What is a Sports Medicine Doctor? A sports medicine doctor is a physician with extensive training in musculoskeletal medicine, including the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. How are They Different Than Orthopedic Surgeons? Although sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons both receive specialized training in musculoskeletal medicine, approximately 90% of sports injuries can be treated non-surgically through a variety of conservative treatment options. Sports medicine doctors can evaluate injuries and provide alternative treatments to surgeries—including prevention, rehabilitation and education and nutrition—when possible. When necessary, sports medicine doctors can help a patient transition into physical and occupational therapy programs or refer them to an orthopedic surgeon in cases in which surgery is deemed necessary. What Conditions Can Be Treated? Acute Injuries
Ankle sprains
Muscle strains
Knee and shoulder injuries
Fractures
Overuse Injuries
Injuries to the rotator cuff
Tendonitis
Stress fractures
What the Treatment Methods Used? Orthopedic diagnosis
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasonography
Traditional and alternative medications
Physical rehabilitation—from designing a personalized home exercise plan to prescribing formal Physical therapy
Precise image-guided (ultrasound) injections (cortisone, “gel” and PRP)
Minimally invasive tendon debridement (Tenex) for Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis, Plantar Fasciitis and more
Non-operative fracture care of hands, wrist, foot and ankle
Do They Only Treat Competitive Athletes? Sports medicine doctors can help avoid serious injuries and manage chronic injuries in everyone from elite athletes to independent seniors. Sports medicine doctors can be an educational resource for individuals looking to start a new exercise routine as well as those who want to take their fitness to the next level. Minor or occasional athletes who experience an injury can often benefit from the same treatment methodologies as competitive athletes, allowing them to return to their prior quality of life and fitness more quickly. What is a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections utilize your own blood platelets to accelerate healing of injured soft tissues injuries of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. By utilizing the amazing capabilities of your healing system, sports medicine physicians work to improve musculoskeletal issues. PRP injections are done under the guidance of ultrasound technology.
