What is Sports Medicine?

Sports Injuries

You might have seen this term used a lot—but what does it actually mean? The simple answer would be that it refers to health specialists that take care of athletes, but that would be an oversimplification.

Sports medicine involves different techniques and professionals that work together to keep and restore health in our athletes, but also people that maintain active lifestyles and/or perform certain high-impact activities. Let’s break it down and fully understand what sports medicine is and how it can help you.

 

Understanding Sports Medicine

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating sport-related injuries in athletes and/or individuals with demanding jobs or hobbies. It includes different specialists, techniques and processes that seek to not only heal the specific problem, but also to restore performance, functionality, strength, and confidence.

Sports medicine professionals can also help you build a safer sport routine by giving you the best exercises, stretches, and warm up and cool down strategies for you.

If you have already been injured, there are a lot of programs and techniques to help you get back in shape. Your provider will guide you on your way to get stronger, faster, and more agile after your accident. Sports medicine recovery usually involves specialized massages, cold therapy, and stretching for quicker healing periods.

Orthopedic Surgeons in Sports Medicine

There are several key professionals in sports medicine. This includes, but it’s not limited to: physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, sports nutritionists, and, of course, orthopedic surgeons.

At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we specialize in sports medicine and restoring athletes’ original health and performance. We diagnose and treat injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, and also support patients in their recovery journey and see what options are available for them.

Sports Medicine for Non-Athletes

I’m not an athlete! Can a sports specialist help me?

Sports medicine can help a variety of people. If you exercise for general fitness or have a physically demanding job or hobby, techniques from sports specialists could help you heal better and faster.

These recommendations can also help you prevent injuries, improve your quality of life and enhance your performance in your activities.

Common Sport Injuries

Sports medicine can address several types of acute and overuse injuries, including:

  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Tendonitis
  • ACL tears
  • Meniscus injuries
  • Patellar instability
  • Recurrent ankle sprains
  • Fractures
  • And many more

The Best Orthopedic Sport Surgeons in Georgia

Going to a sports medicine specialist after a fitness-related injury is key for assuring the best recovery possible. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we are committed to giving you comprehensive treatment that delivers positive results. We will make sure not only to address pain and heal your body, but to focus on regaining your strength so you can go back to your lifestyle.

Welcome to Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, where we are devoted to keeping you strong, one step at a time.

About Us
William Ashford, MD

William Ashford, MD, is the lead orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Ashford Orthopedic Specialists in Athens and Loganville, Georgia. In his years in the field, he has applied his medical expertise and surgical experience to treat musculoskeletal injuries that hinder individuals’ active lifestyle.