OCSM: Sports Medicine Specialist

OCSM Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine Q&A

What is sports medicine rehabilitation?

Sports medicine rehabilitation refers to a group of activities, including physical therapy, strength training, and stretching exercises designed to ease pain, encourage circulation, and promote mobility following a sports-related injury. 

At Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, the team regularly works with athletes and active individuals who play baseball, football, basketball, and tennis, as well as dancers, cheerleaders, and runners. Sports medicine rehabilitation supports your body’s natural healing process and provides you with tips, insights, and specialty training to avoid similar injuries in the future.

What are some common injuries that sports medicine rehabilitation treats?

If you play sports or lead a physically active lifestyle, you’re also susceptible to certain injuries. This is particularly true if you fail to warm up or cool down, increase your training regimen quickly, or live a sedentary lifestyle.

The team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine regularly provides sports medicine rehabilitation for a variety of common injuries, including:

The team also provides sports medicine rehabilitation services to address shoulder pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by rotator cuff injuries.

Am I a good candidate for sports medicine rehabilitation?

Anyone who suffers a sports or activity-related injury can benefit from sports medicine rehabilitation. This is particularly true if your pain interferes with your ability to go to work, walk the dog, or spend quality time with your family. 

In addition to helping you feel better, sports medicine rehabilitation educates you. The more you know about your musculoskeletal structure, the easier it is to train correctly and lower your risk of further complications. Also, when you train effectively, you’re more likely to achieve your athletic goals. 

What is the treatment process for sports injuries?

The treatment process for sports injuries depends on the type and severity of your injury. Whenever possible, the team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine recommends conservative, at-home measures of care like the RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

If this doesn’t ease your pain, or your symptoms get worse, your provider might recommend physical therapy using The Graston Technique, dry needling, Kinesio Taping, or traction therapy. If your sports-related injury interferes with your mobility or overall quality of life, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

To learn more about the benefits of sports medicine rehabilitation, schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine by calling the office or booking online today.

Author
Luis M. Espinoza MD Dr. Espinoza served as the AAA Team Doctor for the the New Orleans Zephyrs/BabyCakes since joining the Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine in 2003. He is double board certified in General Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.

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