I have a sports injury, but I'm not a professional athlete; should I still see a sports medicine specialist?
Yes. Sports medicine specialists provide care for athletes of all levels, from amateur student athletes to weekend warriors to professional athletes in all types of sports, as well as people who may not consider themselves athletes but still want to preserve optimum function of muscles and joints.
What if my injury is not sports-related? Should I still see a sports medicine doctor?
Yes, especially if you enjoy any type of physical activity. A sports medicine specialist understands the unique stresses and strains on joints and soft tissues like tendons and ligaments and can provide treatments aimed at helping these structures return to their normal function as quickly as possible.
What types of treatments are used for sports injuries?
Dr. Rao offers a wide array of treatments for sports injuries; the treatments that are best for you depends on the type and location of the injury as well as your own goals and physical health. Some of the treatments include:
osteopathic manipulative treatment
physical therapy
platelet-rich plasma injections
corticosteroid injections
Can I put ice on my injury?
Most types of orthopedic and sports injuries may initially respond well to ice, which helps reduce inflammation so more effective healing can take place. However, putting ice on an injury is no substitute for a thorough evaluation by a doctor, and in most cases, the relief from icing is only temporary. Dr. Rao can help you develop a complete care plan following your evaluation, which may involve application of ice or heat, rest, gentle stretching or other activities based on your specific injury as well as diagnostic imaging to determine the need for more extensive medical care.
