WHAT IS SPORTS MEDICINE?

By: David Zhu, MD

Some of the most common conditions in this field include tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, labrum tears, meniscus injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and other muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries.

We most commonly hear about Sports Medicine when an injury happens to a professional athlete, but Sports Medicine injuries can occur in all levels of physical activity, from overuse injuries around the house, to weekend warriors, to “industrial athletes” working in heavy-duty jobs. Regardless of the level of intensity, it is important for the doctor to have a discussion with the patient about expectations and goals, in order to develop a personalized treatment plan to return them to their activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Although Sports Medicine is a branch of orthopedic surgery, surgical treatment is rarely the only option offered to patients. For many conditions, there are non-surgical options such as medication or physical therapy which can provide significant improvement. Orthopedic surgeons also work with a variety of nonsurgical specialists, from athletic trainers to therapists to medical doctors, to ensure that more conservative options are explored before recommending surgery. Even when surgery is necessary, Sports Medicine procedures can be done in a minimally-invasive manner. Shoulder and knee surgeries are often performed arthroscopically, using a camera and specialized instruments through small holes in the skin. There is less cutting than in an open procedure, and the surgical scars are less noticeable. These procedures are outpatient, allowing patients to go home directly after surgery. Modern advances in surgical techniques and equipment allow surgeons to perform increasingly complex procedures, which years ago would have required lengthy stays in the hospital.

In addition to surgical techniques, specific rehabilitation protocols are an essential part of helping patients return to their activities. For an ACL reconstruction, for example, patients may see a physical therapist for “prehab” before surgery, then begin the rehab process starting the first day after surgery. They are guided through a gradual protocol, working in stages on mobility, then strengthening, then progressing to sportspecific exercises and full return to play. Additionally, with advances in technology, patients’ progress can be monitored day-to-day, based on their physical activity measures such as step count and walking speed. What sets Sports Medicine specialists apart, however, is not just knowing how to make a diagnosis or perform a procedure, but also balancing the many complex factors involved in getting a patient back in the game. For athletes, this means understanding where they are in their season, what their career aspirations are, and how many chances they have left to compete; it also requires clear communication with everyone invested in the athlete’s well-being, including family members, coaches, trainers, or even professional agents. For non-athletes, this means working with them from the first visit to develop a personalized plan to return to work, hobbies, or just everyday activities, and guiding them through the uncertainty surrounding a new injury. After a patient’s successful recovery, the role of the Sports Medicine specialist transitions to education: by developing a relationship with the patient, and teaching health maintenance and injury prevention, the goal is to not only get them back in the game (or on the job), but also ensuring they have the best chance of staying there.

Dr. David Zhu is an orthopedic surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist based in Glen Carbon. More information about Sports Medicine procedures, rehab protocols, and his practice can be found at ILSWOrtho.net.