A long time ago, sports medicine was widely considered a luxury. It was something that only existed for the benefit of professional athletes. However, times have changed. Nowadays, more and more people are playing sports as a form of exercise. We all want to be fit and healthy, so it’s important to remember to speak with a sports medicine doctor if anything comes up.
Playing Sports Can Lead to a Wide Range of Injuries
A sports medicine doctor is a medical professional who is specially trained to diagnose, treat, and look into injuries that are brought about by partaking in sports. They are also trained to look after orthopedic or musculoskeletal injuries.
Some sports medicine doctors are fellow athletes who have dedicated their time to studying sports medicine. Their patients are not limited to athletes, however. They are reliable professionals to consult if you engage in sports recreationally.
If you’re someone who is into sports, you’re likely to sustain a sports injury every once in a while. These can range from muscle strains to ACL tears. Whether or not you are a professional, the best person to consult about a sports-related injury is a sports medicine doctor.
Do you need to consult a sports medicine doctor soon? Here are some questions to ask them:
Are You Trained or Certified?
Nowadays, it can be easy to proclaim yourself as a sports medicine doctor. To be sure that you are working with a legitimate medical professional, ask them about their studies. What training did they undergo to hone their skills? Do they have any certifications for a specific treatment or techniques?
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
In the field of medicine, experience is key. Nothing is more reassuring than knowing your sports medicine doctor has experience treating injuries like yours. If your sports medicine doctor is experienced, you can rest assured that they will be able to properly address your concerns.
What Types of Conditions Do You Treat?
Depending on their training and certification, a sports medicine doctor’s specialty can vary. Here are the most common sports-related conditions treated by sports medicine doctors:
- Fractures
- Acute and overuse injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Osteoarthritis
If a sports medicine doctor has had additional training, they may also be able to:
- Look into concussions caused by playing sports
- Conduct sport pre-participation assessments
- Give training on injury prevention
- Manage return-to-play decisions for injured or sick athletes
What Is Causing My Symptoms?
In general, people are not familiar with how the musculoskeletal system works. If you think your symptoms may have been caused by a sport you recently engaged in, don’t hesitate to see a sports medicine doctor. They can educate you on what’s causing your symptoms and how you can improve your technique and workout regimen to reduce and/or eliminate symptoms.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Consult your sports medicine doctor regarding your treatment options. Will they include medication, sports therapy, dietary changes, sports medicine massage, or something else entirely? Remember that treatment plans are more effective when they are comprehensive. More importantly, speak with a sports medicine doctor to ensure you are comfortable with the plan that is being considered for you.
How Can I Prevent Another Injury?
Patient education is important, especially if you’re suffering from a sports-related injury. A sports medicine doctor should not only treat existing conditions but also help their patients prevent future injuries.
Do I Need to Stop All Physical Activities if I’m Injured?
Depending on the extent of your injury, your daily routine may be affected. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor how much physical activity is workable for you. If you’re active, stepping away may be a difficult change. Doctors can recommend sports therapy exercises that can be done at home to help you ease into a more sedentary lifestyle while you heal.
How Soon Can I See Results From Treatment?
Don’t be shy about asking your sports medicine doctor for a timeline of your recovery, as this will help you understand the nature of your injury and treatment plan. For those itching to play their favorite sport again, with this information, you’ll be able to calculate how soon you can get back in the game safely.
Trusted Regenerative Sports Medicine in Dallas, TX
Whether you are a professional athlete or a sports-loving individual, you deserve the best sports medicine plan. Here at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we’re dedicated to helping you get back in the game as soon as possible. Between our team of athlete specialists, we have a great understanding of the demands brought about by sports.
Ready to get back in the game? Call us today at (972) 503-7272 or use our easy appointment request form.
