Sports medicine fields are becoming increasingly popular and it is not difficult to understand why. If you have a passion for sports, fitness, and health then being involved in this area can be an extremely rewarding way of life. There are many different options for people who want to make the most of their passion, but it is important to note that there are very few people who become professional athletes or trainers in their chosen field. Most will end up in a support role working alongside athletes and providing the services that they need to stay fit and healthy
Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating individuals who have suffered injuries due to playing sports, either recreational or competitive. It is an interdisciplinary branch of medicine that uses minimal or non-surgical approaches to treat injuries to the skeletal system, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Guide to finding the right sports medicine professional
Whether a person is interested in being a professional athlete or simply exercising for their health and well-being, they may need the help of a sports medicine healthcare provider. This individual has advanced education and knowledge of preventing injuries and illness while participating in sports or engaging in physical activity. They also know how to identify when treatment is needed, provide medical care during high-pressure competition, and rehabilitate injured parts of the body.
Athletes get injured all the time. Rough tackles and awkward falls are all part of the game. But sports-related injuries are usually preventable. Tucson sports medicine care is best provided by doctors trained in a variety of medical fields. In addition to the skills and knowledge they normally have, sports medicine providers need knowledge, training, and experience with the unique problems faced by athletes.
Along with formal education, sports medicine physicians must continue to learn more about the physical changes that occur within the body as it grows, matures, and ages.
Other experts who are not medical doctors may work with a sports medicine specialist to provide care including:
- Physical therapists. They help people rehabilitate and recover from injuries.
- Athletic trainers. These trainers provide rehab exercise routines to help patients regain strength. They also develop conditioning programs to prevent future injury.
- Nutritionists. They may help with needed weight loss or weight gain. They can provide dietary advice to help people improve their physical functioning.
Reasons to see a sports medicine specialist
Sports players should see a sports medicine healthcare provider for an injury such as ankle sprain, fracture, knee and shoulder injury, tendonitis pain, exercise-induced asthma, etc.
Sports medicine healthcare providers can also give advice on nutrition, supplements, exercise, and injury prevention.
When to call a sports medicine healthcare provider
If you have a major injury during exercise or sports, it's probably best to seek care right away at an emergency room. Don't wait to see a sports medicine specialist. Signs of a major injury include severe pain, swelling, numbness, and an inability to put any weight on the injured area. If none of these symptoms are present, rest at home and call your healthcare provider for guidance. You may want to ask for a referral to a sports medicine provider.
Most sports injuries don't need surgery. Treatment for a sports injury can include taking pain relievers, putting ice on the injured area, and keeping it immobilized with a cast or sling. In some cases, surgery may be needed to fix torn tissue or realign bones.
QC Kinetix (Orange Grove)
Address: 1925 W. Orange Grove Rd., Ste 106, Tucson, AZ, 85704
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