Perhaps the only thing more frustrating than sustaining a sports-related injury is trying to figure out what type of doctor to see.
Evidence has shown that choosing the right physician is often one of the most difficult parts of dealing with any injury. Do you need to see a sports medicine specialist for every sports injury ache or pain?
Sports medicine focuses on helping people improve their overall health, athletic performance, and rehabilitate and recover from injury and help to prevent future ones. Sprains and strains, fractures, dislocations, and concussions are a few of the more common sports-related injuries treated.
These physician specialists are experts in the science of kinesiology, or how the body moves. Orthopedic surgeons have additional fellowship training in sports medicine and focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal conditions. The goal of a sports medicine doctor is to help you get active or stay active, particularly if you’ve been sidelined by injury. Sports medicine physicians commonly work with other team members, such as physical therapists.
Where to Start Your Search
Athletes and active people often prefer seeing a provider who has experience treating athletes. The best way to find these specialists is to ask for references from other athletes; local sports teams or clubs; and health care organizations should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Once you have some recommendations, you will want to check their qualifications.
At Florida Sports Medicine & Orthopedics, we have a team of physicians that are specially trained in the field of sports medicine. Dr. James Talkington and his team work with patients to develop individualized care plans to help them return to normal activities as quickly as possible.
What a Sports Medicine Doctor Can Help You With
Still a bit unsure? If anything below applies to you, it is time to see a sports medicine specialist.
- Acute Injury: After sustaining a sudden injury, a sports medicine doctor can help determine exactly what is injured and what treatment options will be best for your situation. Acute injuries include sprains and strains.
- Chronic Injury: Long-lasting injuries, areas of discomfort, and chronic pain may improve with appropriate rehabilitation efforts. Medication will only temporarily relieve pain. Sports medicine specialists can identify and correct the abnormalities that hinder your overall performance.
- Injury Prevention: By helping you understand why you were injured, and not just what you injured, a sports medicine doctor can help administer the appropriate form of treatment and lessen your chance of re-injury.
- Performance Enhancement: Whether you are just wanting to stay active or want to increase your ability and enhance your overall performance, a sports medicine physician can connect you to a team of professionals such as physical therapists and other specialists to help you do so.
Playing sports or being active can often result in aches and pains or an injury that needs to be seen by a doctor or a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To learn more about why you should see a sports medicine specialist, call Florida Sports Medicine & Orthopedics at (850) 763-0346 to request an appointment or request one online.
