Sports (or sports) refers to any kinds of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual competition, aim to employ, develop or enhance certain physical skill and ability while also providing entertainment for participants, and at times, spectators. There are many different kinds of sports. The most popular ones include ice hockey, American football, rugby, Australian football, tennis, polo, basket ball, sprinting, cricket, bowling, rugby league, hockey, soccer, motor racing, track running, motorcycling and motor biking. Some sports also combine some or all of these different sports activities in one competition.
Each sport has its own rules and regulations that need to be followed, including equipment, protective gear, medical treatment, goal scoring, etc. It is therefore important that each participant maintains the proper equipment, including shoes and protective padding, while participating in the sport they are participating in. As well, certain types of protective gear may be required for certain sports depending on the type of equipment used. Sports that require a lot of diving or falling are especially prone to injuries that can require sports medicine healthcare providers to be present on site to treat any injuries that occur during play. These sports should be monitored by a doctor, preferably a sports medicine specialist, to ensure that any injuries are treated appropriately and then rehabilitation starts to ensure the participant is back active as soon as possible.
Injuries are common in sports and occur either out of the participant’s control or as the result of an unavoidable circumstance. For example, if a participant falls hard onto the ice during a game, he may suffer a broken foot that will take time to heal and may cause additional pain and discomfort. This is why it is crucial that sports medicine healthcare providers be on site every time an injury occurs, in order to treat any injuries that might occur, as well as manage any other conditions that might occur as a result of the injury.
Another benefit of sports medicine healthcare providers is that they can prevent further injuries from occurring through preventative measures. For instance, during the off season when the sports season is mostly over, players should not play while still wearing the appropriate protective gear. Regular check-ups with a sports medicine specialist will help them monitor any injuries their patients may have and should be trained in treating any conditions that can promote sports related illnesses or injuries, such as osteoarthritis, whiplash and repetitive strain injuries. Preventative care for injuries can also help a sports team preserve its players’ performances. For example, if a player is injured, it is important for him to rest properly and not overexert himself until he has fully recovered.
With advancements in medical science and technology, many injuries that were once treatable with medication or simple rest can now be treated through sports medicine. For example, shampoos, creams and ointments often contain steroids which can help treat skin rashes and other symptoms associated with sports accidents, but are not considered to be an approved treatment when it comes to sports. In contrast, some sports medicine treatments, such as cortisone shots, do not require a prescription since they are used to treat mild and acute injuries. Sports medicine providers can also be consulted for advice on whether or not their patients would be better treated through preventive measures or by licensed professionals.
A major downside to sports medicine is that most patients are not readily available to participate in sports related activities during the off season. Since most professional sports leagues require players to keep up their training even after they have been released from their contract, it may be difficult for them to travel and maintain their conditioning while away from the game. Even in situations where players are allowed to practice with their teammates on an intermittent basis, they are at increased risk for injuries if they are unable to receive proper conditioning. This can lead to diminished performance and, in severe cases, injury related to a team activity. Overall, the benefits of sports medicine healthcare far outweigh any potential drawback.