When people hear “sports medicine,” they often think it’s only for professional athletes. When people hear “sports medicine,” they often think it’s only for professional athletes. In reality, sports medicine physicians treat people of all ages and activity levels—from weekend golfers and runners to hikers, workers with physically demanding jobs, and anyone who wants to stay active without pain. A sports-related injury isn’t limited to organized athletics. These injuries can happen while exercising, working, doing yard work, or even stepping off a curb the wrong way.
“Sports medicine isn’t just for athletes—it’s for anyone whose injury or pain is keeping them from living an active life,” says Dr. Jeff Hovater, sports medicine physician at North Alabama Bone & Joint. “Our goal is to accurately diagnose the problem, relieve pain, and help patients safely return to the activities they enjoy.”
No matter how you’ve hurt yourself, one of our expert sports medicine doctors at NABJC can diagnose and treat your condition, so you can get back to doing the things you love.
What Is a Sports Medicine Doctor?What Is a Sports Medicine Doctor?
A sports medicine doctor specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries that affect muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. While these specialists work with athletes of all levels, they also care for people whose jobs, hobbies, or everyday activities place stress on their bodies. Their goal is not only to treat injuries but also to help patients recover safely and reduce the risk of future problems. Many sports medicine physicians specialize in non-surgical treatment and work closely with orthopedic surgeons when surgery is necessary.
What Conditions Does a Sports Medicine Doctor Treat?
Sports medicine physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and overuse injuries.
Common conditions include:
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Ligament injuries
- Muscle tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Runner’s knee
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Shoulder instability
- Knee pain
- Ankle injuries
- Sports-related concussions
Sports medicine doctors can also help patients manage chronic joint pain, arthritis, and recurring injuries that interfere with an active lifestyle.
Do I Have to Be an Athlete to See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
Although the term sports medicine sounds like something exclusive to professional athletes, sports medicine focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to physical activity and movement. While these injuries can certainly happen as a result of sports activities, more often than not, they occur in everyday situations like lifting furniture, hiking, or performing repetitive motions at work.
Sports medicine physicians commonly treat:
- Recreational athletes
- Weekend warriors
- Walkers and runners
- Fitness enthusiasts
- Students and youth athletes
- Active adults
- Workers with repetitive-motion injuries
If pain is keeping you from doing the things you love—or simply making everyday activities more difficult—a sports medicine physician can help. An evaluation can identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan that helps you recover safely and get back to your normal routine.
When Should I See a Sports Medicine Doctor?
It’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation with a sports medicine doctor if you have:
- Pain that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling that doesn’t improve
- Limited range of motion
- Joint instability
- Pain during exercise or sports
- Repeated injuries to the same area
- Difficulty returning to activity after an injury
Early treatment can often shorten your recovery time and help prevent a minor injury from becoming a major problem.
What Sports Medicine Treatments Are Available?
Your personalized treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis and goals.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or supportive devices
- Therapeutic injections
- Guided rehabilitation programs
If surgery is needed, your sports medicine physician can coordinate your care with an orthopedic specialist to help ensure the best possible outcome. The goal is always to help you recover safely and return to the activities you enjoy as quickly as possible.
Ready to Get Back in the Game?
Whether you’re training for your next race, playing in a recreational league, or simply trying to stay active, you don’t have to let pain keep you on the sidelines.
At North Alabama Bone & Joint, our sports medicine team proudly cares for patients throughout Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Athens, Russellville, and surrounding North Alabama communities. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, dealing with repetitive strain from work, or simply trying to stay active, we’ll identify the cause of your pain, develop a personalized treatment plan, and help you return to the activities you love with confidence.
Call NABJC at 256-718-3200 or schedule an appointment online to learn how our sports medicine specialists can help you move better, recover faster, and stay active.