sports medicine

Sports Medicine is a branch of health care that focuses on the unique needs of amateur, professional and "weekend" athletes. The goal of sports medicine is to treat sports-related injuries and health issues, optimizing overall patient health and performance.

At the Oasis Center for Health, sports medicine is practiced by a doctor of osteopathic medicine, a physician whose concentration is in musculoskeletal disorders. The focus of treatment involves non-invasive, non-medicated approaches, geared toward the patient's diagnosis, lifestyle and goals.

Treatment Options

Because sports medicine covers many different needs and diagnoses, treatment options widely vary. Treatment can include therapeutic exercises, postural programs, manual therapy techniques, acupuncture, Chinese herbal and nutrition therapy.

Diagnoses

Specific reasons for seeing a physician who specializes in sports medicine includes, among others:

• Injury assessment and treatment of acute injuries (such as a sprained ankle, muscle strain or back pain) or overuse injuries (such as a repetitive strain disorder)
• Gynecological issues related to high sports involvement (osteoporosis concerns, change in menstruation, change in hormones)
• Healthy lifestyle counseling
• Injury prevention counseling
• Assistance in decreasing fatigue and increasing endurance
• Treatment or overall care for someone with a chronic illness wanting to participate in sports