There is no question that musculoskeletal injuries can be an athlete’s worst nightmare. This can mean an athlete has to sit out of his or her sport for a certain period of time, and in some cases, for good. However, there is hope. By seeking the services of a sports medicine specialist, many types of musculoskeletal injuries can be treated successfully.
Sports Injury Treatments
Sports medicine specialists have been trained to help ensure that athletes have the proper evaluation of their conditions, and that they receive customized treatment to get them back on the field. Their services and treatment plans work to improve all athletic functions, including improving their endurance, balance, coordination, strength, and even specific sports related skills. When you see a specialist, his or her emphasis will always be on a non-surgical intervention for common sports related issues, such as:
* Ankle: OCD lesions; ankle cartilage; ankle instability.
* Elbow: Ligament tears (often seen in baseball players); biceps tendon tears; medical epicondylitis (golfers elbow); tennis elbow.
* Shoulder: Shoulder instability; shoulder labral tear; rotator cuff.
* Knee: Articular cartilage; tendonitis; meniscus tear.
Treatment Options for Musculoskeletal Issues
Once your sports medicine specialist has carefully evaluated your condition, he or she will likely recommend a customized rehabilitation program. Some of the things and activities that this may include are:
* Ergonomic instruction, body mechanics and posture
* Therapeutic types of exercises that will be targeted to tight or weak areas
* Soft tissue and joint mobilization
* Techniques that utilize muscle energy (this uses the muscle contractions to help and reposition the joints that are misaligned)
* Manual types of therapy, which will include soft tissue exercises
* Techniques from Pilates
* Core stabilizing and strengthening exercises
The sports medicine specialist will also be able to utilize various advanced techniques in order to help healing, which may include injections. However, your doctor will determine if you need to receive these types of treatment.
Surgical Options for Various Types of Sports Injuries
If surgery is suggested for the injury, then you need a doctor that will utilize the latest and most advanced technologies available. Some of these surgical interventions will include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Micro fracture
* DeNovo NT Implantation
* Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation
If surgery is recommended, you need to be sure that you fully understand the possible side effects or complications so that you will be able to make the best decision for your particular needs. After all, while many surgeries are completely successful, there are always risks. Being fully educated will help you to make the right decision.
It is essential that you discuss your wants and goals after surgery. This will make certain that you achieve these goals with the help of your sports medicine specialist. He or she will provide custom treatment plans, but it is important that you are an active participant in your treatment to ensure the results that you desire. You can contact Suburban Orthopaedics to learn more about sports medicine can treat musculoskeletal injuries.
