Sports Medicine

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the treatment and prevention of injury and illness in active persons.

You do not have to be a competitive athlete to see a Sports Medicine physician. EVMS Sports Medicine treats a variety of conditions and patients at all activity levels and requires a team effort! So, whether you are an elite athlete preparing for your next competition or interested in taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, your EVMS Sports Medicine team is here to assist.

What is a Sports Medicine physician?

Sports Medicine is recognized as a medical subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Physicians are board certified in either Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation prior to completing their fellowship. In order to be board certified, Sports Medicine physicians are required to pass a board certification examination and complete maintenance of certification following fellowship. These physicians commonly work in primary care and orthopedic clinics, in addition to being athletic team physicians.

Why see a Sports Medicine Physician?

Up to 90% of sports and musculoskeletal injuries do not require surgery. Therefore, we feel it is beneficial to take care of these patients and injuries in the primary care home. Sports Medicine physicians have expertise in the nonoperative management of injuries and illnesses. With background training in primary care, we take a holistic approach to helping our patients. This involves understanding their athletic and occupational physical demands, medical histories, medications, and ultimate therapy goals.

What can a Sports Medicine physician do for me?

Sports Medicine physicians have advanced training in use of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of common musculoskeletal conditions. These scans are completed in office, without the use of radiation, and may make injections more effective and less painful. Sports Medicine physicians have extensive training in injection therapy which may include corticosteroids, viscosupplementation or “gel” injections, and regenerative medicine such as platelet-rich plasma.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, are a non-surgical option for musculoskeletal injuries. It is used to treat ailments such as osteoarthritis and tendonitis and is appropriate for all ages. PRP injections use the patient’s own blood to remedy pain and to help heal injured tissue.