Athletics proves challenging on many levels. You're pushing your body to perform better, accepting new limits.
In addition, you're moving in ways that apply pressure, making twists and turns that ask your frame to do more than others. As a result, injuries are likely to happen. When they do, you can turn to sports medicine professionals for help.
This field concentrates on trained medical experts who understand the healing process, particularly related to sports and exercise.
What exactly happens in these meetings? How do they gain this specialty?
Here's a look behind the scenes at sports medicine.
They Tailor Their Studies
Sports medicine specialists have medical degrees with additional emphasis on sports-related injuries, spending time and energy to learn about how the body works during intense movement.
Doctors obtain a four-year degree, invest years in residency and spend time in general or emergency practice, donning their men and women scrub sets.
In addition, they go beyond the practice, fine-tuning their medical awareness to focus on the prevention and healing involved with sports injuries, earning a certificate within the field.
They Assess Your Injury
Professionals can have their own office; however, you may find many working closely with organizations and groups. Major league teams and college sports may even have them on the field for immediate assessment.
Whether you head to the office later or sit on the sidelines under a tent, the sports medicine doctor begins work by evaluating what you did and how you did it.
Head to the office for assessment. The doctor uses observation to consider possible problems and then orders appropriate tests to verify the concern.
You may have images or scans taken to evaluate the muscles and bones within the impacted area.
They Coordinate Your Recovery
Sports medicine goes beyond healing the painful limb. Specialists discuss therapies and interventions to minimize future injuries and get you back to exercising regularly.
They may coordinate with other professionals, such as occupational or physical therapists, prescribing a regimen that supports the body's healing processes and focuses on regaining movement.
Some athletes can't wait long to return to the field or court. Long pauses or sitting out doesn't work. Therefore, expect the sports medicine doctor to discuss bracing, splints, and taping methods with exercises.
They determine when you're ready to move about again, but use these structures to add additional support and protection.
Nutrition is essential in this field. You may receive instructions on fueling your body correctly during workouts and recovery.
They Discuss How to Mitigate Additional Harm
You did something to cause that injury. It could sideline you again if you're performing something incorrectly or not understanding the body's limits.
Thus, sports medicine spends time reflecting on the cause of the trouble and how to minimize future occurrences. Professionals often go into the training room with you, lending advice on how to best push your body.
They can observe your actions, watching your habits and moves. Furthermore, this phase includes creating a list of exercises and stretches appropriate to your healing and wellness.
They Coordinate With the Coach
It's not just about you. Sports medicine staff also talk to the coaching staff, becoming an integral part of the team to reduce injuries.
Feedback is given to the coaches, assisting them in creating a safe and productive workout environment.
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You may tear a muscle or twist an ankle while making the big play. Those painful moments require expert help.
Sports medicine experts are there for those trying times, looking at the immediate injury and thinking about your future back on the field.
Work with them to discuss how to bolster your recovery and improve your technique.
