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Sports Medicine 101: When to Seek a Specialist

Whether you’re a competitive sports player or someone who enjoys a casual jog, understanding when to seek out a specialist following an injury can significantly impact your health and performance. In our latest blog article, we delve into the realm of sports medicine, a crucial field dedicated to the comprehensive care of athletes and active individuals.

Keep reading to learn more about the expertise offered by sports medicine physicians and how they can help you stay at your best.

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a branch of medicine focused on the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. Specialists in this field not only address acute and chronic injuries but also work towards enhancing physical performance and ensuring overall wellness.

When to Visit a Sports Medicine Doctor

Injury Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Acute Injuries: Immediate care is crucial for injuries like sprains, fractures, and muscle tears. Quick, professional attention reduces recovery time and helps prevent complications.
  • Overuse Injuries: Conditions such as tendonitis or stress fractures develop over time and require specialized care to heal properly without causing long-term damage.

Injury Prevention

  • Sports medicine experts provide personalized advice on avoiding injuries based on your specific sport or activity, including proper techniques and the right equipment.
  • Conditioning programs designed by these specialists focus on key areas such as muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall endurance to safeguard against injuries.

Chronic Pain and Functional Concerns

  • Managing chronic pain and conditions like arthritis or back pain can significantly improve your daily comfort and athletic performance.
  • Sports medicine specialists tailor treatments that address these chronic issues while keeping you active and mobile.

Performance Improvements

  • If you’re looking to enhance your athletic abilities, sports medicine can offer advanced techniques and strategies, including strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and biomechanical assessments.
  • Personalized nutrition planning and recovery strategies are also crucial components of a well-rounded performance enhancement plan.

Exercise Guidance

  • Whether you’re starting a new fitness regimen or are a long-time athlete, getting professional guidance ensures your activities promote health without risking injury.
  • Sports medicine doctors provide exercise recommendations that match your health status and fitness goals, ensuring optimal safety and effectiveness.

Understanding the Roles in Sports Medicine

What is a Doctor of Sports Medicine Called?

A Sports Medicine Physician focuses on the holistic care of athletes, offering services that extend from rehabilitation to preventive advice and performance enhancement.

Difference Between a Sports Medicine Doctor and an Orthopedic Doctor

  • Sports Medicine Doctors: Specialize primarily in non-surgical treatments and cover a wide range of activities to prevent and manage injuries, as well as improve athletic performance.
  • Orthopedic Doctors: These specialists are surgeons focused on the musculoskeletal system, dealing with severe injuries and conditions that may require surgical intervention to restore function.

Why Choose Victoria Orthopedic Center?

At Victoria Orthopedic Center, our team of specialists combines their deep knowledge with a passion for sports and active lifestyles to provide you with the best care possible. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to elevate your performance, our team is here to support every step of your journey toward optimal health and athletic excellence.

As such, the next time you experience discomfort during exercise or are looking to step up your game, consider scheduling an appointment with Victoria Orthopedic Center. Let us help you live your healthiest life, filled with activity and achievement. 

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Dr. Robert Ryan Williams, M.D.

  • Diplomate of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship
  • Board Certified- Pending

 

Specializes In:

  • Hand & Upper Extremities
  • Lower Extremities
  • Joint Replacement
  • Sports Medicine
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Advanced Ligament Reconstruction
  • Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy
  • Hip, Knee and Ankle Arthroscopy
  • Carpal Tunnel/Trigger Finger
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Injuries
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Arthritis
  • Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Many other procedures
Dr. Followwill - Practicing orthopedic surgery for over 30 years and was the first in the Crossroads to be fellowship trained in Sports Medicine.

Dr. Jerry L. Followwill, M.D.

  • Diplomate of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship
  • Board Certified

Comittees Held:

  • The Surgery Center Governing Board Chairman 2000-2023
  • Detar Hospital Board of Trustees 2012-2017
  • Chairman Board of Trustees 2015
  • Vice Chairman Board of Trustees 2014

Specializes In:

  • Hand & Upper Extremities
  • Lower Extremities
  • Joint Replacement
  • Sports Medicine
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Advanced Ligament Reconstruction
  • Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy
  • Hip, Knee and Ankle Arthroscopy
  • Carpal Tunnel/Trigger Finger
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Injuries
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Arthritis
  • Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Many other procedures
Dr. Matey - Crossroads’ first certified orthopedic surgeon to perform the Anterior Hip Replacement.

Dr. Douglas A. Matey III., D.O.

  • Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
  • Board Certified
  • Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Fellowship

Comittees Held:

  • Detar Hospital Chief of Staff 2023-2025
  • The Surgery Center Governing Board Chairman 2023-Present
  • Vice Chief of Staff 2021-2023
  • Chairman Quality/Peer review committee 2021-2023
  • Secretary of Staff 2019-2022
  • Chief of Surgery and Chairman of Credential Committee 2019-2021

Specializes In:

  • Hand & Upper Extremities
  • Lower Extremities
  • Joint Replacement
  • Sports Medicine
  • Total Joint Replacement
  • Advanced Ligament Reconstruction
  • Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy
  • Hip, Knee and Ankle Arthroscopy
  • Carpal Tunnel/Trigger Finger
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Injuries
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Arthritis
  • Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Many other procedures
Dr. Binz - Crossroads’ only board certified hand surgeon.

Dr. Daniel Binz, M.D.

  • Fellow American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Orthopedic Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
  • Board Certified

Comittees Held:

  • Detar Hospital Chief of Surgery 2021-2023
  • Peer Review Committee 2019-Present
  • Trauma Committee 2019-Present

Specializes In:

  • Hand & Upper Extremities
  • Advanced Ligament Reconstruction
  • Shoulder, Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy
  • Carpal Tunnel/Trigger Finger
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Injuries
  • Hand & Wrist & Elbow Arthritis
  • Biceps Tendon Injuries
  • Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
  • Dupuytren’s Disease
  • Many other procedures