Primary Care Sports Medicine

Primary care sports medicine physicians are the first line of defense before your injury is escalated to an orthopedic surgeon. They provide non-operative treatment options to our patients. Perhaps you have continuing knee pain after your dog ran into your leg a week and a half ago. Or you’re having arch pain when running, you would come to a sports medicine doctor first, and they will evaluate your issue and determine if some simple steps can mitigate further injury or if your injury is severe enough to see an orthopedic surgeon.

Primary care sports medicine doctors see patients for concussions. Concussions – whether due to a car accident or sports accident, can be scary. However, with the right management and treatment, most can return to their activities gradually.

Perhaps you signed up for your first 5k or half marathon, a sports medicine physician work with you to get an overall picture of your health and prescribe an exercise regimen.

A primary care sports medicine doctor with a family medicine background considers a patient's overall health. They look at their chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and take that into account to discuss the patient’s overall health and physical activity.

They also take into consideration family dynamics and mental health. They work with patients to set realistic expectations given all the variables. Remember health isn’t just about the visual difference but also the improvements to invisible factors.

Both are trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports medicine physicians specialize in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, but orthopedic surgeons are they are also trained in the operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

That being said, around 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. A primary care sports medicine physician can maximize non-operative treatment and provide referrals to physical and occupational therapy, and if necessary orthopedic sports surgeon for operative treatment. 

Primary care sports medicine physicians are also trained and provide medical care for the non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine. Examples of this are concussions, patients with chronic medical conditions or acute illness, nutrition, supplements, exercise prescriptions, injury prevention, “Return to Play” decisions in sick/injured athletes, and healthy lifestyle promotion.

We see patients of all ages who are looking to improve their performance, enhance their overall health, prevent or address an injury or are interested in maintaining physical health throughout their lives.

Before you pick up a new sport or exercise routine, increase your training regimen or make any changes to your diet or fitness routine, it is important to understand what additional measures need to be taken so that you not only meet your goals but also prevent over stressing your body and preventing injuries. You can do this by visiting a primary care sports medicine physician.

The most common injuries seen are generally overuse injuries and can be caused by either occupation, hobbies, or physical activity.  Common examples are neck/back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, runner’s knee, ankle sprains, foot arch pain, etc.

Depending on the goal, there will be a different exercise prescription provided. Is the goal to better cardiovascular strength, increase flexibility or build musculoskeletal strength?

Each goal has a different way of approaching exercise. It isn’t always about exercise. Other important factors include nutrition, rehab exercises, and general prevention. Because our doctors have a background in Family Medicine, they cannot help but consider our patient's overall wellness, especially since any underlying health conditions can have a major effect on one’s ability to achieve one's goal.