When people hear of sports medicine physicians, they tend to imagine doctors serving elite or professional athletes. However, a sports doctor caters to more people than you think. Any person who sustains a sports injury or wants to lead an active lifestyle can benefit from their expertise.
Here are five reasons why you should see a sports medicine physician.
1. To Treat Acute Injuries
Accidents can happen when you’re playing sports. Many factors, including overuse, trauma, and poor form, can result in sports injuries. The most common ones are:
- Ankle sprain and ankle instability
- Golfer’s elbow
- Knee pain and injury
- Partial ligament and tendon tears
- Rotator cuff tear
- Soft tissue injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Tennis elbow
If you get injured, a sports medicine physician can help. They will diagnose your condition and perform the necessary treatments. If needed, they can recommend braces or splints to support the injured body part while it heals. They can also check if you need to take time off to facilitate your healing.
2. For Pain Management
Pain accompanies most, if not all, musculoskeletal injuries. A sports medicine physician can teach you how to manage this symptom effectively. They can recommend a variety of pain medications in various forms. They can also teach you hot and cold therapies that you can do at home.
Beyond pharmacological interventions, a sports doctor will show you other ways to relieve pain. They can refer you to a physical therapist, who can demonstrate gentle exercises you can do while recovering. While you may need immobilization and rest in the first few days after an injury, it’s just as important to keep your body active. Regular exercise promotes blood flow that supports tissue healing.
3. To Prevent Injuries
There is no way to eliminate risk, but you can take precautions to minimize it, such as improving your form during sports activities. As experts in the musculoskeletal system, they can spot and correct errors in your movements. They can also identify body parts that lack strength and flexibility. With that knowledge, they can devise a plan to strengthen those body parts, reducing the risk of injury.
In addition, your sports doctor can prescribe custom orthotics such as shoe inserts to correct your alignment. If you’re an athlete, they can recommend the proper equipment to protect your body during games or matches.
4. To Achieve Fitness Goals
Whether you’re an amateur player or a pro-athlete, a sports doctor can help you conquer your fitness goals. They can review your exercise plan and make recommendations to help you optimize your exercise routine. They will check the frequency and intensity of your workouts and suggest adjustments as necessary.
5. To Improve Physical Performance
A sports medicine physician can craft a personalized exercise plan that can safely improve your physical performance. They can perform a thorough assessment and guide you on multiple fronts. From monitoring your diet to suggesting an individual exercise routine, they can help you be a better athlete and gain an edge over your competitors.
It’s also possible that you’re performing some of your movements incorrectly. Your sports doctor can evaluate these and help you optimize your mechanics.
Sports Medicine Physician in Dallas, TX
Getting help from a sports physician has several benefits. Whether it’s for injury prevention or improved performance, it pays to have someone who can guide you.
If you’re looking for a sports medicine physician in Dallas, TX, look no further than Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine. Our team is composed of highly trained staff to ensure that you can live your active life worry-free.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness novice, our sports medicine physicians can cater to your needs. You may call us at (972) 503-7272 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a time to come in. We look forward to serving you!
