The short answer is no. Sports medicine is a specialized branch of orthopedic care that deals with maintaining and treating your bones, muscles, joints, and other areas that can be injured while engaging in physical activity.
After completing medical school, every sports medicine doctor is specially trained in one or more of the following areas of medicine:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine (adult medicine)
- Emergency medicine
This background makes them qualified general practitioners who can provide medical care for patients of all ages. Let’s talk about why you would want to see a sports medicine doctor, and where you can go for an evaluation, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries.
Who Should See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
If you fall into one or more of the following categories, it is in your best interest to have a sports doctor as a key part of your personal medical team:
Physically Active Kids and Adults
People who live very active lifestyles are prone to injuries. These active people are likely to occasionally suffer a muscle strain or a ligament sprain, and mild cases of these injuries usually heal on their own. However, if the pain persists, it’s time to seek medical help from a sports medicine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
A sports doctor can also help you prevent injury in your sport or activity of choice. The physician will explain how to keep key muscles strong and how to prevent awkward movements that can cause an injury.
People Who Have Been Injured in an Activity
Improper form and technique or overexertion can lead to acute or repetitive-motion injuries, whether the injury was caused by playing tennis or from typing all day at your job. A sports medicine doctor can show you how to prevent injuries while exercising or working, and the physician can also repair an injury.
This doctor will also give direction regarding how an injury can heal most efficiently. Different injuries respond well to different methods.
People with Musculoskeletal Issues
In addition to healing injuries, sports medicine doctors can diagnose, treat, and monitor a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including the following:
- Arthritis
- Wrist and hand pain
- Shoulder problems
- Muscle and tendon strains
- Ligament sprains
- Fractures
Trusted Sports Medicine Doctor in Baltimore, Maryland
If you have experienced a sports-, exercise-, or musculoskeletal-related injury in or around your arm, the medical team here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is here to help. Our board-certified orthopedic doctors are committed to ensuring your fast and full recovery.
We have offices located in Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, Westminster, and Baltimore for your convenience. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our world-class physicians, contact our caring staff today by calling us at (410) 296-6232. You can also fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to giving you a helping hand!
