The rising significance of sports medicine

                                                                                         

There is nothing new about sports medicine. In fact, it has been around for a long time. But, these days, the demand for specialists in this field is growing like never before. You might be tempted to think that this is because of the introduction of newer forms of sport. Far from it.

The single reason for the prominence of sports medicine is that a generation of baby boomers is growing old but refusing to slow down. As a result, these weekend warriors are clamoring for - and getting - the very best in medical care.

In the 1920’s, when sports medicine was born, treatment methods were reserved for serious sportspeople. But, in the early 1970’s, there was a sudden spurt in the desire for complete physical fitness. A large number of people began to pursue tough physical fitness programs seriously. More sportspeople led to more injuries, which in turn led to developments in sports medicine.

These days, there are a large number of sports activities for the recreational sportsperson. Marathons, trialthons, and adventure sports have led to an amazing increase in the number of recreational sportsmen and women. These people are more likely to get injured, particularly after they cross the age of 40. According to doctors, the bulk of their business comes from the neo-sportspeople, not from seasoned, high-profile athletes. These sports enthusiasts who may have torn a ligament running a weekend marathon or playing volleyball at the beach are willing to pay any amount of money so long as the injury is treated.

Luckily for doctors, sports medicine is undergoing exciting changes as new technologies make it possible to get to the roots of the most complicated problems and heal them. Procedures that were once deemed impossible are now common. Many treatment procedures that were available to world class athletes are now available to the recreational athlete.

Most sports injuries are due to overwork. Many weekend warriors forget that their bodies have a limit. They go out one day in the week and test the limits of their body. “Probably more than half the soccer teams out there have ligament tears or even disc problems that restricts their movement”, says Dr Bankson who works at an Orthopedic Clinic in the US.

The most common injuries include stress factures, shoulder injuries, ACL tears, foot and ankle problems, hand and wrist pain, cartilage and spine problems. So far, the speed with which these recurring injuries are treated and their effectiveness have been nothing short of impressive.

Sports medicine is a boon for many, regardless of whether they are a soccer mom or a serious Olympic contender. In the past, a torn ligament could well be the end of the line for a sportsperson. But, with the advent of new technologies, sportspeople only need to take a short break after which they can continue to play for the rest of their lives. Even the recreational sportsperson can demand treatment that allows them to enjoy their chosen sport well into their old age.

About the author:
Sports Medicine Round Rock - Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates offers comprehensive health services for athletic and non-athletic injuries and illnesses. Our physicians specialize in different areas including orthopedic surgery, Sports medicine and rehabilitation.

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