Sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries that result from physical activity and exercise. A sports medicine doctor treats patients of all ages, and they support both casual exercisers and competitive athletes. Care often extends beyond physical performance to include guidance on movement, recovery, and long-term physical health. Here are some services a sports medicine doctor offers:
Radio Frequency Ablation
Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure that uses heat to target specific nerves. The heat comes from radio waves delivered through a thin needle. Before treatment, your doctor locates the nerves that carry pain signals, usually with imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Once the needle is in place, the tip warms and interrupts the nerve’s ability to send those signals. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes place in an outpatient setting. You stay awake, though a local anesthetic numbs the treatment area. Many patients return home the same day. RFA is often used for chronic pain in the neck, lower back, and larger joints when other treatments have not resolved the discomfort.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to promote tissue repair and reduce pain. A doctor draws a small sample and places it in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speed. This separates the platelets and plasma from the red and white blood cells. Platelets contain growth factors, which are proteins involved in the body’s natural repair processes.
After the concentrated platelets are ready, the doctor injects them into the injured tendon, ligament, or joint. Imaging guidance directs the needle to the exact spot. Since PRP comes from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction stays low. Doctors use PRP to treat conditions such as tendon injuries, ligament strains, and certain forms of osteoarthritis. Recovery instructions vary, and your doctor will explain any activity limits after the procedure.
Joint Injections
Joint injections deliver medication directly into or around a joint. A sports medicine doctor uses these to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation in areas such as the knee and shoulder. Several types exist, and the choice depends on your diagnosis and history.
Corticosteroid injections combine an anti-inflammatory medication with a local anesthetic. The steroid targets inflammation, while the anesthetic offers short-term numbing at the site. Hyaluronic acid injections are another option, often used for knee osteoarthritis. This substance resembles a fluid that occurs naturally in your joints and helps with lubrication.
Your doctor will discuss how many injections are appropriate over a given period, since repeated steroid use has limits. Some patients feel temporary soreness at the site, and this typically eases within a few days. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to monitor your response to treatment.
Visit a Sports Medicine Clinic
A sports medicine doctor offers a range of procedures, from radio frequency ablation and platelet-rich plasma to joint injections. Each treatment addresses different concerns, and the right choice depends on your diagnosis and activity goals. During a consultation, a doctor will examine your condition and explain which services fit your situation. If you have ongoing joint or muscle pain, schedule an appointment with a sports medicine clinic today.
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