It is undeniable that being physically active or playing sports does wonders for your body. However, they also increase your risk for sports injuries. Sports injuries are the acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) injuries that a person sustains during a physical activity, sport, or occupational task.
A sports medicine physician is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents sports injuries and helps individuals stay in the best of their shape and at the best of their performance. The right time to see a sports medicine physician varies from person to person and depends on their specific situations and needs.
Let’s discuss some common scenarios where it is recommended to seek the expertise of a sports medicine physician.
#1 You Have Sustained Sports Injury
Sports injuries can range from minor injuries like strains or sprains to major injuries like fractures, ligament tears, tendon tears, and more. If you have sustained an injury while playing sports, performing a physical activity, or doing physical training, it is best to seek the expertise of a sports medicine physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
A sports medicine doctor can diagnose acute and chronic sports injuries by taking your medical history, performing physical exams, and ordering diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and others. Based on the diagnosis of your injury, a sports medicine doctor can develop a treatment plan which may include a widerange of treatment options,from medications, physical therapy, and injections to surgical repair.
It is pertinent to mention here that a sports medicine doctor who is also an orthopedic doctor can perform surgical procedures.
#2 You Want to Prevent Injuries
Certain individuals are at higher risk for sustaining musculoskeletal system injuries compared to others. Such individuals should take proactive measures to reduce their likelihood of sustaining injuries.
Seeing a sports medicine physician is one of the best resources for seeking injury prevention. A sports medicine doctor can provide you with everything you need to prevent injuries, including education on the use of protective equipment, ways to implement safety protocols and policies, and guidance on proper conditioning and training techniques.
#3 You Want to Participate in a Sport
Before engaging in any new sport or physical activity, it is recommended to consult a sports medicine physician for pre-participation evaluation. Your sports medicine doctor can assess your overall health through screening tests,identify any potential risks for sustaining sports injuries, and determine your readiness to begin a new physical activity, sport, or exercise program.
#4 You Want to Enhance Your Athletic Performance
Is your athletic performance not up to par? Do you want to enhance your performance in the field? Seeing a sports medicine physician is the right choice. A sports medicine physician can use advanced technology and data to analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Based on your goals,current performance level, and your fitness, they can provide you with several strategies and techniques that can help improve your fitness level, stamina, and overall performance. They will also emphasize the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, rest, and recovery for your performance.
#5 You Are Recovering from an Injury
Seeing a sports medicine physician can also help you get back to your sports or training safely and quickly after an injury. Sports medicine physicians can help you recover from your injury by developing a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific injury, needs, and goals. They can also track your healing, assess functional improvements, and provide guidance to prevent future recurrence of injuries.
Sports Medicine Physician in North Dakota
Whether you are looking for pre-participate evaluation before taking in a new sport or want to increase your athletic performance and get back on your feet faster, our sports medicine physicians at The Bone & Joint Center in North Dakota have you covered. Our team of board-certified sports medicine physicians is committed to providing weekend warriors, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyone in between with top-notch sports medicine services so that they can stay on top of their game and physical activity.
To make a one-on-one consultation with one of our outstanding sports medicine physicians, call us today at (800) 424-2663 or use our online appointment request form.
