SPORTS MEDICINE
WHAT IS SPORTS MEDICINE?
Sports medicine specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to participating in sports and/or exercise, specifically the rotation or deformation of joints or muscles caused by engaging in such physical activities. The sports medicine “team” includes orthopedic physicians and surgeons, athletic trainers or coaches, physical therapists, as well as the athlete himself/herself. Because of the competitive nature of sports, a primary focus of sports medicine is the rapid recovery of patients, which drives many innovations in the field.
WHAT IS SPORTS MEDICINE LIKE?
A sports injury is a common problem for all types of athletes. Orthopedic surgeons and physicians specialize in the treatment of athletes and active people. A sports injury is a setback for any athlete, but with treatment and rehab, you will be back in action soon. Treatment options depend on the severity and location of the injury. The most common sports injury treatment includes braces and supports that can help compensate for an injured joint and support weak muscles. Another common treatment is rehabilitation or physical therapy that in some situations can be used as the primary treatment and in others is used as an adjunct to another treatment such as surgery. Medications and injections are frequently used to treat sports injury. The most commonly used injection is intra-articular corticosteroids, a medication that is easily given with few side effects. Surgery is used for treatment of many sports related orthopedic problems. In some cases, inpatient /outpatient surgery is recommended as initial treatment, but most often surgery is used when other treatments fail to relieve symptoms.