Sports Medicine at OMGTB

What Is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a specialized branch of orthopaedics that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses related to physical activity and sports participation.

Sports medicine encompasses a team of professionals including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals who collaborate to provide comprehensive care for athletes and physically active individuals.

The field of sports medicine is essential not only for treating injuries but also for promoting overall health and well-being among people engaged in physical activity, ranging from professional athletes to weekend warriors and individuals pursuing an active lifestyle.

Common Sports Injuries

Our sports medicine providers at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay can treat acute injuries and chronic conditions that may develop over time from repetitive stress. Common sports injuries include:

Tendon strains/tears
Ligament sprains/tears
Soft tissue injuries
Fractures
Dislocations

Sports Medicine Treatments &
Procedures

Physical Therapy

In case of an injury, sports medicine professionals such as sports medicine surgeons, physician assistants, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, play a crucial role in managing the rehabilitation process. They develop individualized rehabilitation plans, monitor progress, and safely guide athletes back to their sports and other activities of daily living. Orthopaedic Medical Group offers physical therapy services in three locations. The teamwise approach we use in the office extends to our physical therapists. This means your surgeon can easily keep up with your progress after surgery and individualize your treatment plan to ensure the fastest recovery.

Brandon Healthplex

10740 Palm River Rd, Suite 310, Tampa, FL 33619

813-359-1891

Fishhawk

13837 Circa Crossing Dr, Suite 210, Lithia, FL 33547

813-536-7622

St Petersburg

2805 54th Ave N, St Petersburg, FL 33714

727-306-0459

Bracing

Bracing in sports medicine is important for several reasons, as it plays a significant role in preventing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries related to physical activity and sports participation. Braces are specialized devices designed to support and stabilize specific body parts, providing extra protection and enhancing the recovery process. Here are some key reasons why bracing is important in sports medicine:

Post-Injury Support: When athletes or active individuals sustain injuries, braces can aid in the recovery process by limiting motion in the affected area, promoting proper healing, and preventing further damage. For example, a knee brace can stabilize a previously injured knee during rehabilitation exercises.
Pain Relief: Braces can help alleviate pain associated with chronic conditions or overuse injuries. They can provide compression and support to reduce discomfort and inflammation, allowing individuals to continue their activities with reduced pain.
Return to Play: Some sports braces, such as those designed for specific joints, can improve stability and proprioception (awareness of body position), which may enhance an athlete’s performance and confidence during training and competition.
Non-Surgical Management: In certain cases, bracing can serve as an alternative to surgery for mild to moderate injuries. It offers a conservative approach to managing certain conditions and can be effective in avoiding surgical intervention.

It is important to note that the use of braces in sports medicine should be done under the guidance and recommendation of qualified healthcare professionals, such as sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, or athletic trainers. At your visit, ask your sports medicine provider about our options for custom and off-the-shelf bracing.

Biologics

Biological approaches to treat orthopaedic injuries seek to improve clinical outcomes by promoting tissue regeneration and healing. These approaches can be used in isolation or as an augment to surgical interventions. They include, but are not limited to, preparations of growth factors, autologous blood products, and cells. Click below to learn more about our available options:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

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Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentration (BMAC)

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Sports Medicine Surgery

Some injuries can be managed through conservative treatment, whereas others, such as impact injuries, require surgical intervention. We aim to provide the most conservative level of care possible. If surgery is indicated, one of our highly trained sports medicine physicians will discuss surgical options with you in the office. Some of our common procedures include:

ACL & Multi-ligamentous Surgery
Meniscus Repair
Rotator Cuff Repair
UCL Reconstruction
Labral Repair
Cartilage Restoration

Injury Prevention

Injury prevention is a crucial aspect of sports medicine that focuses on reducing the risk of sports-related injuries or minimizing their severity. It involves various strategies, interventions, and education aimed at promoting safe sports participation, optimizing athletic performance, and preserving the overall well-being of athletes and physically active individuals. Here are some key components of injury prevention in sports medicine:

Proper Training and Conditioning: Sports medicine professionals develop structured training programs that focus on gradually building an athlete’s strength, endurance, flexibility, and technique. Following a well-designed training regimen can help athletes avoid overuse injuries and improve their performance.
Warm-up and Cool-down Routines: Athletes are encouraged to perform warm-up exercises before starting their activity to increase blood flow, improve joint mobility, and prepare muscles for the demands of the sport. Similarly, cooling down with stretching exercises after activity can aid in reducing muscle soreness and enhance flexibility.
Sports-specific Techniques: Sports medicine experts provide guidance on correct sports-specific techniques and body mechanics to minimize the risk of acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
Injury Education: Athletes, coaches, and parents can benefit from education on injury prevention strategies, recognizing signs of potential injuries, and knowing when to seek medical attention.
Hydration and Nutrition: Proper hydration and balanced nutrition are essential for maintaining optimal performance and preventing heat-related illnesses and fatigue during physical activity.
Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest and recovery periods are crucial for preventing overuse injuries and allowing the body to repair itself after intense training or competition.

Our Sports Medicine Outreach

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care and services to athletes and individuals of all ages. As part of our commitment to the community, we actively engage in outreach programs, particularly with local high schools, and host free physical events for athletes.

Outreach Services to Local High Schools

We are proud to partner with local high schools to provide specialized orthopedic outreach services. Our team of experienced sports medicine physicians, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, and physical therapists collaborates with school administrators, coaches, and athletes to promote safe and successful sports participation.

Sports Physical Events

To support the health and well-being of our local athletes, we organize free physical events. These events are open to all student-athletes and are designed to promote physical fitness, identify potential health issues, and encourage safe sports participation.

During these events, athletes can expect:

Comprehensive Physical Examinations: Our expert medical team performs thorough physical examinations, assessing cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal function, and overall fitness to ensure athletes are in optimal condition for their chosen sports.
Injury Risk Screening: We use advanced assessment tools to identify any risk factors for potential injuries, allowing us to provide personalized recommendations to enhance injury prevention efforts.
Personalized Health Guidance: Athletes receive personalized health and fitness advice, including nutrition tips, injury prevention exercises, and recommendations for maintaining peak athletic performance.

At our orthopedic practice, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our community’s athletes. Through our outreach services and free physical events, we strive to empower athletes to pursue their passions safely and confidently. Our goal is to be a trusted partner in their journey towards better health, improved performance, and injury-free sports participation.