Sports medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. While the term “sports medicine” can apply to athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, or other physicians who treat physically active individuals, it more often refers to those involved in promoting healthy bodies through proper diet and exercise.
Sports medicine includes the study of overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress fractures, and how to treat them. It also involves helping athletes prevent injuries by recommending appropriate equipment or warm-up routines before exercise. Sports physicians can work with professional athletes in a variety of capacities. You need the best Portland sports medicine physician for the best treatment. Here is how you can go about your search to end up with only the best candidates.
- Get Referrals
The first thing you need to do is ask those close to you for referrals. Physicians who have treated family and friends for their sports injuries will often be the most understanding of your concerns and provide you with the best treatment options. They will also pass on information about their experience with each physician and whether they seemed knowledgeable and friendly.
- Check Their Credentials
After you have a list of potential sports injury physicians, start by contacting their office to ask about their training and credentials. They should be able to tell you which university they attended for medical school, as well as the name of the hospital where they completed their residency program. You can then contact those institutions to confirm that they completed their education. Many hospitals also provide information on their staff online, including those specializing in sports medicine.
- Consider Experience
After contacting the prospective sports injury physicians’ places of education, reach their current practice to inquire about the percentage of time they dedicate to treating sports injuries. They should provide you with this information or direct you to someone who can. It would be best to ask them what percentage of their patients are professional athletes. Those with primarily local clients may not have the experience you are looking for.
- Hospital Quality
In addition to checking on an individual sports injury physician’s credentials, you should also consider the hospital they work for. Make sure it has a spotless record when it comes to reports from the Department of Public Health. If the hospital has been cited for violating regulations or putting patients at risk, you will want to avoid physicians who practice there.
- Communication Style
The relationship between you and your sports injury physician is one of trust. When you first contact them with questions, make sure they are willing to provide thorough answers respectfully. They should always answer any question you have or refer you to someone who can if necessary. You will also want an athletic trainer who responds promptly with clear instructions that you can understand.
In summary, sports medicine is a branch that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. To find the right sports medicine physicians, you should consider their communication style, experience, and credentials. You should also check the hospital quality and ask for referrals.