Sports Medicine

Sports medicine can benefit individuals of all ages and fitness levels. We will discuss what sports medicine is and the conditions it can be used to treat. We will also highlight the services and treatments provided at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville.

Are you looking to optimize your performance and recover from injuries? Connect with our team of sports medicine specialists in Zanesville, Ohio, by scheduling your appointment today!

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness, treatment, and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. It encompasses many disciplines, including orthopedics, physical therapy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology.

The primary focus of sports medicine is to optimize the performance of athletes, prevent injuries, and facilitate their recovery after injury. Sports medicine professionals work with athletes of all levels, from recreational to professional, to address their specific needs and help them achieve their athletic goals safely.

Sports medicine doctors usually have training in other areas of medicine, such as internal medicine, emergency medicine, or family medicine. They may also have surgical training as orthopedic surgeons.

Common Sports Injuries and Conditions

Sports medicine doctors commonly treat conditions related to sports and physical activity. Some of the most common ones include:

Sprains and strains: Sprain and strain injuries involve damage to ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) due to overstretching or tearing. They often occur during sudden movements or overexertion in sports.
Fractures: Sports-related fractures can result from impact, falls, or overuse. They may involve any bone in the body and vary in severity from hairline cracks to complete breaks.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, which can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement. It often occurs due to repetitive movements or overuse of a particular tendon.
Overuse injuries: These injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress on tissues such as muscles, tendons, and bones. Common examples include a common knee injury known as runner’s knee, in addition to tennis elbow and stress fractures.
Cartilage injuries: Cartilage injuries, such as tears in the knee (meniscus tears) or shoulder injuries, such as shoulder (labral tears), can occur due to trauma or repetitive stress. They can cause pain, swelling, and limited joint movement.
Dislocations: Dislocations occur when a bone is forced out of its normal position within a joint. Sudden impact or twisting movements are common causes. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and instability.
Stress fractures: Stress fractures develop due to repetitive impact or overuse. They are common in athletes who engage in high-impact sports or activities with repetitive motions.

Who Can Benefit from Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine extends its benefits beyond professional athletes to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are a recreational enthusiast or an active senior, sports medicine specialists offer tailored treatments for several conditions.

Sports medicine physicians work to manage chronic issues, help you recover from injuries, or prevent future ones. By addressing your injuries, they can help you to maintain an active lifestyle and optimize your physical well-being, regardless of your athletic goals or age.

Services and Treatments We Provide

At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we provide the following services and treatments:

All musculoskeletal injuries
Functional rehabilitation and sports-directed physical therapy
Sports performance
Sports nutrition
Pediatric sports medicine
Work with many local area High Schools and Colleges
Work with professional sports organizations
Works with professional sports teams and athletic trainers
Sports physicals
Fracture care
Multiple sports-specific braces fitted in our office on the same day

When to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

You may consider seeing a sports medicine physician if you experience any of the following situations:

Sports Injury: If you sustain an injury while participating in sports or physical activity, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Sports medicine physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries, such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations.
Persistent Pain: If you have persistent pain or discomfort, especially during or after physical activity, it’s essential to have it evaluated by a sports medicine physician. Chronic pain can be a sign of an underlying injury or overuse condition that requires treatment.
Decreased Performance: If you notice a decline in your athletic performance or difficulty performing activities that were previously easy for you, a sports medicine physician can help identify the cause and develop a plan to address it. This could include factors such as muscle imbalances, biomechanical issues, or overtraining.
Repetitive Injuries: If you have a history of recurrent injuries or if you’ve experienced the same type of injury multiple times, a sports medicine physician can help determine the underlying cause and implement strategies to prevent future occurrences.
Joint Instability: If you experience joint instability, such as frequent sprains or feelings of “giving way” in a joint, it’s important to have it evaluated by a sports medicine physician. Instability can be a sign of ligament or structural damage that may require treatment or rehabilitation.
Preventive Care: Even if you’re not currently injured, seeing a sports medicine physician for preventive care can be beneficial. They can assess your overall fitness level, identify any risk factors for injury, and provide guidance on injury prevention strategies, training techniques, and proper biomechanics.
Medical Clearance: If you’re planning to start a new exercise program or participate in a specific sport or activity, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or previous injuries, it’s a good idea to get medical clearance from a sports medicine physician to ensure it’s safe for you to do so.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are seeking to increase performance or help with injury recovery, book an appointment with Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville today! Our experienced team of physical therapists and sports medicine specialists in Zanesville, OH, is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today!

Medically reviewed by Jordan R. Bonier, DO, MS

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