Sports medicine is best defined as a medical practice that focuses on treating the various injuries and ailments associated with sports. Many facilities offering these services cater to sports players at any level, from professionals to weekend warriors. While there are some centers that only provide services to adults, there are many others that also cater to children suffering from sports injuries.
Sports clinics are usually operated by orthopedic surgeons or physicians who have chosen to specialize in this field. There are some clinics however, that are run by physiotherapists, who will generally take referrals from physicians.
While Sports clinics typically focus on the treatment of injuries, there are several other services on offer. Indeed, some athletes rely on such services to enhance their performance, while others use sports clinics as a form of preventative action. Through regular, thorough check ups, any weaknesses identified can be acted upon before they can become a problem. A number of treatments can be prescribed in order to strengthen potential problem areas.
There’s a huge number of potential sports injuries that could need attending to, though the most common issues generally consist of limb fractures and sprains. Some injuries require extensive treatment and can take several months, or in the worst cases, years to heal fully.
Sports medicine also extends to the education of proper diet and exercise regimes. Advice varies and is dependent on the sport that the client partakes in. For example, the diet of a heavy weight boxer will differ considerably to that of a ballerina.
It’s of the utmost importance that sports injuries be properly treated, especially where professional sports people are concerned. A partially or poorly treated wound can hinder further involvement and development within the patient’s chosen sport. Many typical sports related injuries may fade away over time, though they may well come back to haunt you in later life if not adequately treated.