Sports medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with injuries sustained from sports and exercise. It has its roots in ancient Greece, where athletes would consult physicians for help in achieving their optimum performance. In modern times, sports medicine has evolved into a highly specialized field that uses the latest scientific research to prevent and treat injuries. It is a misconception that sports medicine is only for professional athletes, when in fact, many patients who seek the services of a sports medicine doctor are amateur athletes, weekend warriors, and individuals who frequently exercise and live an active lifestyle.
How can you benefit from sports medicine? Let us talk about the three aims of sports medicine, which are to prevent injuries, treat and rehabilitate injured athletes, and help improve athletic performance, which will detail the benefits of a personalized sports medicine program.
Preventing Sports Injuries
Preventing injuries is the first goal of sports medicine. This can be done through education, as well as developing new methods and techniques for training and competing. In addition, a sports medicine doctor can help prevent injuries by prescribing the proper protective equipment for your sport. This may include items such as a mouthguard, shin guards, or proper footwear. Wearing the proper gear can help reduce your risk of sustaining a serious injury while playing sports. All in all, a sports medicine doctor can identify certain risk factors that may lead to an injury, so they can be avoided or minimized.
Treating and Rehabilitating Sports Injuries
Treating injuries is the second aim of sports medicine. This includes providing immediate care for acute injuries, as well as working with athletes to develop a plan for recovery and rehabilitation from more serious injuries. The goal of rehabilitation is to help the athlete return to their previous level of function and performance safely and effectively.
Sports medicine physicians have a thorough understanding of how the body works and how it responds to injury. They use this knowledge to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient that focus on reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing further injury.
Improve Athletic Performance
Improving athletic performance is the third aim of sports medicine. This can be done through conditioning programs, nutrition counseling, and psychological support. Sports medicine doctors are experts in helping people improve their athletic performance because they know how to condition the body in the best and safest way possible. They can develop personalized training programs and offer advice on nutrition, which can be very beneficial to the patient’s chosen sport or exercise. By working with a sports medicine doctor, you can maximize your potential as an athlete and stay healthy while doing it.
Sports Medicine Doctor in St. Peters, O’Fallon & Wentzville, MO
For superior sports medicine services in Missouri, choose the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors, Dr. Brandon Larkin and Dr. Matthew P. Melander, at Advanced Bone & Joint. Dr. Larkin and Dr. Melander are specially trained in sports medicine. They are experts in preventing and treating injuries, rehabilitation, and helping patients perform at their peak capacity.
To schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine doctors, call our office today at (636) 229-4222 or use our convenient online appointment request form.