4 Reasons to See a Sports Medicine Doctor
Ever wondered why you should see a sports medicine doctor?
Well look no further. This guide will provide you with 4 reasons you should see a sports medicine doctor.
What is a Sports Medicine doctor?
A sports medicine doctor is a doctor who has gone through extra training in conditions that often affect people active in sports. These doctors are trained to help prevent, treat and manage a variety of injuries.
Sports medicine doctors are not just for athletes. In fact, anyone who exercises or plays sports can benefit from seeing a sports doctor.
Here are 4 reasons to see a sports medicine doctor :
1. You have an acute sports injury.
These injuries are often sudden and occur while playing a sport or exercising. Common acute injuries are sprains and strains.
Symptoms of an acute injury may include:
- Sudden pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Loss of movement
- A bone or joint that looks out of place
2. You have a chronic sports injury.
These injuries are often developed over time. They come from training too hard for too long. A common example of a chronic sports injury is a rotator cuff injury or tendinitis.
Symptoms of these injuries include:
- Pain when playing or exercising
- Swelling that gets worse after you stop the activity
- A pain or ache that continues when you rest
3. You’re recovering from a sports injury.
If you are recovering from a sports injury or surgery, a sports medicine doctor can help you recover and return to your usual activities by outlining a recovery guideline that could include:
- Medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Splints or supports to stabilize the area
- Treatments to promote healing, such as massage, heat and cold, electric stimulation, or shock wave stimulation
- Range-of-motion exercises to help you fully extend and flex the affected joint
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
4. You want to prevent a sports injury.
If you are looking to prevent a sports injury, then seeing a sports medicine doctor should be at the top of your list. A sports medicine doctor can guide you by:
- Providing a physical exam to make sure the sport or activity is safe for you
- A conditioning and exercise program to get you fit for the activity
- Advice about safe training and equipment
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyle advice
- A program of warm-up, stretching, and cooldown routines