Sports Injuries Specialist

What kind of injuries are classified as a sports injury?

In general, sports injuries can include any kind of injury related to sports play, other high-impact physical activity, or training. Some of the most common kinds of sports injury can include:

• Strains, muscle or tendon injuries like a hamstring strain
• Sprains, ligament injuries like an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
• Rotator cuff tears
• Bone fractures
• Dislocations

Sports injuries can also include repetitive use injuries, such as shin splints. Sports injuries are quite common due to the strain that physical activity can place on your body. But, the good news is, this type of injury is easy to treat and even prevent.

What should I do after a sports injury?

Reach out to Elite Medical Center as soon as possible so you can minimize the damage by starting a recovery plan right away. In the meantime, put the RICE protocol into effect. 

• Rest the injury, even if it's not very painful right now
• Ice the injury, in 10-20 minute intervals
• Compress the injury gently, using light elastic bandages
• Elevate the injury unless it worsens your pain

If you're in pain, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help until you make it to Elite Medical Center for treatment.

How do you treat sports injuries?

Elite Medical Center takes an integrative approach to sports medicine, so it's common for your treatment to include several approaches. The goal is to repair the underlying damage, which in turn relieves your pain and allows a return to normal function. Treatment may include:

• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle changes, including sports gear changes as-needed
• Ultrasound therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Anti-inflammatory (oral) medication

If you don't heal (and get the pain relief you need) quickly, the Elite Medical Center team might recommend cutting-edge regenerative medicine treatments that research suggests can accelerate the healing process. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)  can encourage natural healing by restoring the damaged ligament, tendon, muscle, or other tissue naturally. 

Integrative medical care at Elite Medical Center can heal your sports injury and stop your pain so you can return to full activity as quickly as possible. Call the office or use the scheduling tool now.