Society values cognitive/academic, emotional/social, or athletic/physical performance. Performance-enhancing substances (PESs) are commonplace in many sports, tarnishing the spirit of competition. A sports medicine doctor is specially trained to care for fitness professionals, athletes, and people who enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Their expertise in musculoskeletal health and injury prevention can boost your game.
Personalized Care
Athletes and non-athletes can benefit from a sports medicine doctor’s specialized services. They can help them optimize their exercise routines and develop nutritional plans to achieve the results they are looking for without injuring themselves along the way. For instance, an All Pro Sports Medicine Doctor is a great resource for those who want to increase the intensity of their workouts. They can recommend proper warm-up and cool-down exercises that allow individuals to push themselves harder without putting themselves at risk of injury.
Additionally, a sports medicine physician can assist with pain management. They can recommend a variety of different pain medications and provide tips on how to manage the discomfort associated with musculoskeletal injuries. This includes learning how to use hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation. Ultimately, this helps patients heal faster and get back to the fitness goals they have set for themselves.
Injury Care
Injuries are a part of any sport and can range from sudden injuries like spraining an ankle or fractured bone to chronic ones from overuse, such as tendonitis. A sports medicine doctor will evaluate the injury and work with physical therapists to develop an appropriate treatment plan. They can also help the injured athlete stay active to maintain fitness and reduce pain. Often, the best way to enhance performance is by strengthening the muscles of the area being worked out. That strength will allow the athlete to move more quickly and efficiently and avoid unnecessary stresses that can lead to injury. For example, young athletes who train to strengthen their legs will be able to cut better and get to the ball faster than kids who don’t do this type of training. Adding muscle power will enable them to put more force into the ground, jump higher and be explosive.
Rehabilitation
A sports medicine doctor can help you improve your skills and optimize your athletic performance. They will work with you to strengthen weak muscle groups to reduce overuse and prevent injury. They will also help you build a comprehensive workout routine to enhance your physical ability without risking injury. The goal is to get you back on the field quickly and safely. The rehabilitation process begins with controlling pain and swelling (if present). Ice, compression and elevation are the most common methods. Once the pain and swelling are controlled, therapeutic exercise is initiated. This helps regain strength, endurance and flexibility. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from a sports medicine specialist. Many “weekend warriors” see sports medicine doctors for injury prevention, recovery, and even learning to stay active throughout life. They can also offer the most advanced treatments, including cell-based therapies and orthobiologics, that speed up recovery and won’t limit mobility once you heal.
