While sports medicine doctors obviously have the word “sports” in their title, the reality is that they treat more than just athletes. Sports medicine treatment is often suitable for people who are not athletes at all, but who may have been injured during some kind of similar activity, where a sports medicine doctor can help.
At The Orthopaedic Center, our sports medicine doctors are here to provide the best sports medicine treatment for a variety of patient needs around Tulsa and Jenks, from pro and high-level athletes to many non-athletes who sustain activity injuries. Here are some of the reasons why sports medicine treatment is not just limited to competitive athletes, plus some common non-athlete activity injuries, and how a sports medicine doctor can assist.
Why Sports Medicine is Not Limited to Competitive Athletes
It’s important to understand that sports medicine is not just for professional or high-level athletes. In fact, anyone who participates in physical activity can benefit from the expertise of a sports medicine doctor. This includes recreational athletes, weekend warriors, and even individuals who are physically active in their daily lives.
Sports medicine doctors have a deep understanding of how the body moves and functions during physical activity. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries that can occur from both competitive and non-competitive activities. By working with a sports medicine specialist, individuals can receive comprehensive care that focuses on preventing future injuries while also promoting optimal healing.
Common Non-Athlete Activity Injuries
Here are some examples of non-athlete activity injuries which sports medicine treatment can often be effective:
- Weekend activity injuries: Things like a pulled muscle from doing yard work or falling off a ladder can be treated with sports medicine techniques.
- Overuse injuries: Repetitive motions like typing or using hand-held devices can lead to overuse injuries, and sports medicine specialists are well-equipped to treat them.
- Workplace injuries: From sitting at a desk all day to performing physically demanding tasks on the job, workplace injuries can benefit from sports medicine treatment.
Diagnostic Process and Treatment Plans
If you’ve sustained an activity injury and are thinking about a sports medicine doctor to treat it, there are a few things you can expect during your visit.
- Physical examination: Your sports medicine doctor will begin by performing a thorough physical exam to assess the affected area and identify any potential underlying issues.
- Medical history review: Your doctor will also review your medical history to understand any past injuries or underlying conditions that may affect your treatment plan.
- Imaging tests: Depending on the injury, your doctor may order X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging tests to get a better look at the affected area and confirm a diagnosis.
- Functional assessment: To understand how your injury is affecting your daily activities, your doctor may have you perform certain movements.
- Treatment plan: Based on the results of your physical exam, medical history review, and imaging tests, your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. This may include a combination of therapies such as medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Follow-up appointments: It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatment and Rehab
For the vast majority of non-sports activity injuries, a sports medicine doctor will likely recommend non-surgical treatment and rehab. This can include a variety of options such as medication, physical therapy, and home exercise programs.
- Medication: Depending on the type and severity of your injury, your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage pain or reduce inflammation. These can range from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription medications.
- Physical therapy: A sports medicine doctor will often work closely with a physical therapist to design a personalized rehabilitation program for their patients. This may include exercises and techniques to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Home exercise programs: Your doctor may also recommend specific exercises or stretches that you can do at home in addition to your physical therapy sessions. These can help speed up your recovery and prevent future injuries.
- Bracing: In some cases, a sports medicine doctor may recommend the use of braces or supports to provide extra stability and protection for an injured joint or muscle.
Only in the most severe cases, when other treatment methods have been exhausted, or the injury is especially severe (such as a torn ligament), will your sports medicine doctor recommend surgery.
As you can see, sports medicine doctors can treat non-athlete activity injuries for a number of different patient needs. At The Orthopaedic Center, our sports medicine staff is here to help with these and a variety of other issues for patients around Tulsa and Jenks – contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!