Sports are an important part of life for many people. While playing sports has many benefits, there are some risks involved. One such risk is getting a sports injury. Those who get injured will most likely need to see a sports medicine doctor.
If you're not familiar with this type of doctor, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions about sports medicine doctors.
1. What Is a Sports Medicine Doctor?
This type of medical doctor has special training and education in diagnosing and treating sports injuries. Sports medicine doctors are board certified in certain specialty areas, which include:
A sports medicine doctor is also required to pass a sports medicine certification examination. Passing this exam allows a sports medicine doctor to hold a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine. They need to obtain recertification every 10 years.
Besides treating sports injuries, a sports medicine doctor aids in the recovery of a sports injury. For recovery, a sports medicine doctor may prescribe certain medications and recommend rehabilitative exercises. A sports medicine doctor also helps prevent future injuries. They help prevent injuries by encouraging athletes to warm up before engaging in a physical activity to always wear protective gear.
Sports medicine doctors usually work closely with physical therapists, nutritionists, athletic trainers, and orthopedic surgeons.
2. What Are the Most Common Sports Injuries They Treat?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 8 million sports injuries occur each year. Some of the most common sports injuries include:
The joints are especially prone to injury. These joints include the hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders. A sports medicine doctor treats all of these kinds of common sports injuries.
3. Do Sports Medicine Doctors Perform Surgery?
Surgery will not be needed for most of the above types of injuries. However, some sports injuries, such as shoulder dislocations, meniscus tears, and ACL tears do require surgery. A sports medicine doctor normally doesn't perform surgery. Instead, a sports medicine doctor will refer their patient to an orthopedic surgeon.
This type of surgeon specializes in the musculoskeletal system, which is the system in the body that is responsible for movement. After an orthopedic surgeon does the surgery, they will most likely refer the patient back to their sports medicine doctor to aid in the recovery process.
Share21 October 2020
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