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What are sports medicine specialists?

Sports medicine specialists are medical professionals trained in preventing and treating sports-related illnesses and injuries. These experts provide medical, therapeutic, and functional care to athletes and sports teams and improve their overall performance. They also treat injuries in people who play sports on weekends. Sports medicine specialists usually deal with non-surgical procedures. 

Holding a sports medicine specialist title doesn't necessarily mean the specialist is a doctor. The term applies to multiple disciplines related to sports medicine. Some non-medical professionals involved in sports medicine are physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, and nutritionists. 

Physicians first complete their bachelor's in biology and chemistry to become sports medicine specialists. Following this, they attend four years of medical school to receive a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine, wherein they train in basic sciences, patient care, and medical ethics. Once they finish medical school, they start their residency. In residency, they can choose their specialty: primary sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

Sports medicine specialists must also accomplish a fellowship in sports medicine. After this, they must pass a national standardized licensing examination to procure a license to practice. Once licensed, the physicians may also earn board certifications in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and physical medicine. 

What does a sports medicine specialist do?

Regardless of the type of facility they are working in, most sports medicine specialists are responsible for the following:

1. Diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders
2. Educating athletes and team coaches about hydration, nutrition, exercise regimens, and injury prevention
3. Examining injured athletes to design treatment plans for their recovery
4. Performing physical evaluations and recording athletes' medical histories
5. Ordering laboratory tests or diagnostic imaging procedures and analyzing the results
6. Overlooking the rehabilitation of injured athletes
7. Prescribing medications for the treatment of athletic injuries
8. Performing procedures, such as injections and diagnostic ultrasounds
9. Coordinating with other professionals, such as coaches, athletic trainers, and orthopedic surgeons, to provide the best care to their patients. 

What kinds of injuries can a sports medicine specialist treat?

Professional athletes are not the only ones who sports medicine specialists treat. If you have an active lifestyle, are part of amateur sports teams, or are a weekend warrior, you can still reap the benefits of a sports medicine specialist. 

These are some of the most common sports medicine injuries a specialist can treat.

Sprains: These kinds of injuries involve damage to soft tissues, commonly experienced in ankles, knees, and wrists. Athletes may experience this condition due to the need to change directions quickly. Initial sprain intervention usually involves the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method. In uncommon instances, this condition may require surgery, which may take days or months to recover, depending on the injury's severity. 

Knee injuries: The knee comprises a joint, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In sports, injuring any part of the knee is nearly inevitable. These injuries may have varying causes and recovery times. Some commonly occurring knee injuries include ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury, torn meniscus, and patellar tendinitis. Treatment intervention for these injuries depends on the sports medicine doctor's assessment. 

Separated shoulder: A separated shoulder usually occurs when the ligament connecting the collarbone to the clavicle gets injured due to impact. Typically, swimmers, football and hockey players, and other athletes experience this injury. The RICE method can treat the majority of cases of this injury. Recovery time in mild cases usually takes days to weeks of intervention. On the contrary, most severe shoulder separations require a surgical procedure to reattach the ligament to the bone.

Fractures: Fractures refer to either partial or complete breaks in the bone due to falls or a direct blow to the area. These can also be due to diseases that weaken your bones, such as osteoporosis. Athletes in high-impact and contact sports usually experience a closed fracture wherein their bone gets broken, but the skin stays intact. 

Dislocations: A joint can dislocate through a collision, accident, or direct blow. They are painful and may cause temporary immobility until the bones are back in place. Most doctors recommend the RICE method, splints or casts, pain medication, repositioning to set the joint correctly, and traction. Severe dislocations may require surgery to realign the bones. 

Why do you need to see a sports medicine specialist near you?

There are several reasons to see a sports medicine specialist. Some of these are:

In case you've experienced an acute sports injury while playing or exercising. Some common symptoms of acute injury are sudden pain, swelling, weakness, and loss of movement. Common conditions like strains, sprains, knee injuries, dislocated joints, or damage to the tendons require care from a sports medicine specialist.

If you have a chronic injury from sports, these injuries develop over time and often come from training too hard or too long. Common examples of chronic injury are swollen tendons or cracks in a bone. Typical symptoms of these injuries are pain while playing or exercising, swelling worsening, and pain or aches even while sleeping.

You must see a sports medicine physician if you're recovering from a sports injury. They will treat muscle weakness and stiffness and help you return to your usual activities. The specialist will provide medication to reduce the swelling and pain, stabilize the area of injury, and promote healing with massages and electric and sound wave stimulation. Additionally, they will use stretching and strengthening exercises to help you fully extend and flex the affected joint.

If you're an athlete and want to prevent injuries, sports medicine physicians can help by ensuring that the sport or activity is safe for you. The specialist will get you into an exercise program to make you fit and advise you about safety training, equipment, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. 

How do sports medicine specialists support athletes?

Sports medicine is pivotal in safeguarding athletes' health and welfare across various age groups. It goes beyond addressing injuries. Sports medicine specialists assist athletes in navigating the complexities of aging, preserving physical fitness, preventing injuries, and managing age-related conditions. Understanding athletes' unique challenges allows for tailored care comprising the following:

Injury prevention and safety education

Sports medicine professionals guide young athletes on suitable warm-up and cool-down routines and the correct use of protective gear. Empowering them with knowledge about the importance of rest, recovery, and reporting potential injuries fosters a proactive mindset toward their well-being.

Long-term athlete development

This strategy embraces a holistic approach to athletes' physical, mental, and social well-being. Long-term athlete development focuses on positive sporting experiences, skill acquisition, and lifelong physical activity. Sports medicine professionals seamlessly collaborate with coaches, parents, and educators, forming a robust support network for young athletes on their athletic journeys.

Mental health support

Young athletes face a lot of pressure. Sports medicine professionals identify and address mental health concerns, teaming with experts to provide essential support, counseling, and resources for positive mental well-being.

Age-related changes and performance

Physiological changes associated with aging can impact athletic performance. Sports medicine experts work with aging athletes to optimize performance, addressing concerns like decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density, and altered cardiovascular capacity.

Cardiorespiratory health and endurance

For aging athletes, maintaining cardiorespiratory health is crucial. Sports medicine professionals guide on safe exercise parameters, ensuring cardiovascular well-being during walking, swimming, or cycling activities.

Psychological support and motivation

Athletes need motivation and psychological support for optimum performance. Sports medicine professionals provide counseling, goal-setting strategies, and motivational techniques to support aging athletes in their continued pursuit of athletic endeavors.

This comprehensive approach by sports medicine specialists aims to enhance athletes' overall well-being throughout their sporting journey.

What makes a sports medicine expert different from an orthopedic surgeon?

Sports medicine experts and orthopedic surgeons are frequently mistaken for one another as they diagnose and treat similar musculoskeletal illnesses. Musculoskeletal conditions are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, etc. However, while orthopedic surgeons train to conduct surgical procedures to treat these conditions, sports medicine specialists are concerned with non-surgical methods. 

Sports medicine specialists use therapies and exercise to treat and help the affected person. They also receive additional training in non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine, such as concussions or other head injuries, nutrition, supplements, injury prevention, safe strength training, and conditioning exercises. 

Appointment tips for your visit to a sports medicine specialist

Preparing for a doctor's visit can help you maximize your time with a sports medicine physician. Taking an active role in your healthcare allows you to provide useful information for the doctor's evaluation, helping you get the best care possible. Here are a few ways to make your appointment effective and thorough.

Prepare your medical history:

Your doctor will need a clear picture of your medical background, including any past health conditions, surgeries, or treatments. Write your medical history beforehand to ensure you get all the essential details. Some clinics provide forms for this, which can simplify the process. Bring any relevant X-rays, test results, and prescriptions if you've recently had an emergency or urgent care for an injury. Be sure to list all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter items, vitamins, and supplements.

Communicate openly with the doctor:

Clear communication is essential for a successful appointment. Before your visit, jot down any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss, along with specific details about your symptoms, such as duration, possible causes, and previous diagnoses or treatments. Also, mention any lifestyle habits, exercise routines, or sports activities, especially when dealing with a chronic issue. Letting your doctor know what relieves or aggravates your symptoms can provide valuable insights.

Dress for comfort and accessibility:

Opt for clothing that makes the area being examined easily accessible. For instance, wear shorts if you're concerned about knee pain or a sports bra under a loose shirt for back issues. Opt for clothing that's easy to pull on or button up, making your appointment more comfortable and efficient. Dressing with accessibility in mind can facilitate a thorough examination and enhance the overall experience.

How do you find top-rated sports medicine specialists in Chicago, Illinois?

Sports medicine specialists are crucial in treating sports or exercise injuries. They help athletes and sports teams enhance their performance and help active people exercise regularly or play weekend sports. They use therapies, exercise, and stimulation to treat acute and chronic conditions commonly observed in this group.

Finding a qualified and experienced sports medicine specialist near you is a hassle. Zocdoc is a platform that makes your life easier by connecting you to healthcare professionals. It is an open directory of the best medical and healthcare providers for all your needs. Locate the nearest top-rated healthcare provider by conducting an area-specific search. Enter your location, doctor's specialty, or symptoms and hit enter. 

Additionally, you can include your insurance carrier and plan in the search bar to filter in-network providers. When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll be prompted to provide your insurance details or indicate that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some providers may require insurance information to complete the booking process. If you prefer not to share your insurance or don't have insurance, you can choose a different provider on Zocdoc, which may offer alternative payment options. For more insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc’s patient help center.

Being comfortable with your physician is crucial for treatment and recovery, and Zocdoc takes this relationship very seriously. Therefore, each professional associated with the platform has unique profiles where you can read about their educational qualification, board certification, experience, expertise, and languages spoken. You can also access the verified reviews and ratings provided by previous patients. 

Once you've chosen a sports medicine specialist near you, you can book an in-person or online appointment at a convenient date and time. Booking appointments with Zocdoc is safe, secure, and free of charge!

Prevalence of sports-related injuries in the USA and Illinois 

As per the Consumer Product Safety Commission Report (2009) published by Johns Hopkins Medicine, basketball injuries sent nearly 170,000 youngsters aged 5 to 14 to the hospital emergency room in 2009. Additionally, baseball-related injuries caused about 110,000 youngsters between the ages of 5 and 14 to rush to the emergency room during the same year. Baseball has the most considerable fatality rate for children aged 5 to 14, with three to four youngsters dying yearly from baseball accidents.

Injury is the leading cause of death in children below the age of 5 in the U.S. and Illinois. According to a 1997 Illinois Department of Public Health report, 37 children under five underwent hospitalization due to playground injuries. Almost 1903 children had to make an emergency visit due to the same. The report also stated that injuries were the fourth most common cause of death in Illinois, and around 6,086 people died in Illinois due to the same.

Sources

Movement Orthopedics

Orthopaedic Associates 

St. George's University School of Medicine 

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

Healthgrades

Verywell Fit

Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine[1]

Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine[2]

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Illinois Department of Public Health

PEPPERDINE Seaver College

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.