If you are hurt while training or playing a sport, you may be advised to seek a sports medicine doctor. These specialists are focused on preventing and treating sports-related injuries with physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and other solutions. The guide below explains everything you should know about sports medicine.

What Is Sports Medicine?

A sports medicine health care provider is a doctor with special training in diagnosing and treating injuries caused by sports, exercise, and other physical activities. They handle both chronic and acute problems. They can help you get back to your routine as soon as possible, while showing you how to care for your injury and ensuring you recover successfully. 

Common treatments include physical therapy for rehabilitation, clinical treatment, pain management, and surgery. You will learn safe exercises for recovery based on your health and the nature of your injury. As you heal, your sports medicine specialist will determine when it will be safe to return to your normal physical activity.

In terms of prevention, they will help you exercise in the safest and most efficient manner to achieve optimal performance. They can give advice on supplements, nutrition, workout routines, and injury prevention. While they often work with professional athletes, they also aim to prevent injuries in children and teens in sports, adults exercising for personal health, and people with physically demanding jobs—such as nurses and firefighters.

When Would You Need a Sports Medicine Specialist?

Although a broken bone is a common reason to see a sports medicine doctor, there are many types of injuries you could get while participating in sports or physical activities. Here are a few injuries that would warrant a visit with a specialist:

• Tendinitis
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Knee, ankle, foot, and shoulder injuries
• Cartilage injuries
• Hand and wrist injuries
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Eating disorders
• Heat illness

When you need a sports medicine specialist, turn to Orthopedic Associates of SW Ohio for professional care. Located in Dayton, OH, these experienced orthopedic physicians aim to provide the diagnostics and treatment necessary to get you back to your everyday routine. They offer a full range of treatments to meet your unique needs, including chronic pain management, physical therapy, and orthopedic surgery. Visit their website for more information about sports medicine services. To schedule an appointment, call (937) 428-0400.