Sports injuries are very common among athletes and weekend warriors. If you like to remain active and maintain your athletic performance, consulting a sports medicine doctor is the best choice.
Let’s explore the different techniques a sports medicine doctor can employ to assist you in recovery from a sports injury and where you can go for sports injury treatment in Central Maryland.
Making an Accurate Diagnosis
Sports medicine doctors are trained to evaluate and diagnose various types of sports injuries quickly and efficiently, so the injured patient can start their recovery. Your sports medicine doctor may use a series of exams and tests, including diagnostic imaging, to accurately assess the extent and nature of the injury.
Prescribing Comprehensive Treatment
Sports medicine doctors use non-surgical treatments for sports injuries as much as possible because most can be resolved without surgery. Some non-surgical treatment options include medications, bracing or splinting, physical therapy, and rehabilitation programs.
Medications help control pain and inflammation, and the use of braces, splints, or orthotic devices can help stabilize injured joints and provide support during the healing process, which can help immensely with the recovery of an injured athlete. Furthermore, sports medicine doctors work closely with physical therapists, whose sessions may include manual therapies, therapeutic exercises, and modalities such as heat or ice therapy. Sports doctors are also experts in creating rehabilitation programs to restore the strength, flexibility, and mobility of an athlete.
Injury Prevention
Preventing future injuries is a crucial aspect of sports medicine treatment. Sports medicine doctors play an active role in educating athletes about injury prevention techniques, such as proper warm-up and cool-down routines, appropriate equipment usage, and biomechanical analysis to identify potential areas of weakness or imbalance. They aim to reduce the risk of recurrent injuries and optimize athletic performance by addressing these factors.
Support and Rehabilitation
Sports injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete’s mental well-being. Sports medicine doctors recognize the psychological toll associated with injuries and work with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive support, help athletes cope with emotional challenges, maintain motivation during recovery, and develop strategies to overcome any psychological barriers that may hinder continued progress.
Return-to-Sport Guidance
One of the primary goals of sports medicine doctors is to guide athletes through a safe and timely return to their sport. They carefully monitor the healing process, assess functional abilities, and determine the appropriate timing for a return to their sport. This may involve ongoing communication and collaboration with the athlete, their coaches, and other healthcare team members to ensure a successful transition back to the game.
Sports Medicine Doctors in Central Maryland
The Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM) offers only the best services for treating sports injuries.
Our team of board-certified orthopedic physicians has treated numerous sports injuries in athletes and active individuals alike. We are proud to offer corrective surgery, pain management treatments, and physical therapy to heal your sports injury as fast and safely as possible. For instance, we offer after-hours orthopedic care in our Catonsville and Columbia locations, Mondays through Fridays until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays until 12 p.m. You can call ahead at (443) 524-2577 to let us know you need urgent treatment for an acute injury.
To learn more about our comprehensive services or to schedule a consultation with one of our sports medicine specialists, fill out our online appointment request form or call our friendly staff today at (410) 644-1880.
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