Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries sustained during athletic activity. It also includes the prevention of such injuries through the use of protective equipment and safety measures.
Sports medicine doctors are often involved in the care of professional athletes. They also work with amateur athletes who compete in recreational or competitive sports, and weekend warriors, who exercise or play sports in their spare time.
Here, we have an overview of sports medicine, including what conditions are treated by the doctors and what is involved in a typical program.
Sports Medicine Conditions
The most common conditions that sports medicine doctors treat include Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprain, muscle strains, groin pull, hamstring strain, knee injuries (ACL tear, meniscus tear, patellar tendinitis), shin splints, rotator cuff tears, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and fractures.
Sports orthopedists use a variety of techniques to diagnose injuries, including X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. They also perform physical examinations and may order blood tests or other diagnostic studies. Once an injury has been diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed with the patient.
Sports doctors use a wide range of treatments for sports injuries, including:
- The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Heat therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical stimulation therapy
- Dry needling
- Massage therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Chiropractic medicine
- PRP therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Prolozone therapy
- IV nutrient therapy
A comprehensive treatment program for injured patients includes various services by different specialists, such as chiropractors and physical therapists. An orthopedist can determine which of these a patient needs based on their specific situation.
In addition to treating injuries, sports medicine physicians focus on preventing them through the use of techniques such as strength training and conditioning programs, injury-prevention strategies such as proper warm-ups and cool-downs, and the use of protective equipment such as braces or tape and orthotic devices.
The importance of sports medicine cannot be understated. Sports medicine doctors are a vital part of keeping athletes healthy and able to perform at their best. They work with them to prevent injuries through education, proper rehabilitation, and conditioning programs. Anyone with a physically active lifestyle, athlete or not, can greatly benefit from the services of a sports medicine doctor.
Top Sports Medicine Doctors in Dallas, TX
Injuries are a common occurrence in exercise and athletics, but they don’t have to sideline you for good. With the help of a highly experienced sports medicine physician in Dallas, injured athletes can return to their sport and compete at a high level once again.
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we can help you pursue your passion for competition by providing you with the latest treatments that boost your body’s healing process. We are a team of specialists entirely focused on helping injured athletes and weekend warriors rehabilitate and return to their sport, better than ever. We are proud to offer many advanced treatments that other sports medicine clinics do not offer.
To find out more about our services or to schedule a consultation with one of our sports medicine doctors, call our office today at (972) 503-7272 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
