The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Sports Medicine

Covenant HealthCare Welcomes New Sports Medicine Program

Do you find yourself suffering from aches and pains after running? Are you worried your son or daughter may have gotten a concussion at soccer practice? Or are you getting older and arthritic conditions make exercise difficult? Covenant HealthCare’s sports medicine physician, Dr. Brian Purchase is answering all your questions about how a sports medicine department can assist with your athletic needs.

Why should I schedule an appointment with a sports medicine physician?

Utilizing an experienced staff, a sports medicine department can treat various sports related injuries. Some of these include:

• Sprains and strains
• Concussions
• Muscle and joint injuries
• Arthritic conditions in elderly

A sports medicine physician works to prevent future sports related injuries, as well as, provide guidance on how and when to return to physical activities post injury, to keep you training your best.

Who is sports medicine for?

The name “sports medicine” might be intimidating or misleading to many casual runners or amateur athletes. However, the specialty is for athletes of all ages and skill levels. The staff is equipped to assist in managing and maintaining a pain-free active lifestyle.

What should I expect when I visit a sports medicine physician?

Knowing what to expect when visiting a sports medicine physician can make the dreaded task of getting that aching knee finally checked out, a little less daunting.

Roughly 90% of all sports-related injuries do not require surgery. Often, rehabilitation exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own home are prescribed. Injection therapy under ultrasound guidance for joint pain or arthritis might also be advised to help provide relief. However, a sports medicine physician can also refer patients to physical therapy or orthopaedic surgery if necessary.

When do I know if I should go to the emergency room or a sports medicine physician?

If you have concerns or are experiencing severe pain or worsening symptoms following a sports injury, medical help should be sought at an emergency room or urgent care. If necessary, follow-up care can certainly occur with a sports medicine physician.

One specifically common injury in physical contact sports are concussions. It can be difficult for a parent or friend to diagnose a concussion and even more unclear when to seek medical help at an emergency room. Dr. Purchase notes that if you, or someone you know, exhibit severe symptoms following a head injury, a visit to the emergency room is more appropriate. Such red flag symptoms to remember include:

• Worsening headaches
• Severe neck pain or weakness/numbness in limbs
• Inability to recognize people, confusion or drowsiness
• Deteriorating consciousness or slurred speech
• Seizures or unusual behavior changes
• Repeated vomiting

Where can I find a sports medicine physician?

The Covenant HealthCare sports medicine program is local! As Dr. Purchase describes, “Some people drive a great distance to see someone experienced and trained in this specialty.” Our local staff can help facilitate a faster healing process while you work towards a pain-free, active lifestyle.

With our well-trained sports medicine staff, athletes and active individuals can train knowing Covenant has their health needs covered.

For more information, visit www.covenantsportsmedicine.com. To schedule an appointment, call (989) 583-0280.

Posted Date: 3/15/2021