Sports Medicine Doctor Q&A

Do you have a sports-related injury and need a sports medicine specialist?

At American Pain & Wellness, our team — led by experienced physicians — offers comprehensive care for individuals dealing with pain or injury related to sports, exercise, or physical activity. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to stay active without discomfort, we are here to support your recovery and overall well-being. Please contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.

What do sports medicine specialists do?

Sports medicine (also often called sports and exercise medicine) focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of injuries and conditions that arise from physical activity, athletics, or repetitive motion. Specialists in this field evaluate musculoskeletal injuries — such as sprains, strains, tendon and ligament problems, joint pain, and overuse injuries — as well as conditions related to overall physical fitness and performance. 

These specialists don’t just treat injuries: they also help restore function, guide rehabilitation, and create personalized plans for safe return to activity, improved performance, and long-term musculoskeletal health. 

What is the difference between a sports medicine doctor and an orthopedic doctor?

While both types of physicians may treat injuries to bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, their focus can differ significantly:

• A sports medicine doctor emphasizes comprehensive care, combining prevention, injury management, rehabilitation, and guidance for safe physical activity or athletic performance.

• An orthopedic doctor often focuses more heavily on surgical intervention and structural repair when required.

Importantly, many sports-related injuries — including sprains, strains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries — can be successfully managed without surgery. For this reason, sports medicine specialists play a critical role in non-operative care, safe rehabilitation, and prevention of re-injury. 

How can you heal sports injuries faster?

Recovery depends on many factors: the nature and severity of the injury, the overall health of the patient, and the care plan tailored by the specialist. Generally, expedited recovery involves:

• Proper rest and reducing stress on the injured area immediately following the incident.

• Managing swelling and inflammation early — using methods such as cold therapy, compression, and elevation when appropriate.

• A carefully structured rehabilitation program that includes progressive mobility, strengthening, and functional training under professional supervision.

• Monitoring recovery and adjusting activity levels carefully to avoid re-injury.

Our goal is to guide you safely back to your daily routine or athletic activities — minimizing downtime while ensuring full and sustainable recovery.

What is the best treatment for serious sports injuries?

Serious or structural injuries — such as fractures, dislocations, or significant ligament/tendon damage — require prompt medical evaluation. In such cases:

• An accurate diagnosis is essential (often via imaging or specialist assessment).

• Treatment may involve medications, immobilization, or — if indicated — referral to a surgical specialist.

• Rehabilitation becomes a critical component of recovery: physical therapy, gradual restoration of mobility, strength training, and functional retraining are all likely to be included.

• Close monitoring by the sports medicine team ensures optimal timing for return to work or sport, minimizing the risk of complications or re-injury.

Our team at American Pain & Wellness coordinates care to ensure continuity — from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation — offering a seamless recovery pathway.

What is the first aid for a sports injury?

If a sudden injury occurs during sports or exercise, prompt and appropriate first response can make a big difference. Basic first-aid recommendations include:

1. Immediately stop all activity to prevent further damage.

2. Use cold therapy (e.g., ice packs) to reduce pain and swelling — especially during the first 24–48 hours following the injury.

3. Employ compression (e.g., elastic bandage) to help stabilize the injured area and limit swelling.

4. Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart whenever possible to aid in reducing swelling and throbbing.

These measures support early healing and help reduce pain and inflammation, setting the stage for effective professional evaluation and treatment.

What are the causes of sports injuries?

Sports injuries may arise from a variety of factors, including:

• Improper training techniques, poor form, or insufficient warm-up/cool-down routines.

• Muscle, tendon, or ligament weakness, or imbalance in strength and flexibility.

• Unsuitable or poor-quality equipment, including footwear.

• Unsafe conditions — uneven playing surfaces, inadequate protection or support, sudden physical stress.

• Repetitive stress or overuse — particularly without proper rest, recovery, or conditioning.

• Rapid increases in training intensity or sudden changes in activity levels without proper adaptation.

Avoiding these risk factors — through proper technique, conditioning, equipment, and gradual progression — is central to preventing many common sports injuries.

Let American Pain & Wellness Help You Get Back in the Game

At American Pain & Wellness, our experienced team is ready to diagnose, treat, and guide your recovery — whether you are returning to sport, daily activities, or simply aiming for pain-free movement. Reach out today to schedule an evaluation and begin your path toward recovery, strength, and lasting wellness.