The term sports doctor sounds like a physician who works exclusively through sports clinics or is dedicated to serving professional and collegiate athletes. Although this medical field was initially developed for that purpose, sports medicine physicians today also serve fitness buffs, active retirees, and beyond.
Sports medicine physicians can work with any individual who is looking to improve their physical fitness and overall well-being, including children who participate in sports, weekend warriors, and people who participate in amateur sports leagues. Let’s talk about how these specialized doctors can help patients of all kinds.
What Can Sports Medicine Physicians Do for Patients?
Sports doctors have a breadth of skills and knowledge from various disciplines including orthopedic surgery, primary care, rheumatology, rehabilitation, cardiology, neurology, emergency medicine, and more. They can:
Treat Exercise-Related Injuries
Sports medicine physicians have specialized knowledge of the bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and tissues that make up the entire musculoskeletal system. They also have experience treating sports-related injuries that go beyond orthopedics, such as concussions.
This knowledge puts them in an ideal position to quickly and efficiently diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries from head to toe, such as:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Meniscus tear
- Ankle sprain
Depending on your injury, a sports medicine physician can prescribe pain medications, recommend physiotherapy, provide pain-relief injections, and prescribe custom orthotics.
Develop a Personalized Treatment Plan
Some serious sports injuries may require surgery to repair the damage. If you do need surgery, your sports doctor will work with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist to craft a comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation plan.
Improve the Patient’s Overall Fitness
Given their in-depth understanding of the human body, a sports medicine physician can also advise patients on optimizing their own physical performance. They may recommend specific exercises and give nutritional advice. They can also refer you to medical specialists and experts who can help you hone in on improving certain areas of your fitness level and strength.
Sports Medicine Physicians in Watertown, NY
Sports medicine is no longer the domain of elite athletes. Physical activity is an essential component of everyone’s well-being, and sports medicine physicians are here to help you achieve your fitness goals.
If you would like to know how to safely get stronger and faster to excel in your sport or exercise of choice, visit the experts at North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown. Our practice has been providing quality, patient-centered medical care to our neighbors in northern New York since 1959.
If you suffer a sports-related injury, our orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists are committed to guiding you through every step of the way, helping you to recover as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (315) 782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you live an active, healthy life!
