Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a branch of healthcare that researches and implements medical science in sports and activity.

The majority of sports medicine is focused on musculoskeletal issues resulting from the strenuous activity of exercise and sport. These include problems like muscle cramps, sprains or ligament damage, broken bones or fractures, joint replacements, shin splints, and problems with tendons. Because of this, sports medicine and orthopedics typically go hand in hand.

Specialists within the sports medicine field include on-site physicians and athletic trainers for sports teams, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists.

Many athletic teams have sports medicine specialists, including doctors or athletic training staff. Their main goals are to maintain the health and function of the athlete’s body. This can range from acquiring the appropriate equipment for strength training to providing on-site care and diagnosis in case of injury, standing sideline to treat immediate physical injuries and preventing further problems by stabilizing the joints.  

Orthopedic surgeons are trained to correct any issue with the bones or surrounding connective tissue that may have, for whatever reason, become inflamed, severed or otherwise dysfunctional and cannot be dealt with through conservative measures. Typical orthopedic procedures can range from rotator cuff repair of the shoulder, total joint replacement or the alleviation of pain associated with carpel tunnel syndrome of the wrist.

Physical therapists are also important members to the sports medicine team, providing general or post-surgery support to re-strengthen muscles, improve flexibility to prevent future problems and improve the overall quality of the musculoskeletal system. Depending on what type of injury the patient has sustained, a physical therapist can determine the quickest and most efficient method in which to return the patient to the playing field and prevent future issues.

These professionals, along with many others, make up the sports medicine field. Any type of medical issue associated with sports or activity fall into the realm of sports medicine. Additionally, as the country’s obesity problem becomes more prevalent, sports medicine is becoming a more emergent field with medical professionals needed to guide activity plans for the promotion of a healthier society. Indeed, the goal of any sports medicine practice is the maintenance of health, wellness and prevention and to keep you moving for as long as possible.

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at The Longstreet Clinic is proud to offer a variety of experienced and respected sports medicine experts trained to treat each member of the family.