Many people injure themselves or experience pain as a result of sports, exercise, or other physical activity. Sports may cause symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as knee, elbow, and other joint disorders. Seeing a sports medicine professional is the best course of action for many of these symptoms. People seeking this type of specialist may be seeking relief from pain or repetitive motion problems. Let's look at what sports medicine specialists do and how they might benefit patients.

What Do Sports Medicine Specialists Do?

Sports injury specialists may treat many patients, from professional athletes to everyday people who injure themselves at the gym. They may also treat persons who have injured themselves at work or have been in an accident. Some sports medicine physicians work with school or professional sports teams. They may be part of a team that includes primary care physicians, nutritionists, and other specialists. Here are some of the most common jobs completed by sports medicine specialists.

Examinations

The first step is to diagnose the problem. This can include:

  • Asking the patient to describe their symptoms;
  • Examine for swelling, bruising, or soreness;
  • Checking joint and limb ranges of motion. Stiffness or restricted movement is a typical symptom of sports injuries;
  • X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds may be utilized to diagnose breakages or tissue damage.

Designing Rehabilitation Strategies

When someone sustains an accident or develops a chronic disease, he or she requires a rehabilitation program to aid in healing and avoid future damage.

  • Certain exercises can help people recuperate. People are instructed to do precise motions while avoiding exercises that may cause additional injury. A physical therapist or athletic trainer may also be contacted;
  • Nutritional guidance - proper diet is a component of the rehabilitation process. Sports medicine doctors may propose a specific diet in conjunction with appropriate supplements. They may also consult dietitians;
  • Medications are prescribed. Medication may be recommended for a variety of purposes, including pain alleviation. Medication can also be given by therapeutic injections.

Conditions That Sports Medicine Specialists Address

Sports medicine doctors manage a wide range of problems. These types of doctors frequently handle the following issues.

Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries suffered by athletes as well as ordinary people who exercise or play sports. Muscles may be strained as a result of overuse or improper movement. A strain, often known as a pulled muscle, is the ripping or overstretching of a muscle or tendon. A sprain occurs when ligaments, such as the ankle, are torn or stretched beyond their limits. Sprains and strains may be treated with the following:

  • Advice on self-care techniques such as rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation;
  • Use crutches, bandages, ankle support braces, or other appropriate devices or aids;
  • Your doctor may propose specific therapeutic exercises. A physical therapist may be recommended to aid you in severe circumstances;
  • If the ligaments do not mend adequately, surgery may be necessary.

Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

Athletic activities frequently cause back, neck, and/or shoulder pain. These injuries can cause anything from minor discomfort to extreme pain. Sports medicine experts may offer a range of treatments for these issues. After detecting the disease, doctors may suggest a number of therapies.

Overuse Injury and Tendonitis

Athletes and persons who participate in various sports regularly are frequently injured due to overuse of specific body parts. Tennis elbow, for example, is common among persons who participate in racket sports such as tennis. Other instances include baseball pitchers damaging their elbows, swimmers with shoulder problems, and joggers or runners with knee ailments. These types of injuries are commonly classified as tendonitis since they involve inflammation of tendons such as the elbows and knees.

Head Injuries

Concussions and other brain injuries occur as a result of an impact, such as being struck by a ball, colliding with another player, or falling to the ground. Athletes who participate in contact sports like football, basketball, rugby, and hockey, as well as combat sports like boxing, wrestling, and martial arts, are more likely to sustain brain injuries. People who have concussions must be carefully checked because the degree of the injury is not always clear.

While emergency medical technicians (EMTs) may initially treat concussions, sports medicine specialists frequently monitor patients' progress and advise them on a rehabilitation plan. Other specialists, including neurologists and radiologists, may be contacted.