Center for Sports Medicine Doctors: Expert Care for Active Lives

Center for Sports Medicine Doctors

Center for Sports Medicine Doctors

Welcome to Chattanooga's leading sports medicine and orthopedic care center. Offering 11 easily accessible locations throughout Chattanooga, North Georgia, and neighboring regions, we deliver cutting-edge sports medicine, orthopedics, surgical procedures, proactive injury intervention, physical and occupational rehabilitation, and sports-specific conditioning.

Our scale, proficiency, and background enable us to cooperate, exchange insights, and deliver specialized methods in an unprecedented manner. Each therapist specializes in their own area of ​​expertise, honing the skills and experience necessary to become an expert in their field. Employing state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced technology, our group of orthopedic surgeons attains outstanding outcomes supported by outstanding patient support. If you are unable or unemployed to work, we are committed to getting you back to doing what you love.

More Informatics Q&As.

Q.1: What is the difference between a chiropractor and a sports medicine physician? 

Ans: When orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors treat orthopedic problems, their basic training and focus differ. When orthopedic surgeons complete surgical residencies, they are experts in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for joints, muscles, and joints, as well as complex procedures such as joint replacement bones. Sports medicine physicians, who often have a primary care background, specialize in non-surgical management, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and enhancing function for the people they serve. Frequently, they will recommend you consult with orthopedic surgeons should surgical intervention be required.

Q.2: How do I see a sports medicine doctor? 

Ans: To see a sports medicine specialist, you can usually start by asking your health insurance provider to understand the referral requirements. While many plans offer direct access to specialists, others may require a referral from a primary care physician. You can then find sports centers or clinics in your area and make an appointment. Some centers also offer emergency care or ambulatory services for serious injuries. Always confirm with the hospital about their specific underwriting procedures and approved insurance plans.

Q.3: What types of injuries do sports medicine doctors treat? 

Ans: While sports medicine doctors treat many musculoskeletal injuries, they are not limited to athletes. This usually results in serious injuries such as sprains (ligament injuries), strains (muscle or tendon injuries), sprains, and strains. It also manages chronic conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, stress fractures, and overuse syndromes. In addition, they are equipped to deal with concussions, provide pre-participation physiques, and provide guidance on safe exercise and injury prevention.

Q.4: Do sports medicine doctors perform surgery? 

Ans: In general, sports medicine doctors primarily focus on non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation. Their expertise is in palliative care management such as physical therapy medications, injections, braces, and activity modification. Despite knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and mechanisms of injury, they generally do not perform surgery themselves. If a patient’s condition warrants surgery, a sports medicine physician will work with them and make a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

Q.5: Who benefits the most from seeing a sports medicine doctor? 

Ans: Anyone who leads an active lifestyle or has a musculoskeletal injury can benefit from seeing a sports medicine physician. This includes competitive athletes, recreational athletes, individuals involved in physically demanding activities, or even everyday work-related injuries. Their holistic approach focuses not only on treating pain but also on understanding the patient’s functional goals, preventing future injuries, and optimizing overall body function and function.

Q.6: Which diagnostic instruments are utilized by sports medicine doctors? 

Ans: Sports medicine doctors use several tools to accurately diagnose injuries. This often includes a thorough physical examination, which is important to assess range of motion, strength, and pain. They often order X-rays for bone abnormalities or fractures, magnetic resonance imaging scans to look more closely at soft tissues like ligaments and tendons, and ultrasounds to examine physical and collected fluids. Blood tests can also be used to rule out other health conditions.

Q.7: How do sports medicine doctors help in rehabilitation? 

Ans: Physicians specializing in sports medicine are crucial in overseeing recovery programs. After identifying an injury, they often write and review physical therapy plans tailored to the individual’s specific needs and career goals. They monitor progress, modify treatment plans, and provide education on proper mechanics and a gradual return to activity. Their goal is to restore strength, flexibility, balance, and function, ensuring a safe and effective recovery and reducing the risk of re-injury.

Q.8: Can sports medicine doctors help with chronic pain? 

Ans: Yes, sports medicine doctors are well-equipped to help with chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially when it comes from overuse, repetitive strain, or chronic stress after a serious injury. They are focusing on the roots of chronic pain. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach that combines physical therapy, targeted injections, pain management techniques, and guidance for activity modification for long-term relief.

Q.9: How does a medical doctor differ from a physical therapist? 

Ans: A sports medicine physician diagnoses and treats injuries and conditions, and prescribes medications, injections, and comprehensive treatment plans. A physical therapist is a licensed physical therapist who focuses on restoring movement, function, and quality of life through therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and other methods. A sports medicine physician provides overarching diagnosis and treatment recommendations, while a physical therapist conducts manual rehabilitation planning, under the guidance and direction of the physician.

Q.10: Do clinical pharmacists work with athletic trainers? 

Ans: Yes, collaboration between sports medicine doctors and athletic trainers is common and very beneficial, especially in competitive sports environments. Under the direction of a sports medicine doctor, athletic trainers deliver urgent treatment on the playing surface, identify physical harm, and manage recovery regimens. It acts as a vital link between the athlete, physician, and coaches, ensuring ongoing communication and adherence to the treatment plan and facilitating a safe return to sporting time.