Do you play sports or do other fun physical activities? It might help you to see a sports medicine doctor. Sports medicine doctors are highly trained professionals specializing in helping athletes and active people maintain their physical health. They understand the unique physical needs of people who do a lot of physical activities.
What Is Sports Medicine?
Sports medicine and orthopedics sound similar for a good reason. There is some overlap, but they have some differences. Sports medicine addresses concerns about the musculoskeletal system in athletes and active individuals, but it’s not limited to that. Sports medicine covers a broad range of things, such as:
- Nutrition
- Musculoskeletal concerns
- Non-surgical orthopedic treatments
- Non-orthopedic injuries resulting from physical activity
- Training plans
Orthopedics is a field focusing on any person’s musculoskeletal health, regardless of their lifestyle. Sports medicine takes a broader and more holistic approach to athletes’ physical performance and health.
Why Should I See A Sports Medicine Doctor?
The primary goal of a sports medicine doctor is to help patients reach their peak level of performance through individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs. Sports medicine might sound like something only elite athletes can get. However, this is not the case.
Anyone can see a sports medicine doctor for a variety of reasons. That means all patients, from weekend warriors to professional athletes, can benefit from the help of these healthcare providers.
Sports Injuries
It’s not unusual to have a sports medicine doctor on hand at any physical activity or training session. There are many injuries someone at a sporting event can incur, which a sports medicine doctor can treat right away.
Some sports injuries that a sports medicine doctor can treat include:
- Concussions
- Bone fractures
- Rotator cuff repairs
- Tennis elbow
- Cartilage injuries
- Sprains and strains
A sports medicine doctor can also help prevent injuries. The ways a sports medicine doctor prevents injuries will typically involve educating their patients on various things, such as:
- Effective stretching
- Warm-up exercises
- Biomechanics
- Proper rest
They can also help people suffering from injuries or chronic pain caused by repetitive movements. Many physical activities and sports involve doing one action repeatedly or focusing on a specific body part. Some examples include:
- Running
- Dancing
- Tennis
- Golf
Using one body part over and over can injure it. A sports medicine doctor might provide relief using treatments like physical therapy, customized orthotics, or a unique training plan to help mitigate injuries.
We understand that athletes and active people usually want to return to their favorite sport or activity as soon as possible. A sports medicine doctor can help speed up recovery.
Better Performance
You don’t need an immediate problem or injury to see a sports medicine doctor. Their knowledge also covers ways to improve a person’s physical performance in their sport or chosen physical activity.
For example, they might correct elements of your form to improve your movements. They might also provide ways to improve your speed and strength.
Improved Nutrition
Nutrition is a critical part of improving someone’s health. Someone who performs physical activity regularly might need different or additional nutrition for various reasons, such as:
- Maximize their performance
- Recover from training or events more quickly
- Improve strength and increase gains from exercise
Having proper nutrition is a significant part of athletics. A sports medicine doctor can provide a patient with a diet plan tailored to their specific needs and activity.
Unique Training Plans
Some people might have a particular performance goal that they want to reach. This can include running in marathons, lifting an exceptionally heavyweight, achieving a personal best or record, or competing in a sports event.
A sports medicine doctor can create training plans to help people improve their performance and meet their goals. These programs consider the patient’s current overall condition, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences.
Sports Medicine Doctor In Dover, NJ
Sport medicine doctors perform a broad range of health services for people who want to be physically active. These health services can include treating and preventing injuries, maximizing a person’s performance, improving nutrition, and training for specific goals or events. If you want to be healthier, seeing a sports medicine doctor can benefit you.
If you’re in West Jersey and think a sports medicine doctor can help you, visit the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. Our doctors are board-certified and fellowship-trained, with extensive experience in sports medicine and orthopedics. They can help handle your sports medicine concerns with advanced, up-to-date techniques and methods to ensure success.
Contact us at (973) 989-0888, or secure an appointment through our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you stay active, happy, and healthy!
