Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that helps active people and athletes get back on their feet after a sports-related injury. It sets out to restore movement and function and reduce the pain that accompanies the injury. Sports medicine Sarasota is a viable choice to help you heal your sports injury.
It includes different techniques that physicians administer to an individual depending on their unique needs. Sports medicine works on the whole body and not just the body part that has suffered the injury.
Injuries that sports medicine can help with
Anyone who engages in sporting activities has suffered a sports injury in one way or another. Whether a sprain or a complex fracture, sports medicine can help you get back in shape. The following are the most common injuries that athletes experience:
- Fractures
- Shin splints
- Ankle sprains
- Concussions
- Runners’ knee
- Knee injuries
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- ACL tears
- Tennis elbow
What techniques does sports medicine utilize in your recovery?
The method that physicians will use for your recovery highly depends on the stage and severity of your injury. If it is a sprain, rest and physical therapy might get you back in the field. On the other hand, surgery might be a viable option if it is a fracture or tear.
Physical therapy
You will receive physical therapy that aligns with your sport and helps you regain movement. Physical therapists will create exercises that will help you heal your injury and get back to your choice of sport. At the same time, physicians will advise you on ways that will help you prevent future injuries.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is for more serious injuries, and it involves four stages. The stages include recovery, repair, strength, and function. First, if you have a serious injury, your physical therapist will encourage healing in the recovery stage and then start repair. The repair stage is all about recovering movement. The strength and function stages will help you build strength and balance.
Occupational therapy
Patients not only receive physical therapy in sports medicine but also occupational therapy, which is more rounded. Occupational therapy deals with the physical, mental, and emotional state of an individual or athlete and helps them accomplish daily activities.
Surgery
For a serious injury that the above techniques cannot cover, specialists will turn to surgery as the first line of healing. Immediate surgeries are the most common as they prevent further damage and help you recover faster. After the surgery, your physician will decide on the way forward, whether rehabilitation or physical therapy after healing.
It is important to understand that the specialists at 360 Orthopedics equip clients with preventive strategies which help to prevent a repeat of the injuries. Such strategies include a proper diet, muscle strengthening, and warm-up exercises before you engage in your sport. The specialists also encourage a lot of rest between any sporting activities.
The purpose of sports medicine
While a hospital might focus on the healing of a specific injury, sports medicine takes the healing process to a new level that ensures the patient regains full movement and function. Call 360 Orthopedics or book an appointment online to regain your movement and strength and get back to your favorite sport.
