How to find a sports medicine doctor who understands athletes

As an athlete, there is nothing more frustrating than dealing with a sports injury. What’s worse is when you finally go to the doctor, only to be told to “rest it” for 6 weeks. When you have a big tournament or competition coming up, this isn’t exactly the news you want to hear. If you are an athlete, you need to find a sports medicine doctor who understands your unique needs. In this article, we will talk about what makes a sports medicine doctor different and how you can find the right one for you. What is a sports medicine doctor? A sports medicine doctor is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries. This is important because a general practitioner may not have the same level of knowledge or expertise when it comes to sports injuries. Not all sports medicine doctors are the same, however. Some will treat you just like any other patient, which may mean that you are told to rest for an extended period of time. But others truly understand the mentality of an athlete. They realize that you cannot simply “rest” and that you need to get back to your sport as quickly as possible. Red flags If you are looking for a sports medicine doctor, there are several red flags that you need to watch out for. These include: They don’t ask you what kind of sport you play. This should be one of the first questions that they ask you because it helps them understand your injury and how to best treat it. Rest is always the answer. While sometimes rest is necessary, it shouldn’t always be the go-to solution. They seem rushed or dismissive. You need a doctor who is going to take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan that works for you. They cannot explain your injury in terms of your sport. They should be able to clearly explain what is wrong and how it will impact your sport. Questions to ask If you are considering a sports medicine doctor, it is completely reasonable to ask them questions. In fact, this is highly encouraged. You want to make sure you are finding a doctor who truly understands your needs as an athlete. Here are some questions you may want to ask: Have you worked with other patients who participate in my sport? What is the typical recovery time for my injury? Is there a way to create a rehab plan that still allows me to train? Do you work with athletes during their season? What other treatment options do you offer? You should feel free to ask any questions you may have. Their responses will help you determine whether or not they are a good fit for your needs. Credentials When looking for a sports medicine doctor, there are certain credentials you want to look for. Here are a few: Board certifications: Sports medicine fellowship training Orthopedic sports medicine certification Chiropractic sports medicine diplomate Physical therapy sports specialization Treatment options: Dry needling Manual therapy Movement analysis Sport specific rehab While these credentials are certainly important, don’t place too much emphasis on them. Someone who has experience working with college athletes, professional athletes and weekend warriors may be just as knowledgeable as someone with these credentials. Location and availability Finally, consider the location and availability of the sports medicine doctor. If you have an injury that needs immediate attention, you shouldn’t have to wait a week to get in. Look for a doctor who can get you in quickly and who also has office hours that fit your schedule. You should also consider their location. For example, if you live in College Station, you will likely want a sports medicine doctor who is also located in College Station. Online reviews Online reviews can sometimes be sketchy, but they are a good place to start when looking for a sports medicine doctor. Pay close attention to comments from other athletes. Here are a few things you may want to look for: Got me back to playing as quickly as possible Understood my sport and my goals Didn’t tell me to stop playing Altogether Worked with my coach to determine when I could return to play Making the decision Finding the right sports medicine doctor can make a big difference in your recovery. It’s okay to trust your instincts. Did they seem genuinely interested in your sport and your goals? Did they ask you questions? Do you like their plan for treatment? It may also be helpful to talk to friends or teammates who have seen a sports medicine doctor. They can provide you with a recommendation and help you make your decision. At Alpha Sports Medicine, we truly understand athletes because we are athletes ourselves. If you live in the College Station area and are looking for a sports medicine doctor, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Frequently asked questions Here are a few frequently asked questions: Q: How long should it take to get an appointment with a sports medicine doctor? A: For acute injuries, you should be able to get an appointment within 24-48 hours. For non-emergency injuries, it shouldn’t take more than a week. Q: Do I need a referral to see a sports medicine doctor? A: It depends on your insurance provider. You may not need a referral to see a sports medicine doctor, but you should check with your provider before scheduling an appointment. Q: What is the difference between a sports medicine doctor and an orthopedist? A: While both treat musculoskeletal issues, sports medicine doctors specialize in athletes. They understand the mentality of an athlete and can develop a treatment plan that will get them back to their sport quickly. Q: Should my sports medicine doctor have played my sport? A: No, they don’t have to have played your sport. But they should have experience working with athletes who participate in your sport. Q: How do I know if a sports medicine doctor is a good fit for a young athlete? A: Look for someone who specifically states that they work with youth or high school age athletes. They should understand the unique challenges of this age group and should communicate well with both the parent and child.