The fact is that we are prone to injuries and health issues at all times in our lives. The best we can do is to practice preventative health measures that will lower our risk of health issues. Regular check-ups play a significant role in preserving our health. Princeton Sports And Family Medicine in New Jersey offers both primary care and sports medicine services to promote your overall health. This piece will elaborate on sports medicine and its health benefits.
What is sports medicine?
It involves medical care to enhance health in all your physical activities. Sports medicine also promotes your safety during your physical activities to prevent injuries. It also focuses on promoting your performance while preserving your health.
The team offers thorough diagnoses and treatments, where they focus on treating the exact cause of your injury.
Sports medicine provides solutions to any issue related to physical activity, including pain. Usually, they advise that you schedule a consultation when starting a new physical activity routine, including a new sport or exercise.
Sports medicine offers thorough diagnosis and treatment of different sports injuries, including:
· Knee pain
· Concussions
· Dislocations
· Sprains and strains
· Wrist and hand pain
· Elbow pain
· Shoulder pain
· Foot and ankle pain
· Cartilage injuries
· Fractures
· Tendinitis
Usually, most sports injuries result in reduced mobility and swelling; it might be a good start to consult your medical provider.
Sports medicine treatments
Your provider starts by checking your health history and conducting a physical exam. They also perform a thorough evaluation of your physical function to evaluate your strength, movement, and flexibility.
The sports medicine specialists use the assessment results to identify any factors that may affect your physical activity performance. They perform various tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, and musculoskeletal ultrasounds, to further diagnose your sports injuries and create a customized treatment plan.
Here are among the common sports medicine treatment options.
· Immobilization in a cast or brace
· Corticosteroid injections
· Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
· Physical therapy
· Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
· Alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic
· Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
Your sports medicine doctor works with other professionals, such as a nutritionist and physical therapists, to restore your movement and physical function.
What does physical therapy involve in sports medicine?
It’s a conservative method to relieve pain, improve your body function and promote recovery and healing. Usually, a physical therapist comes up with a physical therapy plan that will best address your problem. It enhances healing and recovery from chronic pain, sports injury, chronic stiffness, chronic mobility issues, and post-surgery.
Physical therapy involves the following.
· Joint mobilization and manual stretching
· Blood flow restriction training
· Soft tissue mobilization
· Modalities such as ice, heat, therapeutic ultrasound, and electrical stimulation
· Targeted strength exercises to improve stability, mobility, and function
· Home exercise program
· Manual therapy
Your physical therapist tailors your treatment plan to improve your specific function or sports role.
Sports medicine helps improve your physical activity performance while preserving your health. Your treatment plan focuses on your specific issues to enhance your overall health and function. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or limited mobility from any physical activity, it’s best you consult a sports medicine doctor. Call Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C today to schedule your consultation.