5 Sports Medicine Tips to Keep You Playing Your Best
Sports medicine is a specialty that focuses on keeping athletes healthy before and after an injury. A sports medicine specialist trains in various sports injuries and treatments that help you heal quickly so you can get back on the field after hurting yourself.
Dr. Steven J Svabek and our team at Steven J Svabek, DO, PA, in Coral Springs, Florida,
are well-versed in sports medicine treatments. Whether you're looking to prevent an injury or you're already hurt, Dr. Svabek offers a fast diagnosis and cutting-edge treatments to get you back on your feet in no time.
Common sports injuries
Basketball, soccer, and football are great sports to play, no matter your age. However, these sports take a toll on your body; if you're not careful, you'll get hurt.
Playing sports is a wonderful pastime where you have fun and stay in shape. But there’s also a chance for you to injure yourself, especially when you're not prepared. Several injuries can happen when you play sports, including:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Joint injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- ACL tears
- Achilles tendon injuries
All of these injuries can be mild or severe. Sprains and strains usually heal within a week or so, while broken bones and joint injuries can take several months to get back to normal.
The best way to avoid sports injuries is to visit a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Svabek and prepare for the sport you're playing.
Tips to help you play your best
Dr. Svabek wants you to enjoy your sport instead of worrying about getting hurt. Here he offers several tips to keep you playing your absolute best:
1. Make sure you rest
Doing too much physical activity is possible, especially when you're passionate about your sport. Rest is a crucial part of being an athlete. Make sure you let your body and muscles rest between games, practice, and training.
2. Always warm up
Warming up is an overlooked part of playing sports. Going into a game with muscles you’ve yet to stretch is a recipe for disaster. Always warm up with stretching or light cardio before starting practice or play.
3. Know the rules
Know the rules of the game you're playing. Rules for sports are in place to keep you and everyone involved in the game safe. Review the rules before you step onto the field to stay healthy while enjoying your activity.
4. Wear protective equipment
Protective equipment like helmets, face shields, and padding is essential for your safety. These protective measures help protect your head and other parts of your body from serious injury, especially in contact sports.
5. Stay flexible
Flexibility is critical to injury prevention and maintaining peak performance. Keeping your muscles, tendons, and ligaments warmed up and flexible is the best way to be at the top of your game and prevent injuries like sprains and strains.
When to seek help for an injury
It's not uncommon to play sports and suffer an injury. Even professional athletes with the proper conditioning and training sometimes get hurt.
If you think you've injured yourself during a game, the first thing to do is stop playing and ask for help. Get yourself to the bench and get evaluated by the trainer or a medical provider.
For a minor injury, apply ice to the area and take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. Your trainer may recommend putting a compression wrap on your injury to help relieve pain and decrease inflammation.
It’s best to take a break from your activity until your pain subsides or a medical professional clears you to keep playing.
If you have a more severe injury, such as a fracture or head injury, you must head to the emergency room immediately. More significant injuries require a sports medicine specialist like Dr. Svabek.
When you find yourself with a moderate to severe sports injury, Dr. Svabek provides state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and customized treatment plans to get you back to your sport as soon as possible. He offers conservative treatments as well as surgical procedures when you have a sports injury.
If you're an athlete and you’re injured, don't hesitate to call our office at 954-466-9140 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Svabek or request an appointment online.