Sports Medicine

Upper Extremity Specialists

Orthopedic Surgeons located in La Jolla, CA & Chula Vista, CA

If you’re an athlete at any level, you know that training and competing puts a lot of physical stress on your body. The repetitive movements needed during training to perfect your technique and the risk of collision during competition increase your risk of injuries. At Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group in La Jolla and Chula Vista, California, Kristopher Downing, MD, & Dr. James Andry, MD offer expert and customized sports medicine services to help you recover from or even prevent sports injuries. Call Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Specialists Medical Group or schedule a consultation online today.

Sports Medicine Q & A

What is sports medicine?

Sports medicine focuses on the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a professional, or play baseball on the company team, you put your body through specific physical stress that can lead to both acute injuries and repetitive use problems. 

At Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group, the team offers highly customized sports medicine procedures to enable you to continue to participate in your beloved sport. 

What are common sports injuries?

While participating in sports and athletic activities are excellent for your overall health, it does increase your risk of a variety of injuries. For example, some of the common sports injuries include:

  •       Sprains and strains
  •       Muscle tears 
  •       Ligament tears
  •       Tendonitis
  •       Bursitis
  •       Fractures

Many injuries are named after the sports that cause them, such as swimmer’s shoulder, golfer’s elbow, and tennis elbow. 

What are the benefits of working with a sports medicine specialist?

The team at Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group has extensive training and experience in sports medicine. 

After they perform a comprehensive exam to identify and locate your injury, they create customized and multimodal treatment plans to help you recover rapidly and safely. Your treatment plan may include:

  •       Physical therapy
  •       Bracing
  •       Compression
  •       Anti-inflammatory injections

Sports medicine specialists can also help you adjust your training routine to prevent future injuries and potentially improve your performance. 

How can I prevent sports injuries?

While sports injuries sometimes occur because of accidents that are out of your control, you can take steps to reduce your risk. 

For example, one of the most important things you can do is train correctly. That means taking time to warm up and cool down sufficiently. You also need to stretch and cross-train to work on your flexibility, as this allows you to react quickly and safely to sudden changes in direction. 

Also, don’t skip your recovery days. Your body needs time to repair itself and replenish your energy stores. 

If your sport requires it, always wear the appropriate safety gear and shoes. From mouthguards to spikes, sports equipment is designed to reduce your risk of injury. 

If you have questions about sports medicine, you have a sports injury, or you want expert advice and support to enhance your performance, call Upper Extremity Specialists of Ortho 1 Medical Group or make an appointment online today.