All You Need To Know About Sports Medicine

You may not consider yourself an athlete if you do not participate in a pro sport. However, sports medicine is more than only managing injuries on the field. Sports medicine is about enhancing performance, diagnosing and managing injuries, and creating a lasting relationship with your body while pushing the boundaries of what your body can do. The sports medicine experts at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine in Glen Rock, New Jersey, offer prompt and comprehensive care. Their services improve your strength, skill, and functionality regardless of your athletic abilities. Schedule a consultation with a Glen Rock sports medicine specialist by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What Exactly Is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine focuses on preventing and treating injuries caused by sports and physical activity. At the Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine practice in NJ, the specialists treat conditions and injuries to the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

In addition, the experts offer extensive primary care that is tailored to the unique needs of every patient. Some of the benefits of consulting a sports medicine practitioner are that they:

•         Address sports-related injuries
•         Reduce or prevent the risk of injury
•         Help you enhance your athletic performance
•         Boost your general wellness and health

What Conditions And Injuries Does Sports Medicine Help With?

Sports medicine covers an array of injuries that affect a large portion of your body, including:

•         MCL tears
•         ACL tears
•         Rotator cuff tears
•         Tendonitis
•         Bursitis
•         Elbow strains
•         Torn meniscus
•         Tennis or golfer’s elbow
•         Plantar fasciitis
•         Hip flexor strains
•         Achilles tendonitis
•         Ankle sprains
•         Snapping hips
•         Labral tears

 

When Should You Seek Professional Care From A Sports Medicine Specialist?

If you sustain a serious injury while exercising or engaging in sporting activities, you should go to an emergency room or a sports medicine professional right away. Serious pain, numbness, inflammation, and the inability to exert any weight on the afflicted region are signs of a significant injury. If neither symptom appears, you can first consult your primary care practitioner before getting a referral to a sports medicine expert.

During your initial consultation, your doctor at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine starts by performing a comprehensive physical exam. He discusses your symptoms and inquiries regarding when your injury started. If necessary, additional tests such as nerve testing, digital x-rays, and a dynamic musculoskeletal ultrasound will help ensure an accurate diagnosis. 

The majority of sports injuries do not necessitate surgery. Taking pain medicines, applying ice to the affected region, and immobilizing it with a sling or cast are all options for treating a sports injury. Other services provided by the sports medicine specialists at Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine include acupuncture, joint injections, interventional spine treatments, massage therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and stem cell injections.

Active athletes, whether weekend warriors, amateurs, or professionals, raise their risk of injury simply by participating in sports. However, a sports injury does not have to change your life forever. With sports medicine, you can care for your injuries, restore your performance, and prevent future injuries. Call Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine or schedule a consultation online to explore your care options.