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In the field of sports medicine, there are numerous healthcare professionals who are available to help families and individuals get back on their feet. Each of these sports medicine doctors plays a crucial role in the treatment and recovery process. It is important for families to familiarize themselves with these different types of doctors so that they know which doctor to visit for their particular injury. What are a few examples of the different types of sports medicine doctors?
One of the first sports medicine doctors that families might visit is a primary care sports medicine doctor. This healthcare professional has completed a residency in primary care (either internal medicine, pediatrics, or family medicine) and has gone on to complete a fellowship specializing in sports medicine.
This doctor can treat a variety of ailments ranging from sprains and strains to joint injuries and more. Some sports medicine primary care doctors are also trained to perform joint injections to help with various types of joint pain. Importantly, primary care sports medicine doctors do not perform surgery.
The second type of sports medicine doctor is an orthopedic surgeon. This is a surgeon who specializes in bones and joints and has completed a residency in orthopedic surgery. If there is a sports ailment that requires surgery, the orthopedic surgeon is typically the doctor who handles it.
There are numerous types of surgical procedures that an orthopedic surgeon is trained to perform. Some of the common examples include repairing broken bones that have been displaced, performing hip or knee replacements, and even repairing torn ligaments such as the ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Some orthopedic surgeons also perform operations on the back. In some cases, people might even visit an orthopedic surgeon and be informed that they don't need surgery.
Some people might also visit a sports chiropractor for their sports-related injuries and ailments. A sports chiropractor has gone to a separate type of professional school and is called a doctor of chiropractic medicine. These healthcare professionals have specialized in spinal alignment and decompression. Those who have back pain and/or neck pain might find it helpful to visit a chiropractor.
In some situations, the alignment of the vertebrae might be a little bit off. This could lead to pinched nerves, poor posture, and problems competing in athletics. A sports chiropractor can perform a realignment procedure, opening up the vertebrae and relieving some of this pressure. This could be a critical step in healing sports injuries.
A physical therapist has a specialty degree in physical therapy. These professionals play a critical role in helping people recover from their injuries. Physical therapists can help individuals with their strength, mobility, and range of motion. One of the critical roles that physical therapists play is in helping people recover from surgery. Following a surgical procedure, individuals need to strengthen the muscles around the site of the surgical procedure. This is important for preventing re-injury. Physical therapists specialize in both injury recovery and injury prevention.
Those who are looking for a sports medicine doctor in Torrance should reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you. At Rolling Hills Medical, we have trained and experienced professionals that are able to serve the community from Los Angeles to Orange County. We can provide advanced medical care for a variety of sports injuries that can help people of all ages get back on their feet and compete once again. Therefore, if you have suffered a sports injury, reach out to us today at 424-250-8699 to make an appointment. Come and experience why so many people have trusted us with their sports needs!
