Sports medicine doctors are focused on helping athletes get back into the game. The “game” is probably the most important thing for any athlete, as they may neglect themselves, become fatigued, and develop overuse injuries. This, plus the traumatic injuries they can sustain while on the field or court, means they need specialized care. A sports medicine doctor has years of additional training which qualifies them to treat injured athletes and help prevent injury from happening again.
When you see a sports medicine doctor, you will get the most out of their services depending on what you put in. This means you need to be an active participant in your care. So,do you want to keep playing your sport and avoid being sidelined by an injury? We have created a guide on how to find a sports medicine doctor and how to maximize your visits with your physician.
Find the Best Sports Medicine Doctor for You
Start by researching sports medicine doctors in your area and look for someone who has experience working with athletes with your particular condition (whether it’s a shoulder injury, elbow injury, or ACL tear). You may also want to look for someone with experience in working with your particular sport. You can check your insurance provider, or your primary care physician, and ask for referrals from fellow athletes or sports enthusiasts. For the highest quality services, look for a sports medicine doctor with plenty of experience working with professional athletes.
Ask Questions
Questions lead to a discussion and help you get the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Examples of some helpful questions include:
- What caused my injury?
- How soon will the pain go away?
- How long can I expect my recovery to take?
- How will I know I am getting better?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to help with my recovery?
- What are the best exercises to help with my rehabilitation?
- Can I speed up my healing?
- Is there any food, drinks, medications, or supplements I should avoid while I am in recovery?
- How can I avoid this injury in the future?
Listen Carefully
Pay attention to what your sports medicine doctor is saying and ask for clarification if you don’t understand a topic or course of treatment. An injury can be tough for anyone, so if you are having difficulty focusing, take deep breaths and let your doctor know. Sports medicine doctors work with their patients and care for their recovery.They can even help athletes improve their athletic performance through individualized programs.
Your sports medicine doctor may recommend The Regenokine® Program. This revolutionary treatment is for injured athletes who want to avoid surgery or prolonged periods of rest and rehabilitation.. It involves using the patient’s own blood to create a serum containing anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors, which will be injected into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It can be very effective in treating golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and knee injuries.
Don’t Miss Your Follow-Up Appointments
Make sure to follow any instructions your doctor gives you after the appointment and don’t miss your follow-up appointments. These appointments are necessary for the sports medicine doctor to monitor your progress and determine whether the treatment is effective and your condition is improving at a normal rate.
Top Sports Medicine Doctor in Walnut Creek, California
Dr. Laura A. Timmerman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine treatments. Dr. Timmerman has a reputation for excellence and works with professional athletes and weekend warriors. In our clinic, we quickly diagnose the injury and use holistic, non-surgical methods to treat our patients, including the Regenokine® Program and biologics.
Dr. Timmerman’s experience and caring manner have made her one of the most sought-after sports medicine doctors in not just California, but also the rest of the country. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Timmerman, call our office today at (925) 952-4080 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
