Within Synergy Orthopedic Specialists Medical Group, we have a number of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons/physicians that are fellowship trained subspecialists in sports medicine or have a particular interest in the care of injured athletes of all ages. Our physicians look forward to providing you with the care you need to get you back in the game!
Sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons/physicians demonstrate continuing active research and educational activities in the field of sports medicine. Such activities include service as a team physician at any level of competition, educating persons involved with the health of athletes, service to local, regional, national and international competitions, and the presentation of scientific research papers at sports medicine meetings. The unifying interest of sports medicine care providers is their concern with the effects of exercises and the monitoring of its impact on active individuals of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness.
Sports medicine is a branch or part of orthopaedic medicine that deals with injuries related to sports and fitness maintenance. Injuries usually involve the soft tissues and generally affect the knees, elbows, hands, wrists, ankles, shoulders, spine (neck and lower back) and hips. The focus of sports medicine health care personnel typically involves care related to ligaments, tendons, muscles and the cartilage lining of the joints.
Sports injuries can affect the weekend warrior all the way up to the professional athlete. Regardless of the level of play, all athletes require a team of specialists to either return them to play or to continue healthy and safe participation. A typical team may include orthopaedic surgeons and physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, chiropractors, psychologists and radiologists. All of these health care personnel play a key role in comprehensive evaluation and management of the injured athlete. Most injuries do not require surgery, and nonoperative conservative management may foster a complete path to healing and recovery.
Many times, team athletic trainers are the first line in determining the magnitude or level of injury as well as prevention. Drills are created by the trainers as injury prophylaxis, and the trainers communicate with coaches about athletes’ health.
Physical therapists play a huge role in rehabilitation after injury, whether or not surgery is or has been required. Sometimes, physical therapists will carry out “pre-habilitation” to improve patients’ strength and range of motion prior to surgery to aid in a potentially faster recovery.
Nutritionists provide guidance for the athlete for proper fueling of the body to create the potential for higher-level performance. Chiropractors can assist the athlete in.