effectively communicate with the athlete, coaches, agents, parents, athletic trainers, and news media, athletic doctors must have both a strong medical background and a deep understanding of the sport in which their patients compete.
What Can a Sports Medicine Doctor Do?
A sports medicine doctor is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries related to sports and exercise. In addition to treating acute injury, sports medicine doctors also focus on preventing sports-related injury through the use of devices such as braces, splints, and crutches. They may used advanced technology such as ultrasound and orthobiologics.
They may also recommend specific exercises or physical therapy programs designed to increase flexibility and strength. Depending on their training, they can perform specific procedures and surgeries to treat specific conditions.
When Should My Teen Go to a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as each case is unique. Most sports medicine specialists treat adolescent and teenage patients. If your child is very young (less than 10) you may want to see a pediatric specialist.
What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries?
Among sports trauma, sprains and strains are the most common type of sports injuries. A sprain occurs when a ligament (the tissue that connects two bones) is stretched or torn. A strain happens when a muscle or tendon (the tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone) is stretched or torn.
Knee injury is also quite common, particularly among runners and those who put a lot of stress on their legs. One serious type of knee injury is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, which can sideline an athlete for an entire season or longer. Shoulder injury is also relatively common, especially among swimmers, baseball players, and weightlifters.
What is the Difference Between Sports Medicine and Orthopedics?
Sports medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injury sustained in athletic activities, and is considered a part of orthopedics. Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, and muscles.
Orthopedic surgeons cover some sports medicine training in their 5-year residency program after medical school, and can also choose to do specialized fellowship training in sports medicine after residency. Other physicians who are not orthopedic surgeons can also specialize in sports medicine, and they focus mostly on non-surgical orthopedic care.
What is Primary Care Sports Medicine?
Primary care sports medicine doctors are not orthopedic surgeons, but are orthopedic specialists who usually have a background in primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, urgent care, or physiatry).
They are generally the first point of contact for sports participants with sprains, strains, and other common injuries. They are well-equipped to provide non-surgical orthopedic care and comprehensive care for active people of all levels. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, a primary care sports medicine doctor can help you stay active and healthy.
What do Physiatrists do?
Physiatrists are medical physicians who specialize in the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal and nervous system accidents. They use a variety of patient care techniques to help their patients regain function and reduce pain.
Dr. Burnham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship-trained in sports medicine. His office is located in Baton Rouge, LA, Hammond, LA, and Plaquemine, LA. He covers sports teams and treats patients throughout the Brusly, Port Allen, Denham Springs, Hammond, Walker, Livingston, Gonzales, Prairieville, New Roads, St. Francisville, Lafayette, Eunice, Alexandria, Natchez, Woodville, Centerville, and St. Gabriel areas.