A Comprehensive Guide to Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fitness-related injuries. Professional and amateur athletes of all ages can benefit from the expertise of sports medicine physicians and their provider teams. Learn more below about how sports medicine experts treat active Americans.

Sports Medicine Treats Acute and Chronic Injuries

Orthopedic sports medicine providers evaluate, diagnose, and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system from head to toe, including:

• Bones
• Muscles
• Nerves
• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Joints

These highly trained physicians work with people of all ages and abilities.

Joint injuries are fairly common in sports, so problems with the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, and ankle can be addressed with sports medicine. These specialists may also address the aftereffects of concussion and other trauma to the head and neck. Additional sports medicine services and treatments include wound dressing, sprain and fracture care, pain management, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery (everything from arthroscopy to joint replacement).

Sports medicine providers also use the latest technology, as well as noninvasive and surgical solutions, to help optimize a patient’s strength, flexibility, movement, balance, and coordination – so they can enjoy peak performance in the activities they love.

Sports Medicine Physicians Guide Rehabilitation

The sports medicine team helps athletes and active adults recover the level of performance they had prior to an injury and/or surgery. Your sports medicine physician will lead the team in developing plans to address immediate needs, such as pain control, plus long-term goals, such as return to full sports participation.

Physical and occupational therapy provide key components of many recovery plans. This may include bracing, taping, massage, and heat/cold therapy. In addition, patients can learn how to modify their movements and relearn skills to help prevent reinjury after return to their sport or active lifestyle.

Sports Medicine Optimizes Conditioning, Nutrition, and Performance

Sports medicine physicians meticulously analyze how athletes train and can offer practical ways to stretch, strengthen muscles, and increase your cardiovascular endurance. Nutrition and hydration, particularly during the hot summer months and during athletic activity, should be adjusted to meet the specific demands your training and performance schedule requires.

Injury prevention lies at the heart of sports medicine. Your sports medicine doctor can show you ways to stay in the game now and for years to come by discussing proper equipment and footwear, your rest and recovery needs, warming up, cooling down, and more.

Advanced Bone & Joint in O’Fallon, Wentzville, and St. Peters, MO

Our orthopedic practice offers top-notch, patient-centered care for the active sports enthusiast and athletes of all stripes. Our board-certified sports medicine physicians are Dr. Brandon Larkin and Dr. Matthew P. Melander. For foot and ankle injuries common to athletes, contact board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Anthony Lombardo.

If you enjoy being active and want to stay healthy, pain-free, and competitive, consult with a sports medicine specialist at Advanced Bone & Joint in O’Fallon, Wentzville, and St. Peters, Missouri. Call us at (636) 229-4222 or request an appointment now.