Established in Germany in the early 20th century, sports medicine started out as a scientific investigation of physical exercises and sports. It eventually evolved into a multifaceted field, and in the 1970s, was approved and recognized as a subspecialty by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries affecting people of nearly all ages who engage in any type of physical activity.
Little league players, elite and amateur college athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, seniors who refuse to give in to old age, and anyone who desires to maintain an active lifestyle all potentially benefit from sports medicine.
If you happen to belong to any of these categories, here are three important things about sports medicine that will give you a much better insight into this fast-growing healthcare field and how you could benefit from it.
Injury Management Is the Most Crucial Aspect of Sports Medicine
Injuries have the power to shatter the career or livelihood of athletes and workers. Sports medicine physicians undergo extensive training in injury management, and with their expertise, their patients can have a good chance for recovery, no matter the type of injury they sustained.
The primary focus of a sports medicine physician is on utilizing conservative interventions to address injuries. They typically recommend medications, physical therapy, cortisone shots, hyaluronic shots, and other nonsurgical treatment modalities to help their patients safely and successfully return to their pre-injury health status. If, however, symptoms continue unabated despite an extensive course of conservative treatment and surgery is a likely recourse, a sports medicine physician can either give a referral or perform the procedure themself.
There are sports medicine physicians who have specialized training in arthroscopy. This is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves the doctor creating a tiny incision through which they will insert a thin, flexible, fiber-optic camera to view the inside of a joint, examine it for problems, and carry out the treatment right within the same procedure. An arthroscopy can be used for treating a wide variety of injuries, including ligament tears, dislocations, meniscus tears, and rotator cuff injuries.
Sports Medicine Isn’t Just About Treating Injuries
Beyond providing comprehensive care for the full spectrum of injuries affecting physically active people, sports medicine physicians help their patients improve their athletic performance, reduce their risk for injuries, improve their overall health, and foster an active lifestyle throughout their lives.
Sports medicine physicians work closely with their patients to teach them proper biomechanics, energy conservation techniques, and strategies on how to strengthen specific areas of the body to minimize their risk of getting injured.
Sports medicine physicians also conduct preparticipation physicals, which are crucial for ensuring athletes have the full functional capacity to safely return to their sports routines.
Sports Medicine Holds an Important Role in Chronic Disease Prevention
In sports medicine, physical activity is the cornerstone of the prevention of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes and hypertension). To help patients become fully cognizant of such an important role physical activity plays in chronic disease prevention, sports medicine physicians provide comprehensive education, thoroughly assess their patients’ exercise habits, and make appropriate recommendations based on their lifestyle, overall health, and other important factors.
Sports Medicine Physician in San Antonio, TX
At Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our highly credentialed sports medicine physicians are committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive care for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyone in between— helping them stay ahead of their game and live a healthy and active life.
To see one of our sports medicine physicians, call our friendly staff at (210) 692-7400. You may also request an appointment online, and we will contact you promptly to schedule your visit.
