Sports medicine doctors are experts in managing and preventing injuries from training and sporting events. They work with other healthcare workers and sports professionals to help patients regain their strength and return to their lives.
They are dedicated to serving sports teams and professional athletes, but they also help everyone else with active lifestyles.
Are you intrigued by their role? Here are the primary duties you can expect from a sports medicine doctor:
Diagnosing And Analyzing Test Results
Sports medicine doctors may also be experts in family medicine, ambulatory care, pediatrics, or internal medicine. They can recommend diagnostic scans, lab tests, and imaging methods when trying to diagnose a condition or injury.
Whether it’s an X-ray for an ankle sprain or an MRI for a ligament tear, they know exactly which diagnostic tests to employ and how to interpret the results. They recommend these tests before proposing treatment plans to ensure the patient is treated effectively in the first go.
They may also perform evaluations. Doctors can render a thorough physical exam on an injured patient to look for signs of inflammation, swelling, or dislocations.
They may also run basic tests to check your capacity on specific fitness components or assess your overall fitness level.
Overseeing Patient Recovery
An appointment with a sports medicine doctor can be helpful if you have an injury. Sports medicine doctors often oversee the recovery and rehabilitation of patients until they reach their desired performance level.
Your doctor may recommend strengthening exercises to improve muscle strength. They may also advise you on proper stretching techniques before training and a guided cooldown regimen afterward.
Your sports medicine physician may refer you to a physical therapist to help you recover efficiently and effectively.
Prescribing Medications And Treatments
According to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), approximately 90% of sports injuries require non-surgical interventions. This statistic highlights the role of sports medicine doctors as specialists in non-surgical treatment.
These treatments for mild sports injuries and discomfort may include:
- The Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation (RICE) method
- Splints, braces, and other accessories
- The type of massage appropriate for your pain
- Heat and cold therapies
- Electric stimulation
- Sound wave stimulation
- Range-of-motion exercises
They may also prescribe drugs to reduce pain and inflammation if it is necessary for a patient. If non-surgical treatments don’t work for you, your doctor may recommend surgery. Some sports medicine doctors perform the surgery themselves, while others will refer you to a surgeon if this step is necessary.
Communicating With Other Health and Sports Staff
Sports medicine doctors can refer patients to other healthcare workers for more comprehensive treatment. These professionals may include physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and other physicians. They may also coordinate with key sports personnel, coaches, certified athletic trainers, and nutritionists.
Sports medicine doctors play another crucial role. They decide whether a recovered athlete can return to playing sports. They will be your advocate when it comes to recovery, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and overall health.
You may consult them even if you are a non-athlete or weekend warrior who wants to be active. They can also help you begin a new journey toward achieving optimal health.
Educating Patients And Promoting Health
Sports medicine doctors have vital roles in preventing injuries and illnesses from developing. They are dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and good training practices.
They can provide:
- Sports-specific conditioning exercises
- Tips for correct posture while training
- Lifestyle-appropriate exercise routines
- Advice on nutritional requirements and meal plans
- Advice on training safe, especially when using risky gym equipment
- Recommendations for supplementation and hydration
Sports medicine doctors are excellent sources of medical advice for old-time exercise enthusiasts and beginners in a training program.
Sports Medicine Doctor In San Antonio, TX
Sports medicine doctors can diagnose your condition, oversee your recovery, prescribe treatment, and coordinate your care with other professionals. They can also help you with patient education and health promotion.
You don’t have to look far if you need an outstanding sports medicine doctor in San Antonio, TX. The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine providers are dedicated, experienced, and highly trained. Fueled by compassionate orthopedic care and assisted by cutting-edge diagnostic technology, we serve all athletes and non-athletes in their recovery journey.
You can schedule a consultation using our online request form to learn about our sports medicine services. You may also call our friendly staff at (210) 692-7400. We look forward to serving you!
