Similar to other appointments, visiting your sports medicine doctor for the first time can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect from your initial visit can help you overcome your jitters and finally step into a clinic for the help you need.
Your sports medicine doctor can help you maintain and improve the health of your muscles, bones, and joints, while also helping you improve your performance. Want to know what you should expect from your first visit to a sports medicine clinic? Learn more below!
Discuss Your Routine
If you’re an athlete, you are more likely to injure yourself due to the demands you place on your body. Repetitive motions can also cause damage to your joints and muscles. Your shoulders, wrists, elbows, and hands are all susceptible to injuries from sports. For example, tennis players often experience a condition called tennis elbow.
While you can certainly see a sports medicine doctor post-injury, it is better to see them before an injury occurs. Your sports medicine doctor should be well-versed in the risks associated with your activities. You will need to discuss your training regimen thoroughly. How do you train specifically? How often do you play? Are you usually very intense when it comes to working out? This information will help your doctor assess your overall physical health and condition, which will allow them to help you improve performance and reduce your risk of future injuries.
Discuss How And When You Got Hurt
One of the most common reasons why people visit a sports medicine doctor is to diagnose and treat an injury. When consulting with a sports medicine doctor about an injury, it is crucial to be as detailed as possible. Let your physician know how and when you got injured. The manner in which you got injured is key in identifying the type of injury you suffered. Your doctor will need to know this information to prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.
Describe Your Symptoms And Pain Level
During your first appointment with your sports medicine doctor, they will ask you to describe your pain level, as well as the other symptoms you’ve been experiencing. This is particularly true if you have symptoms that haven’t been diagnosed yet.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to understand your level of discomfort during various activities. They might also ask you to assume different positions and ask about your pain level in each one. This will help them identify the exact location of your injury and its severity.
It is important to tell your sports medicine doctor if you are unable to perform basic movements. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the intensity of your pain and other symptoms.
Talk About Past Injuries And Other Health Concerns
Aside from discussing your current health condition, your sports medicine doctor will also ask you to discuss your past health issues. These may include previous health problems and injuries. Long-time athletes have a higher risk of re-injury. This is why your sports medicine doctor may look into your previous health issues.
You also need to watch out for signs of other health complications related to your physical condition. For example, breathlessness, dizziness, and aching of the chest may indicate a more serious health condition. Your sports medicine doctor may also look into signs of heart problems, internal injuries, concussion, and asthma.
Another thing your physician will ask you about during your first appointment is your medication history. It is crucial to inform them about your current and past medications. This gives insight into which medications have helped you and which have not.
Your Sports Medicine Doctor
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. We specialize in orthopedic care for the upper extremity. This includes diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Our sports medicine doctors are board-certified and highly-trained in the areas of:
- Fracture care
- Non-surgical treatments
- Surgical treatments
- Sports medicine
Delaying treatment for an upper extremity injury or condition can lead to complications and a longer recovery. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. For your convenience, we also have locations at Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Westminster, and Baltimore. You may reach us at (410) 296-6232, or book an appointment online.
We look forward to providing you with the highest quality of care!
