Thursday, August 16, 2012

Sports Medicine - A Look at the Role of a Specialist


If you have wondered what exactly a sports medicine specialist is and why you should see them, it is time for you to learn how important that doctor is to your health. This professional is a person that diagnoses and provides treatment for injuries that trouble the musculoskeletal system. This means that injuries where the knees, arms, joints, back, bones, and muscles are hurt need special attention to make sure that they heal properly. These injuries can be sustained a variety of ways, including everyday activities to exercising and even playing sports. In addition to receiving treatment from this professional, you will also be instructed on how to prevent and reduce your risk for future injuries.
Even though the majority of patients a sports medicine doctor will see may be athletes, they will also have some patients that are regular people. These injuries happen very often to people of all ages and in some cases require immediate treatment. Upon arriving at the specialist for treatment, your doctor may run some tests and further evaluate your condition so they can get a clear picture of what has happened and what is going on with your body. Depending on how severe your condition is, you may need to have therapy or surgery to resolve the issues that you are having.
Even if you are not an athlete, you can still benefit from seeing a sports medicine doctor. They will not turn you away especially if you were hurt doing some sports related activity. It doesn't matter if you have a strain, sprain, dislocation, broken bone, or torn ACL, you will be treated so that you don't continue to experience any pain or discomfort during the course of your treatment. In many cases you will be given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory pain medication and prescribed some therapy to rehabilitate the affected joint. Rest may also be advised in the event of sprains, strains, and broken bones. In the event of a torn ligament, you may need surgery. Keep in mind that some injuries may require more testing in order for the doctor to determine what the best method of treatment should be. These tests can include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Keep in mind that a sports medicine specialist doesn't work alone. They work in cooperation with several other types of professionals that also play a significant role in how well you recover from your injuries. They work with physical therapists who can help you learn how to effectively use your body while recovering and encourage healing through special stretches and exercises. You can find sports medicine doctors in hospitals, both private and group practices.
If you need to see a specialist, check with your insurance company to find out which practitioners accept your insurance. If you don't have insurance, contact your personal doctor for a recommendation to see a specialist.

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